News Summary
Asheville, North Carolina is buzzing with excitement as plans for a new Costco store on Enka Heritage Parkway have been submitted for review. Spanning 152,000 square feet, the store will feature 839 parking spaces and a gas station with 32 pumps. The historical Enka clock tower will also be preserved in the project, which aims to meet city standards while considering community feedback on traffic and public services. With enthusiasm building, local residents are rallying behind this development, viewing it as a chance to enhance shopping options and create jobs.
Asheville Welcomes a Potential Costco on Enka Heritage Parkway
Asheville, North Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as plans for a new Costco store have been officially submitted for review. This proposed location sits on a sprawling 25-acre parcel within the 200-acre Enka Commerce Park in Candler, a move many in the community have been eagerly awaiting.
What’s in Store?
The proposed Costco would cover a massive 152,000 square feet, giving locals plenty of space to shop for all their household needs. With plans in the works for 839 parking spaces, shoppers won’t have to worry about scrambling for a spot on busy weekends. In addition, the plan includes a gas station featuring 32 pumps—fueling up before heading home from your big shopping spree could soon become a whole lot easier! Not to mention, a tire center will be conveniently located on-site for all your vehicle needs.
Preserving Local Heritage
One of the most charming features of this development is the eye towards preservation. The historical Enka clock tower, a beloved landmark in the area, is set to be preserved as part of the new Costco project, ensuring that the local history continues to be recognized amidst the new developments.
A Community-Focused Approach
Of course, no large project comes without its necessary steps! Before the construction can break ground, the Technical Review Committee (TRC) will hold a pre-application meeting to assess the plans. This team, along with the Planning & Zoning Commission and then the City Council, will ensure that the plans meet all city standards and development requirements. An essential component of this review focuses on adhering to tree preservation requirements and managing stormwater runoff effectively.
Additionally, a traffic impact study will be conducted, overseen by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. This is crucial as the community’s feedback on traffic patterns has been mixed. There are certainly some residents concerned about the increase in traffic that a big-box store like Costco might bring. Others, however, are eager for the convenience and choice a new store offers.
Community Buzz
As talks of the new Costco progress, enthusiasm among locals is palpable. A Facebook group named “We Want Costco in Western North Carolina” has amassed over 600 members—clearly, many folks are rallying for this development! Residents not only see it as an opportunity to keep shopping dollars local but also as a way to create new job opportunities within the community.
However, while excitement is the prevailing sentiment, some residents have voiced their concerns about the project’s impact on traffic flow and public services. Additionally, some citizens feel let down by Disneyland rumors about Costco in the past.
To address these concerns, developers have been encouraged to align their plans with the community’s broader goals laid out in the Comprehensive Plan. This includes focusing on a mixed-use development approach that will positively contribute to the local environment and economy.
What’s Next?
As the proposal moves through the review stages, a neighborhood meeting will be organized to inform property owners living within 200 feet of the planned location. This level of transparency is crucial to foster good relations and ensure that everyone in the community feels included in the process.
The development’s plans must also address the potential for parking volume to exceed what’s allowed per the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). As the project takes shape, the anticipation is growing—Asheville could soon be home to a top-notch Costco, complete with everything from groceries to car tires, all while holding onto the history that makes the area unique.
Stay tuned as this exciting saga unfolds in the vibrant city of Asheville!
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Costco Proposed Plans
- AVL Today: WNC Could Finally Be Getting a Costco
- MSN: Asheville’s Costco Plans
- Good Morning America: Asheville Recovery Efforts
- Wikipedia: Costco
