[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6312707,"mediaKeyId","2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda","parentId",2390466,"title","Council approves 304‑unit Sweeten Creek conditional zoning with EV, solar and sidewalk conditions","audioSeconds",1571,"startMs",3813000,"endMs",5384000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda&start=3813&end=5384","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda/thumbnail_3813000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6312707/Asheville-City/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-304unit-Sweeten-Creek-conditional-zoning-with-EV-solar-and-sidewalk-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312707-aa97217017907bf346e1556b3438f6c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775228721&Signature=DmE7SbNhNYk5M6GNsTJh1L9R2VP-Ak4hJPFTyOPeuoiZ1h7urPGEHIu3lvVBHZMjl0nG5wcw67YZmTEg1p4jkZ-zh0lE96LdAuEYqrDifTQNTUMwkrdLU63UxcD7ylBB-6OuD7QY2PTC-BOZJPXivvMKBwuoqcNaZVL13ZXDOuVo8UtvA5KeC3jCh~8YpmbqACgKHF1aKn7u-ovs0CPIXe5wAThFgpPpLOCHPVyIp5NKralMIYmg-kZsexXDQ7O6QaJ2NKu5zgruWrpJomPjJZpnfj8lZLf8HGKs2Lt4PuAY26UVaaX0DUvjUT57L4EYSzmMkJlrO9-jpSCgyB4NCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Asheville City, NC","date","2025-02-25T14:39:33Z","article","Asheville City Council on Feb. 25 approved a conditional zoning for a 18.64‑acre site at 3183 Sweeten Creek Road that will allow a mixed residential development totaling 304 units: 280 apartments and 24 three‑bedroom townhomes. Council added conditions requiring minimum electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure, rooftop‑solar readiness, and an upgraded pedestrian amenity along Sweeten Creek Road.

Planning staff presented the project as substantially in conformance with the Living Asheville comprehensive plan’s residential neighborhood designation and noted the property’s location near transit and commercial nodes. Sam Starbaum, planner with the Planning and Urban Design Department, said the development would include five apartment buildings, six townhome buildings (24 townhomes), a community center, garages and onsite parking; the gross floor area for the project was reported as 115,050 square feet.

Staff described several requested technical modifications, including a five‑foot internal sidewalk (in lieu of the 10‑foot standard for residential expansion), a request for a 5‑foot sidewalk with a 10‑foot grass strip along Sweeten Creek Road, and limited disturbance into a 30‑foot stream buffer for a sewer connection with restoration to follow. Transportation staff recommended a wider pedestrian realm on Sweeten Creek Road; council directed staff and the applicant to provide an 8‑foot sidewalk with an 8‑foot planting strip along Sweeten Creek Road, and the applicant agreed.

At council’s request and after negotiation, the applicant offered two additional conditions to the CZ: (1) provide a minimum of four EV chargers on site and pre‑install wiring to facilitate additional chargers as demand grows; and (2) design and construct all buildings to incorporate features that facilitate the future addition of rooftop solar capacity. Council also accepted a friendly amendment to include accommodation for a future bus‑stop easement on Sweeten Creek Road, to be determined in consultation between transportation staff and the developer.

Developer representatives said the site design includes stormwater controls and stream‑buffer avoidance for buildings; the plan keeps residential elements out of the stream buffer and locates stormwater management areas within preserved open space. Public comment from a nearby neighborhood association raised concerns about traffic and visibility (building height and grade) and the cumulative effect of development along Sweeten Creek Road; the applicant and staff discussed traffic, parking, and access. Staff reported the project would provide 492 parking spaces (the city minimum is 328 and maximum allowed is 609) and 24 bicycle parking spaces.

