Public Comment Sparks Debate on Parking Requirements in Asheville
Asheville residents and city officials gathered to discuss a pressing issue at the recent Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 17. Among the many topics that filled the agenda, the discussion around access to housing took center stage, as community members voiced their concerns and proposed solutions to alleviate the current housing crisis affecting the region.
Marty Benson and Nick Levine, representatives from Strong Towns and Asheville for All, brought the issue of mandatory parking requirements to light. They argued for a significant reform or even the abolishment of current parking regulations, saying these requirements are impeding the construction of necessary housing units. “I’m here to plead that we … radically reform or abolish our mandatory parking items because they are stopping us from building houses,” Benson passionately stated.
Currently, Buncombe County’s zoning ordinance mandates a minimum of 1.75 parking spaces per unit for multifamily residential dwellings and two spaces for single- and two-family homes. Benson pointed to the state of Colorado’s decision to eliminate minimum parking space requirements and its positive impacts, including lowered housing costs, improved walkability, and benefits for local businesses.
The Importance of Housing Growth
Benson’s advocacy was sparked after attending the Board of Adjustment meeting on December 11, where a project was rejected due to its failure to meet parking requirements. This rejection, he explained, highlights the hurdles developers face, especially in light of recent events. The impact of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused substantial damage to over 9,200 residential units in Buncombe County — with more than 330 destroyed and around 609 reported with major damage — makes the push for more housing even more urgent.
Levine echoed Benson’s sentiments, emphasizing the critical need for more housing options in Asheville. “Especially at this time, this is so critical to have more housing built more regularly without these requirements that are holding us back from being a better Asheville than we are right now,” he remarked. His call to action reflects a growing concern among residents about the future of housing in the area.
A Listening Ear from Local Officials
The Board Chair Amanda Edwards assured the crowd that the board was there to listen to their concerns, but refrained from making any comments during the public input portion of the meeting. Meanwhile, County Manager Avril Pinder provided updates on the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating storm, highlighting the situation’s urgency regarding housing.
With these discussions unfolding, it’s evident that the pressure is mounting for a re-evaluation of the area’s housing policies. As Benson noted, studies indicate that removing strict parking requirements can lead to a significant decrease in the financial burden of housing, making it a more viable option for many families. This aligns with the broader goal of creating resilient buildings and communities, essential for Asheville’s growth.
Engaging the Community
The conversation surrounding these issues is ongoing, with many community members eager to participate in a constructive dialogue. The public comments section has been designated to foster respectful discussion, allowing for various perspectives on what solutions can be implemented.
As the call for change resonates in Asheville, the efforts to reform parking requirements serve as a reflection of larger conversations about housing, community needs, and overall urban development. As the county continues its recovery from natural disasters and addresses the need for affordable homes, the public is encouraged to engage and voice their opinions on how best to move forward.
As we await further developments and discussions from the Board of Commissioners, it’s clear that the topic of housing access will remain a hot-button issue in Asheville for the foreseeable future.
