On the agenda for the May 26 Asheville City Council meeting: lots of public hearings on housing projects around town.
A mixed-use development project at 146 Roberts St. is up for an amendment to a previously approved conditional zoning decision. It’s also up for an amendment for a land use incentive grant.
There will be a public hearing to consider a land-use incentive grant for River Mills Lofts, located at 300 Mill River Drive, and a public hearing to consider a conditional zoning for property located at 53 Logan Circle from residential multi-family medium-density district to residential multi-family high-density district/conditional zoning for the construction of 16 town home units, with conditions regarding setbacks, sidewalks and infrastructure improvements.
A property located at 29 Oak Hill Drive will get a hearing for a change from residential multi-family high-density district to residential multi-family high-density district/conditional zoning for the construction of 72 residential units in three buildings with associated infrastructure, with conditions for reduced building setbacks, reduced parking counts, and increase of residential density.
Council members will also review the 2015-2016 annual operating budget, which totals $154 million.
I am currently housing two homeless veterans through the Homeward Bound agency and program. During my own time of residential limbo, this program has helped me stabilize a precarious financial situation while providing housing for the homeless who have served our country. Today I cashed a very prompt rent check that was in my mailbox on this first day of the month. My new roommates are incredible and it has been a pleasure to provide them with more than a house, rather, a real home. Each room I rent (now 2) generates up to $700 a month ( I am charging $650) with a 3 month lease and option to extend to 5 months. The money is provided by the Federal government and the checking account is held at our own Asheville Savings Bank so cashing the check is instant. Of course there would be more flexibility for both tenants and landlords if the city and county would relax rather than restrict the ordinances concerning short-term rentals. Hopefully our town leaders will see the benefits to the citizens and those who have protected our freedom.