Asheville City Council Alters Development Rules for Asheville Mall
In a significant move, the Asheville City Council has opted to modify development regulations for the Asheville Mall, spanning nearly 41 acres. This decision, made during a recent meeting, paves the way for different usage of the property by rezoning it as Regional Business, despite previous “Urban Place” zoning requirements established in 2021.
City planner Vaidila Satvika expressed concerns that this rezoning contradicts Asheville’s vision for denser, mixed-use development along transit routes. He cautioned that the new zoning could attract more car-centric businesses, such as gas stations and car washes. Satvika stated, “Tonight, you’re being asked by an out-of-area landlord with a $90 million property to grant rezoning to a less restrictive district that allows uses that conflict with our long-range plan for this area. We strongly recommend denial.” His recommendations, however, were not heeded as the Council voted 4-2 in favor of the rezoning.
Representing the mall’s owners, attorney Jesse Swords argued that the existing city requirements were “unworkable,” hindering any potential redevelopment of the area. He emphasized that adhering to the Urban Place standards would necessitate demolishing and rebuilding the mall, which is not a feasible option for the owner. Given ongoing issues of homelessness and crime in the area, Swords stressed the need for flexibility in attracting new businesses, remarking, “I personally do not want to see Tunnel Road ‘Beyond Thunderdome’ before we realize the vision of Urban Place.”
Mayor Esther Manheimer supported Swords’ viewpoint, describing Urban Place as “aspirational zoning” and suggesting that it might take decades for a developer with enough interest and resources to realize the city’s vision. She noted, “In the meantime, we do have an issue on Tunnel Road that requires us to do what we can to try to activate it.”
Council members Kim Roney and Sage Turner opposed the rezoning, with Turner proposing adjustments to the existing Urban Place regulations. The meeting saw the absence of Council member Maggie Ullman.
Community Responds to Proposed Transit Changes
A draft proposal to revamp Asheville’s bus system faced criticism from public commenters. Assistant director of transportation, Jessica Morriss, presented the plan, which aims to increase frequency on core bus routes. However, due to budget constraints, this would necessitate reducing service to locations like the Omni Grove Park Inn and the Tanger Outlets.
Feedback from a survey of over 1,300 Asheville residents indicated dissatisfaction with the plan. Morriss acknowledged, “They don’t like that we’re cutting anything. The survey responses are that nobody likes the draft network.”
Public comments were invited post-presentation, though attendees had to temporarily seek shelter due to a tornado warning. Resident Gino Perez critiqued the focus on frequency at the expense of vulnerable riders, saying, “You value a theoretical gain in job access over the people who depend on you to survive. Please reconsider this plan. Build a transit system whose core value is love for our people.”
While Council members recognized the community’s concerns, they did not provide specific instructions on revising the draft plan. Mayor Manheimer remarked to City Manager DK Wesley, “I think we’re going to have to figure something out.” A vote on the transit changes is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Upcoming Council Meetings
The Asheville City Council typically convenes every second and fourth Tuesday at the Council Chamber, located on the second floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza, starting at 5 p.m. Following a break in the second week of August, the next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The full recording and documents from the July 28 meeting are available online.
