Leaders hail ‘promising’ Haw Creek project revisions ahead of Asheville City Council vote
The Asheville City Council plans to vote next month on a housing development in East Asheville’s Haw Creek neighborhood, as the developer, the city, and community members say they are making progress toward agreement on the project. The 27-acre “Meadows at Haw Creek” proposal, located at 767 New Haw Creek Road, has been the topic of debate for months. The city is seeking to balance the need for more housing with the environmental, traffic, and quality-of-life concerns in the neighborhood, which sits in a valley and has a rural character.
A March Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on the development drew hundreds of attendees, and the Asheville City Council twice postponed consideration of the project amid an outcry from residents.
Community Engagement
In an email earlier this month, the Haw Creek Community Association invited members to attend a June 14 drop-in session at the East Asheville Library to review “the recent and most promising 767 New Haw Creek development option.” About 75 residents attended the meeting. The latest proposal by the developer, L.B. Jackson and Company, reduces the number of housing units to 84 from 95, includes sidewalks and a greenway, and protects 4.3 acres of forest canopy – a main concern of residents.
Negotiation Progress
While the parties remain “far from a final settlement,” there was broad-based support expressed for the revised proposal. The community association plans to meet for a follow-up negotiation session with the developer and city officials on July 1. An attorney representing L.B. Jackson and Company stated, “We have been and are continuing to work with neighbor groups, city staff, and elected officials to try to balance the (sometimes) competing interests to deliver much-needed additional housing.”
Council Vote
A spokeswoman for the city confirmed that the vote is scheduled for July 23. During a City Council briefing on June 6, Mayor Esther Manheimer highlighted the progress made in exploring options that preserve the most forest in the development. Manheimer expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration between community members, the developer, and city officials to find a viable solution.
Conclusion
As the Asheville City Council prepares to make a decision on the “Meadows at Haw Creek” project, stakeholders are working towards a solution that addresses the housing needs of the community while taking into account environmental and quality-of-life concerns. The revised proposal has garnered support from residents, paving the way for further negotiation and potential approval. The outcome of the upcoming vote on July 23 will be crucial in shaping the future of East Asheville’s Haw Creek neighborhood.