A Major Housing Development in Asheville’s Floodplain Faces Scrutiny
In a city where natural beauty meets development challenges, Asheville is seeing a new proposal that aims to transform a flood-prone area into a bustling residential community. The $75 million Britt Drive Multi-Family Development has secured its initial approval from Asheville’s Technical Review Committee, marking the first step in a long approval process.
The project proposes the construction of 524 apartments and 753 parking spaces on a 36-acre site near the Swannanoa River. The land, previously home to the Altamont Vintage store, suffered significant damage during Hurricane Helene, which sent floodwaters and artifacts from the store downriver. The developers, CML SRR LLC in association with Coro Realty, plan to designate 22 acres as open space.
City planner Sam Starr-Baum described the initial review as a “pre-flight checklist,” focusing on compliance with regulatory standards. He emphasized that the real scrutiny comes later, stating, “The legislative process at the [Planning and Zoning Commission] and city council is when you really get into the alignment with community values.”
The site partly lies within a Special Flood Hazard Area, which demands stringent engineering and permitting due to its classification as a high-risk flood zone. The Swannanoa River once reached 27.3 feet during Helene, setting a record near Biltmore Village, as per the National Weather Service. Current efforts to remap the floodplain are underway, influenced by past flooding events including Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, noted Nancy Watford, a city stormwater official.
Community members have voiced concerns about flood resilience. At a June 10 meeting, residents questioned the area’s readiness for extreme weather, as detailed in meeting minutes. Representing the development, Chad Lambeth assured city staff, “We are very aware of all the flood issues,” highlighting efforts to ensure the project’s viability against such challenges.
According to city regulations, residential floors must be elevated at least two feet above the base flood level determined by FEMA. Lambeth explained that apartments will be built above parking decks to comply with the required elevation. An independent flood study is also underway to further evaluate these concerns.
The city’s report also highlighted the need for emergency routes to dry land during floods. While one section of the proposed development includes such a route, another major section currently does not, which has been flagged as a significant safety issue. The city staff report emphasized that having an emergency route is “highly recommended” due to the potential risk to residents and their homes.
The project is slated for review by the city’s Design Review Committee on August 20. Subsequent hearings by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Asheville City Council will provide more opportunities for public input, although dates for these have yet to be announced.
