As downtown Asheville has grown, characteristics such as building height and design, maintaining small independent businesses, infill development and redevelopment of key areas have emerged as key issues. The Downtown Master Plan process is being steered by the Downtown Commission, an advisory board to the Asheville City Council charged with focusing on the sustainability and continued development of downtown.

In 2002, Asheville’s City Council adopted the Center City Plan as part of the city’s Comprehensive 2025 Plan to provide a cohesive framework for addressing housing, transportation, economics, and the physical environment in downtown. The main purpose of the document was to strengthen downtown Asheville as the social, cultural, and economic center of the region while ensuring that the unique characteristics that attract residents and visitors were well preserved.

The future growth and development of downtown will be guided by this plan, and the quality of the plan is directly dependent on havinginput from a broad variety of citizens, businesses, and all stakeholders.

The City of Asheville is hosting a series of public meetings for the Downtown Master Plan Process. Staff support is being provided through the City of Asheville’s Office of Economic Development. All meetings are public meetings — everyone is welcome.

Thursday, May 8, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Kick Off Public Meeting – Asheville Civic Center Banquet Hall. Hear about the process, meet the planners and give input about your visions for downtown.

Thursday, May 15, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
History of Downtown Asheville: Understanding the Context – Public Works Bldg, 161 S. Charlotte Street. Local Panel & Discussion. Local downtown experts discuss the history of downtown.

Friday, May 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Current Issues in Downtown Development – Asheville Community Theater, 35 E. Walnut Street. Community Educational Session. Explore specific urban issues such as design and affordability.

Saturday, May 31, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Downtown Master Plan Workshop – Location to be announced. This workshop will be a day of small group work directed towards specific issues.

Thursday, June 12, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Draft Vision and Goals – Asheville Civic Center Banquet Hall. Community Feedback Session. After the June 12 feedback session, the consultant team will spend a couple of months drafting objectives and strategies to meet the community’s vision and goals.

There will be a follow-up public meeting in August or September when the draft plan will be presented for additional community feedback. The final plan is expected to be brought to the Asheville City Council in October 2008.