Tomorrow’s meeting of Asheville City Council sees another go at new development incentives, and a number of workforce or affordable housing developments wrapping up or coming to the city for a partnership.
Council will take another look at proposed “transformational development” incentives policy aimed at encouraging denser, more affordable and sustainable development near transit lines. The policy passed in November, but Council is still clarifying the exact terms of some of the energy savings and exact percentage of affordable and workforce units required.
On the more specific development front, Council will also consider a right-of-way closure necessary for the Montford Commons project to proceed, affordable housing trust fund loans to projects in the Block and on Shiloh Road, and two possible public/private partnerships, including a possible voluntary annexation.
Outside the development front, Council will, on their consent agenda, likely express their opposition to state legislation forbidding local governments from participating in broadband or internet service. The so-called Broadband Killer legislation has gained new momentum in the GOP-controlled General Assembly, and would end city efforts to secure a partnership with Google for a fiber network, among other initiatives.
Council will also receive an update on development in the Block and a proposal for a nearby Performing Arts Center.
The Council meeting will begin at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, on the second floor of City Hall. A pre-meeting work session on the city’s strategic plan and budget process begins at 3:30 p.m. on the first floor.
— David Forbes, senior news reporter
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