City calls for Master Plan committee members

Didn’t get to be part of the Downtown Master Plan Advisory Committee? Here’s your chance to sit on the Downtown Master Plan Action Committee.

While the advisory committee was convened to help shepherd the formation of the master plan by consultants Goody Clancy, the action committee will assist in implementing it. In June, Asheville City Council adopted the Downtown Master Plan “in concept,” but still has approval authority over each step in implementation.

According to the notice from the city of Asheville, the idea is to set up five subgroups: Arts and Culture; Historic Preservation; Transportation and Parking; Urban Design and Development; Downtown Management. The city is looking for people with knowledge in each area.

The full announcement — along with application and contact info — is below. Or click here.

— Brian Postelle, staff writer

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Call for volunteers for Downtown Master Plan Action Committee

The Downtown Commission is looking for volunteers to serve on a Downtown Master Plan Action Committee.  Members of the committee will work with business groups, nonprofit groups, or city staff to assist with accomplishing the goals in the Master Plan.  The committee will be made up of five sub-groups: Arts and Culture; Historic Preservation; Transportation and Parking; Urban Design and Development; Downtown Management.  Some of these strategies rely primarily on the private sector; in others the city is primarily responsible.  It is anticipated that each sub-group will be comprised of no more than seven members.

The commission is looking for individuals who have interest or expertise in the different areas (arts, historic preservation, transportation, development, downtown issues).  Representatives of different sectors (businesses, property owners, residents, non-profits, churches, advocacy groups) are needed as well as people who bring collaborative skills. 

“We’re looking to cast a wide net as we did in the planning process,” said Dwight Butner, Vice-Chair of the Downtown Commission. “Anyone who is willing to help work on policy, programming or other downtown development issues and is ready to roll up their sleeves is welcome to apply.  We’re excited to begin putting the plan into action.”

The full committee will meet periodically in addition to ongoing meetings of the working groups.  The committee is expected to kickoff in late September or early October. 

Interested citizens should send a statement that includes their name, contact information (including mailing address), any specific skills and/or roles that they have in downtown, and an explanation of why they want to serve on the committee.  This information should be sent to Sasha Vrtunski atsvrtunski@ashevillenc.gov, or faxed to 828-232-4506 or mailed to Office of Economic Development, 29 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801.  Deadline for submitting is Tuesday, Sept. 8.  For more information contact Sasha Vrtunski at 230-1271.