Letter: Haw Creek rezoning ignores community concerns

Graphic by Lori Deaton

As feared, the Asheville City Council has approved the Meadows at New Haw Creek development, despite vociferous opposition from Happy Valley residents. This 84-unit residential project, with prices projected up to $550,000, is seen by Mayor Esther Manheimer as the panacea for Asheville’s housing crisis. With logic-defying finality, the mayor suggested these high-priced homes will somehow address the city’s homelessness and housing scarcity. It’s like suggesting a Rolex sale to solve the community’s need for affordable watches.

The mayor’s logic is a farcical comedy of errors: proposing that half-million-dollar homes will provide affordable housing is akin to proposing that a yacht sale will ease commuter rush hour. The suggestion that the developer coordinate with Habitat for Humanity to build two simple structures within the development is an anemic nod to “affordable housing” and is clearly a cynical attempt to manipulate public opinion. As if the “public” is too dimwitted to see right through that farce.

The mayor’s attempt to make valid community concerns disappear with a wave of her rhetorical wand didn’t amuse the residents of Happy Valley. The neighborhood denizens are not laughing. We continue to raise several critical issues that the City Council cannot simply wave off; here are just a few:

• Health and safety: Increased traffic will significantly increase hazards to both.
• Community character: The project is overly ambitious, poorly conceived (what’s up with those two hovels in the back lot?) and threatens the neighborhood’s aesthetics, charm and natural beauty.
• Economic benefit: The development clearly benefits the developer and the city’s tax base at the expense of the community’s needs.

This isn’t the Council’s first foray into tone-deaf decision-making. Notable historic examples include:
• The hotel development moratorium: Ignoring community input led to widespread discontent and feelings of exclusion.
• Short-term rentals: Mishandling regulations alienated residents and exacerbated disputes within the communities.
• Stormwater mismanagement: Poor planning has led to significant flooding and environmental damage throughout Asheville.
• Vance Monument destruction: A costly and contentious project with minimal public outreach that left many questioning the city’s priorities and mental health.

While the Council may think it’s wrapped up this act, the show is far from over. Happy Valley residents are rallying for a development process that genuinely addresses Asheville’s housing needs without compromising environmental and community integrity. We refuse to strike the colors.

— Jane Spence-Edwards
Asheville

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5 thoughts on “Letter: Haw Creek rezoning ignores community concerns

  1. HJG

    Council mostly performative as usual…this addresses housing in much the way that planting saplings helps with the loss of urban forests…hey Esther, get some apartments on top of Ingles and the other single story wastelands along Merrimon.

  2. woodlenznc

    As someone who lives in an urban village type of environment in Asheville, allow me to offer an opposing viewpoint.

    Progress Over Panic: Embracing the Meadows at New Haw Creek

    While change can be unsettling, the Asheville City Council’s approval of the Meadows at New Haw Creek development is a necessary and courageous step towards addressing our city’s pressing challenges. Fears and objections, however valid, should not overshadow the undeniable benefits this project brings.

    Housing for All, Not Just Some

    The notion that high-priced homes won’t impact affordability is misguided. A thriving housing market at all price points is essential. The development will alleviate pressure on existing housing stock, creating more options and potentially lowering prices in other segments. Additionally, the inclusion of two Habitat for Humanity homes, while a modest start, signals a commitment to mixed-income housing.

    Economic Vitality, Not Stagnation

    Increased traffic concerns are understandable but solvable through smart infrastructure investment. Moreover, the development will generate substantial economic benefits, from job creation during construction to increased property tax revenues that can fund essential city services.

    Community Growth, Not Destruction

    While aesthetics are subjective, the development’s impact on community character will likely be positive. New residents bring fresh perspectives and energy. As for the “two hovels,” they represent an attempt to address diverse housing needs, a crucial step towards a more inclusive Asheville.

    Learning from the Past, Not Repeating It

    The City Council’s past decisions are not flawless, but they demonstrate a willingness to adapt and learn. The Meadows project reflects an evolved approach, balancing development with community concerns. It’s time to move forward, not remain trapped in past grievances.

    A Call for Collaboration, Not Conflict

    Instead of resisting change, let’s engage constructively with the developers and the city. We can ensure that concerns about traffic, environmental impact, and community character are addressed throughout the development process.

    The Meadows at New Haw Creek is not a panacea, but it’s a significant step towards a more vibrant, inclusive, and economically robust Asheville. It’s time to embrace progress, not fear it.

  3. Mike Rains

    Council’s decision and actions were extremely disappointing. But in my earlier Mountain Xpress article, I predicted it would pass. When city planning officials sanctioined the use of a conditional zoning category that was wholly inappropriate (grossly non applicable) for this area, I knew the die had been cast. This development is much too dense and the sight and sound buffers grossly inadequate. The developer could still have made a handsome profit on a less dense development, but…..you know the rest of the story

    Manheimer and CityCouncil approved this becasue they wanted to set the precedent of very high density for all the existing open land in Haw Creek. It will very soon be be a “free-for-all”.

    Their justification is primarily two-fold: First and foremost is to increase the property tax base in the city. Secondly, they want to see more housing within the city limits. While both are desirable goals based on Asheville’s unique situation (constrained geographical tax base and lack of developable land), I strongly believe they went too far with this approval,

    This decision will set the stage for a ruination of the atmosphere of the Haw Creek area.

    Question: Would Mayor Manheimer have supported such a development in her “neck of the woods”. When the golf course around Beaver Lake finally succumbs to economic/sustainability pressure, that land too, will develop. I wonder how those residents, including the Mayor, would feel about very high density placed along the backsides of their houses which currently enjoy lots of buffer with expansive fairways and trees.

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