Local architects, preservationists and city officials discuss the evolving look of downtown Asheville.
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Local architects, preservationists and city officials discuss the evolving look of downtown Asheville.
Roughly 80 attendees had lunch on the city while hearing updates related to development, design and construction at the May 17 city manager’s development forum. City officials said permitting activity is significantly lower in the current fiscal year than last year.
City Manager Gary Jackson hosted a Development Forum on Friday, Nov. 18 to provide updates on growth, construction, planning, zoning, utilities and the recently approved $74 million city bond referendum.
The city asked for input on downtown development review standards and, if turnout can be considered an indication, it certainly got it. At least 124 members of the community signed in for an open house-style meeting about development issues in downtown Asheville on March 23.
Recently, more property owners are requesting inclusion in the city of Asheville’s downtown zoning, meaning that denser, taller development will be allowed in more areas in the future. This may also prove to be the trickle before the flood, as the city is already studying a major extension to downtown’s official borders.