Members of the community filled out surveys and discussed the issues concerning the three sites slated for redevelopment.

By Johnnie Grant

On September 6th, the City of Asheville’s Economic Development Department played host (round-robin style), to concerned members of the Asheville community, as well as inner-city property owners. 

The purpose of the meeting was to allow the public an opportunity to provide input on the redevelopment of three property sites within the city limits of Asheville, and to offer their desired outcomes for each.

The properties cited in the redevelopment initiatives were: Eagle-Market Street, owned by Eagle-Market Street Development Corporation, Haywood Street (city-owned) property, close to the Civic Center, and the Park Maintenance (city-owned) property, adjacent to Aston Park, extending west towards Hilliard Ave.

On hand for public viewing were 13 RFQ proposals submitted by local and regional developers on how the properties could be best utilized. Each proposal contained architectural drawings of mixed-use buildings, office complexes with loft styles condominiums, affordable housing, and/or proposed luxury hotels. Also included were RFQ plans that showcased environmentally sensitive design features.

Elizabeth Russell, Executive Director for Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation, was very gratified to see the display of RFQ’s. “It was wonderful for the public to be able to see firsthand the response that came from the development community. This is the first time that Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation has had so many developers express interest in the project at one time. This process has encouraged my faith in the ability of government to function on behalf of all people. I was aware, however, that many people in attendance were confused by the meeting’s format and left feeling as if they did not have the opportunity to express themselves as they had hoped,” said Russell.

“And rightfully so,” countered Michael J. Smith, a resident of the South French Broad Avenue community who was eager to share his comments with us. “I was disappointed with the format of this meeting and that the city didn’t make more of an effort to outline the pertinent issues for us. We were all waiting for a speaker to explain what was going on, to maybe lead a discussion and open the floor to comments. Instead they just handed out a survey while people milled around and chatted. It was like a three-ring circus! Was anyone from the City Council or the Mayor’s office even here? I question just how committed the current Council is to addressing these issues. They’ve promised solutions for years, and this just seems like the same old run-around to me.”

For more info on each RFQ respondent, go to www.ashevillenc.gov, click on “Projects & Initiatives” (left column), click on “City Land RFQ/RFP Process,” and about one page down, click on “List of Firms.”