Swannanoa Sidewalk Initiative to Revive Historic Business District
In a strategic move to enhance infrastructure and safety, Buncombe County commissioners have greenlit a project to construct over half a mile of sidewalks in Swannanoa’s historic business area. This effort is backed by two state grants aimed at revitalizing the area, particularly around the former Beacon Manufacturing Company site, which suffered a devastating fire in 2003.
The funding strategy includes reallocating $400,000 from a grant originally intended for home repairs for low- and moderate-income residents. Despite receiving these funds in December 2022, the county had not yet utilized them. The sidewalk project promises to invigorate the local business scene and improve pedestrian safety, especially in light of increased traffic expected with the upcoming Beacon Park development.
New sidewalks will span 2,900 feet across Whitson Avenue and three adjacent streets: Alexander Place, State Avenue, and Railroad Street. These streets have been plagued by inadequate or deteriorating sidewalks, as observed during a recent site visit.
With the county seeking an additional $719,400 to finalize funding, the state Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will oversee the project’s planning and construction, with completion targets set for summer 2029 along Whitson Avenue and fall 2028 for the side streets. Post-completion, maintenance responsibilities will fall to the county since the NCDOT owns the streets.
Buncombe County’s efforts to address a funding shortfall by seeking permission to repurpose the home repair grant reflect a pragmatic approach to meet community needs. Rachel Sawyer, the county’s strategic partnerships director, acknowledged the complexities involved in managing the original funding, citing the administrative setup and contractor availability challenges. Sawyer expressed hope that the state Department of Commerce will approve the revised funding request.
In the broader scope of infrastructure improvements, the county is also pursuing a significant sidewalk expansion along a two-mile stretch of U.S. 70, with commissioners approving a $10 million grant application for this project in July.
Community Events and Developments
Amid infrastructure discussions, Fairview residents are advocating for the continuation of their community’s holiday parade. Initiated in December 2024 as a morale booster after Hurricane Helene, this event has become a symbol of resilience for the community.
Despite concerns about approval for the 2026 parade, organizers like Cory Wall and Marissa Pack highlight their commitment to safety and coordination with authorities, emphasizing the parade’s significance as a community unifier. County Attorney Curtis Euler indicated that no formal decision on the parade has been made by the county.
The legal framework governing parades on state roads, such as Charlotte Highway (U.S. 74A), typically falls under NCDOT jurisdiction, with state rules generally prohibiting parades in unincorporated areas like Fairview. However, these regulations are contingent upon state law authority.
Additional County Initiatives
In other developments, commissioners approved a $21,000 economic incentive for East Fork Pottery’s expansion and endorsed a pilot recycling program for select apartment complexes. They also deferred a proposed budget amendment involving $290,000 for surveillance technology, reflecting ongoing deliberations on law enforcement tools.
For more insights into the Board of Commissioners meeting, visit the meeting video and access supporting documents here. The commissioners will reconvene on October 20 at 5 p.m. at 200 College St., Asheville.