Council approved the conditional zoning by voice vote after adding the EV, solar, sidewalk and bus‑stop‑easement conditions; an amended motion recorded the additional conditions and found the rezoning consistent with the comprehensive plan and supportive of housing near transit and services.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting – February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Asheville City Council approved a conditional zoning for a 304‑unit residential project at 3183 Sweeten Creek Road after adding conditions on EV charging, rooftop‑solar readiness, and an upgraded 8‑foot sidewalk with an 8‑foot planting strip along Sweeten Creek Road.","taxTitle","Asheville City, Buncombe County, North Carolina","taxId",3915,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312712,"Council approves $2.05 million of housing trust loan and conditional zoning for Pine Lane 126‑unit affordable project",2351,1440000,3791000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda&start=1440&end=3791","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda/thumbnail_1440000.jpg","/articles/6312712/Asheville-City/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-205-million-of-housing-trust-loan-and-conditional-zoning-for-Pine-Lane-126unit-affordable-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312712-a12356e81cc2c46e9f7ff39ff9b81212/orig.mp4?Expires=1775228721&Signature=jfvThPEbiFw2clqMPUDGTiWgctX3cVYP2KfVic6nVUKCELzJDQchxxLSwuetpSZjfBtcSdFfu8AOhqsh3QouclMNU57ew7HzZD2~MnzHaP2ttugOVQGz8YsDS-G7KtPThoQzBAygr5Qie1yiBl7LDFaOEyJuiZnWh0KESVuIgL-rYmtWEUmCV1Te31ziEygr808DWq3uF5rnb53Uci7eFvVfbyJEgJBR6rAIBVR1F1w4lb-HYf0ZNBBtIYlSE6UGcgUIwRAigVYoL0IH0DFTpA7DQfEtvqqZPapk1IUkQC2sa43BGQqUi02k~MZo-lQsNBgd~9G1~C1aDNKn5Ai-zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Asheville City Council on Feb. 25 approved two linked actions to advance a 126‑unit affordable housing development known as the Pine Lane project: (1) authorization to use $2,050,000 of a previously approved $3,879,000 housing trust fund loan toward land acquisition, and (2) approval of a conditional zoning (CZ) permitting the proposed multifamily development with conditions including a 30‑year affordability restriction at 60% of area median income (AMI) and an added requirement for a fence on the southern portion of the site.

Sasha Bertinsky, representing city housing staff, told council that council previously approved a $3,879,000 loan in April; the developer requested use of $2,050,000 of that allocation to fund the land purchase because the property owner was not willing to extend their contract. Bertinsky said land acquisition is an eligible expense for the housing trust fund and that the city would hold a deed restriction and remain in first position on the land until other financing closes. She said the purchase price for the parcel is $2,250,000 and that the remainder of the loan ($1,829,000) will be applied to construction.

Bertinsky and staff noted Buncombe County is a project partner with $6,500,000 and that the development team expects 4% low‑income housing tax credits and to leverage roughly $18,500,000 in additional financing. Staff said due diligence and legal documents are in place and recommended approval.

Sam Starbaum, planner with the Planning and Urban Design Department, presented the conditional‑zoning application and the project site plan. He summarized the development as four residential buildings totaling 126 units, deed‑restricted at 60% AMI for 30 years per the CZ. Starbaum provided a unit breakdown: 14 one‑bedroom units, 28 two‑bedroom units, 62 three‑bedroom units and 22 four‑bedroom units.

Neighbors raised concerns about access and impacts to privately maintained Oak Lodge Road and asked whether Pine Lane and Oak Lodge would be improved. Starbaum said Pine Lane is a city‑owned, paved street and that transportation staff did not support exercising eminent domain to bring Oak Lodge up to city standard; improvements or a dedication would require property‑owner actions and potentially road upgrades to meet city standards. Starbaum also said the applicant requested two technical modifications: a five‑foot internal sidewalk (rather than the 10‑foot standard of the residential expansion district) and a waiver of the sidewalk requirement on Oak Lodge Road; staff and the applicant proposed signage and design features to encourage use of Pine Lane instead of Oak Lodge.

Developer representatives, including Derek Allen (land‑use attorney) and Warren Sugg (Civil Design Concepts), said they would work with neighbors on landscaping and could add a fence along the southern boundary of the site on their side of the property so long as the fence did not interfere with landscape requirements or tree preservation. The chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval on Sept. 5, and staff recommended council concur.

Council voted to (1) approve the $2,050,000 transfer of housing trust funds for land acquisition and (2) approve the conditional zoning as amended to add a condition requiring a fence on the southern portion of the development site along Pine Lane, constructed in a manner that does not disturb the approved landscape plan. Both actions passed on voice votes with no recorded opposition.

