In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the proposed development in Haw Creek, Asheville, highlighting the ongoing housing crisis and community concerns regarding transparency and resident involvement.

Susan Bean, the housing and transportation director for Mountain True, expressed strong support for the Haw Creek development, emphasizing its potential to address the urgent need for housing in the area. She noted that the site at 767 Newhall Creek Road is well-suited for residential development due to its proximity to public infrastructure, schools, and transit options. Bean argued that increasing housing density in this location would not only provide essential homes but also promote sustainable living by reducing vehicle miles traveled and alleviating pressure on surrounding agricultural lands.

Bean's remarks were framed within a historical context, referencing the Indian Removal Act and the subsequent land scarcity that has shaped the region. She pointed out that Haw Creek ranks highly in equity within Buncombe County, indicating a favorable environment for new housing initiatives.

However, opposition emerged from community member John Appleby, who raised significant concerns about the development process. He highlighted that 2,500 residents had signed a petition against the conditional rezoning, arguing that the negotiations had excluded broader community input and lacked transparency. Appleby criticized the closed-door meetings between developers and city officials, asserting that the community had not been adequately consulted and that the proposal would likely fail if put to a vote.

The meeting underscored the tension between the need for housing development and the community's desire for transparency and involvement in local governance. As Asheville grapples with the dual challenges of a housing crisis and climate change, the outcome of the Haw Creek development proposal remains a focal point for both advocates and opponents.