As more and more people move to the Asheville area, the need for housing is facilitating larger-scale development in traditionally small, isolated and rural communities. But how to approach that development sustainably isn’t always easy to figure out or agree upon.
“This is a pristine, historic family farm that a developer is proposing to put under high-end housing in a community that is already struggling with insufficient farmland.”
A controversial proposed subdivision is now becoming a reality. David Case, lead developer for Coggins Farm L.L.C., has confirmed to Mountain Xpress that his company will finalize its purchase of 169 acres of historic farmland off Riceville Road known as Coggins Farm today at 5 p.m.
The Coggins Conservation Project, a grassroots effort formed to oppose the development of 169 acres of farmland near Riceville Road, has announced plans to assume the current developer’s contract.
The blogosphere is abuzz these days with romantic visions of picturesque miniature dwellings. And a growing number of local advocates say the “tiny home movement” could help achieve a wealth of positive outcomes, from environmental efficiencies to enhanced affordability. Amid the swelling interest, however, many hurdles remain.
Community unrest continues over the Coggins Farm property, site of a highly disputed planned development in Riceville. Riceville residents and other conservation proponents have formed the Coggins Conversation Project, calling for 75 acres of the 169-acre site to be placed in a conservation easement.
After nearly eight hours of witness testimony, evidence and cross-examinations, the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment voted 6-1 to approve the proposed development of Coggins Farm in Riceville. During the hearing, the board had the opportunity to hear from neighbors concerned with the possibility of development affecting their own property values, flooding from Bull Creek and the increased traffic the project would create on roads that residents say are already dangerous.
Their argument wasn’t quite toxic, but Buncombe County Commissioners fiercely debated a resolution extolling the virtues of green cleaning Feb. 18. Pushed by Vice Chair Ellen Frost, the “Resolution Regarding Use of Non-Toxic Cleaners” urges county staff to “incorporate environmental considerations into purchasing decisions” by using guiding principals developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. […]
The rezoning request for Coggins Farm, a mixed-use development planned for a 169-acre tract in Riceville known as Old Coggins Farm, has been withdrawn by the developer, Coggins Farm LLC. It was scheduled to go before the Buncombe County Commissioners on Feb.18.
Reading [“Colliding Visions” Jan. 22, Xpress] made my heart sick. I had heard that the Coggins Farm was in the process of being sold to a developer. What the article failed to mention is what an amazing, gorgeous piece of property it is! I had walked it many times. There are acres of woods full […]
As a development company plans to build a new subdivision in Riceville, the neighbors worry their rural community is changing for the worse. With the real estate market bouncing back, what does the resurrgence of development mean for the region?
