At its meeting tomorrow, Aug. 10, Asheville City Council will take up the sale of city property to Habitat for Humanity, a security contract for its parks and proceeding with the annexation of over 700 people.
Council will vote on the sale of 16 acres on Pisgah View Road to Habitat for Humanity for $450,000. While the amount is under market value for the property, staff has recommended approval of the sale because it would help replenish the city’s affordable housing trust fund and add 55 affordable units upon completion.
Also on the agenda is the consideration of a security contract with Wackenhut Corporation for Asheville’s parks. Originally on the consent agenda at Council’s last meeting, the item was pulled for further consideration when Council member Cecil Bothwell raised concerns about private security companies in general and Wackenhut in particular.
Meanwhile, Council will take up the second stage of two proposed annexations to the south of the city that would bring over 700 new residents into the city. The initiation of the annexation passed muster at Council’s July 27 meeting, and now it’s set to vote on a plan to provide services to the potential new areas.
Council will also consider a September retreat on the city’s capital improvement needs, appointments to the Civic Center Commission and Civil Service Board, an update on sidewalks and a vote on supporting federal energy legislation, among other items.
Asheville City Council meets at 5 p.m., Aug. 10 on the second floor of City Hall.
— David Forbes, senior reporter
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