At last month’s meeting, the Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission voted on the projects below. All members were present except for Robert Hoke.
Ingles #122 Patton Avenue (1001 Patton Ave., 28806)
The commission voted 5-1 to approve Ingles Markets’ request for a zoning change from highway business to commercial expansion conditional zone, allowing the redevelopment of the former Kmart site with a new store and additional retail space. Commissioners added two other conditions: relocating a proposed bus stop to the interior of the site, pending N.C. Department of Transportation approval, and requiring the developer to speak with community members about what businesses would meet local needs. Commission Chair Joe Archibald was the lone dissenting vote.
Asheville City Council unanimously approved the rezoning at its May 24 meeting.
Proposed Rezoning (285 Livingston Ave. and 415 S. French Broad Ave., 28801) and Amendment to Open Space Requirements
Asheville’s Planning and Urban Design Department proposed to update the zoning and open space requirements in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance for two city-owned parcels located at 285 Livingston Ave., which includes the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, and 415 S. French Broad Ave., where Fire Station 2 is located.
Commission members voted 5-1 to approve the proposed changes to the open space requirements, with Archibald opposed. However, they voted 5-1 to deny the rezoning requests, with Commissioner Jenifer Bubenik opposed. The primary reason for the denial was concern over overriding city Resolution 20-184, which suspended the rezoning or sale of any city property acquired by urban renewal.
Redwood Commons (21 Governors View Road, Asheville, 28805)
The commission voted 5-1 to approve conditional rezoning for a 18,500-square-foot apartment building containing 70 one- and two-bedroom units for affordable senior living near the Swannanoa River. However, members added three more conditions for the developer, Columbus, Ohio-based Buckeye Community Hope Foundation.
Commissioners requested that BCHF reach out “in good faith” to NCDOT to discuss improving the crosswalk and light at the intersection of Bleachery Boulevard and Swannanoa River Road. They also requested another informal review of the plans by the city’s Design Review Committee and asked that the developer be relieved of tree canopy requirements. Commissioner Brenton Faircloth voted against the motion.
City Council unanimously approved the rezoning at its May 10 meeting. Council member Kim Roney expressed concern over the tree canopy condition but ultimately voted to support the project, citing the city’s dire need for affordable housing.
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