Asheville City Council preview: Signs and drive-thrus

After the analysis of its financial dilemmas before, Asheville City Council’s formal meeting tonight sees the return of a controversial proposal for drive-thrus on Merrimon Avenue and expanded signs in Biltmore Park.

The drive-thrus are part of a larger development anchored by a Harris Teeter. Council held a public hearing on the matter Jan. 22, and many neighborhood residents expressed strong opposition to the proposal, citing concerns over traffic and the type of development. The vote was delayed to tonight’s meeting because Mayor Terry Bellamy was absent, and the developer requested that a full Council consider the matter.

Council will also consider expanded signage in Biltmore Park Town Square. After city staff expressed concern about the proposal in October, the property owners revised it. The new proposal replaces some of the signs with a mural and makes other modifications intended to reduce their scale, but staff are still concerned it could set a precedent for other large businesses.

Asheville City Council meets at

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