Asheville’s downtown area is set to expand its affordable housing options with the addition of 203 units following a unanimous decision by the City Council. The recently approved conditional zoning request allows for the development at 50 Coxe Ave., spearheaded by Harmony Housing Affordable Development based in Raleigh.
Encompassing 1.6 acres of land owned by Buncombe County, the project will replace existing parking facilities and an old Election Services warehouse. The new housing will cater to individuals and families earning less than 80% of the area median income, equating to $74,500 for a family of four. Additional amenities will include roughly 5,000 square feet of retail space and a parking garage with 121 spaces.
During discussions, City Council members pressed for more stringent affordability measures. Suggestions included prioritizing vacancies for residents with housing vouchers and designating units for lower income levels. However, Nathan Pennington, Buncombe County’s Planning and Development Director, highlighted the need for flexibility due to the project’s complex financial dependencies on federal tax credits and a $9.8 million county subsidy.
“We are committed to providing a range of affordability; we would prefer a condition that doesn’t lock us in,” Pennington stated, noting plans to offer units for those earning as low as 20% AMI. The council settled on a mandate for the developer to make “best efforts” towards deeper affordability goals.
The project received broad public support, with organizations like Asheville for All and Strong Towns Asheville endorsing its benefits, particularly its location near transit hubs. “I can’t think of a single specific project that’s more of a slam dunk than this one,” commented Spencer Karges.
Construction at 50 Coxe is anticipated to begin early next year, with completion possibly by 2029, according to county officials.
Council Evaluates Police Technology Initiatives
In a pre-meeting work session, Interim Chief Jackie Stepp of the Asheville Police Department presented plans for a “real-time intelligence center” (RTIC). The proposal, initially backed by a $1.14 million federal grant request, was postponed by the Council amid privacy and overreach concerns.
“I do want to acknowledge something up front: Concerns about surveillance are real, and they’re valid. Many people worry about privacy, overreach, and how technology like this may be used,” Stepp addressed the session. She emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency and trust, ensuring data is used solely for criminal investigations and deleted regularly if unassociated with any crime.
Axon and Flock representatives, involved in developing the RTIC technology, were present to address questions. Public participation was not permitted during this session, leading to criticism from resident Ben Spencer about the lack of balanced discourse. The Council has yet to decide on a new date to discuss the federal grant, with indications it may return in May.
Additional Council Actions
- A letter to HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen was approved, expressing concerns about the management of Mission Health and urging collaborative improvements.
- Contracts were authorized for the recovery of the North Fork Water Treatment Plant, damaged by Hurricane Helene. These include a $5.9 million agreement with Ardurra Group and a $1 million contract with Morgan Corporation.
- The Council approved three contracts for stormwater infrastructure repairs related to Helene, with most costs expected to be covered by FEMA.
- Asheville received $2.5 million from the NC Department of Commerce for Biltmore Village sidewalk repairs and has applied for additional funding to expand the project.
The Asheville City Council convenes regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at City Hall. The next session is scheduled for May 12. To access the full recording and meeting documents from April 28, follow the provided links.