Public commenters at the hearing included a nearby resident who asked for buffering and a fence adjacent to a planned clubhouse and others who urged that the project include renewable‑energy considerations; the applicant said the project is at the construction‑document stage and that they will follow requirements in the tax‑credit application (QAP/CHFA) and any CHFA or program guidelines. Staff and the developer also discussed maintenance, parking, landscaping and noise mitigation.","Asheville City Council approved $2,050,000 of a previously authorized $3,879,000 housing trust loan for land acquisition and granted conditional zoning for the Pine Lane affordable housing project, a 126‑unit, 60% AMI development deed‑restricted for 30 years.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312717,"Council approves rezoning of 1289 Sand Hill Road to commercial‑industrial",185,1164000,1349000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda&start=1164&end=1349","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda/thumbnail_1164000.jpg","/articles/6312717/Asheville-City/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/Council-approves-rezoning-of-1289-Sand-Hill-Road-to-commercialindustrial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312717-4bb7fc418c27c0c5fcf4a2aa4f38c5ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1775228721&Signature=ObVS91THr5~W9aPRD3KLWHcmWY10T50AhalSVRBdiT6MrlSKQarQtTOioeH9ujzaC0nt04rtpoEIJq9b~TYVRlCWmzpdTJYzS0oRLwZpdSwYE48F0uFVmMN0ucAb2gFeujgbxzTtV1x9J41mHHfmsx5RNCvpkuJGYy3LbvGRGCljHdCGcFni5YzwVjNRpVJGgcX6R6e1Pzb2i4Kk5gvqBaiennWdyvh0ke8HCjNp6Y8wQRU3T88XYSIHGapeTDlA-MhEns3ucGxX1346hUrOLGfDE60lQ8EDIQ4vvLORX9xoPbnBDB6eWTLt-wl3PiSQ6IqUK3MN0kEl0OtciDiDnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Asheville City Council on Feb. 25 approved a straight rezoning that changes the base zoning for 1289 Sand Hill Road to commercial‑industrial.

Planning staff told council the property was previously part of a large 2010 development (Anca Commerce Center) that never was built; portions of the area were left under an older conditional zone that no longer fits the parcel. Staff said the commercial‑industrial base district would allow productive reuse consistent with the site’s future‑land‑use designation of industrial manufacturing.

Will Pompost of the City’s Planning and Urban Design Department told council the site is mainly vacant and lies in an area appropriate for industrial and commercial uses. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at its Feb. 5 meeting, and staff found no cons to the rezoning while listing public‑benefit considerations such as supporting development with appropriate infrastructure and promoting accessible, well‑connected commercial nodes.

Council opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers and approved the rezoning on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.","The council unanimously approved a straight rezoning for 1289 Sand Hill Road to the commercial‑industrial district to allow productive reuse of a long‑unbuilt parcel formerly tied to a large conditional project.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312722,"City council approves rezoning for 94 Grandview Road to allow residential uses",251,835000,1086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda&start=835&end=1086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda/thumbnail_835000.jpg","/articles/6312722/Asheville-City/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/City-council-approves-rezoning-for-94-Grandview-Road-to-allow-residential-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312722-e20d915588dfdf62bf32a16a8774f9b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775228721&Signature=Ny-9RQPSjnKiZI5zsKo0WpAKojO1OVEuDOcKkpEXDZvdEVIx-y6WoMHZ8VNb3PB8TnGeXCZwUAjPrnsjWR39TfzQ2xm48wp7UlG5C7JfFRHi6kfHnQVPQrNU2iYyfzcHyFmMk~Sm3r-8VK~A7py0MXGFxUBvojPTBGgKiCDp-dvJHR~EeGTcKkfShUqpuYqomlxVSWgosCt-T6ekDv~-saZSIXOAYfyDHPSrU-4o00kdTLhb~Uwnqd47pKzq-ev7XPO-ohfqS-Odk8jBnjR06ngt9NFJZpJSzwKHAUvBGAwDFUGHU9zntPS~9lrY~T-5T3NrEVnADsmqvQpi5~ZC8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Asheville City Council on Feb. 25 approved a straight rezoning that changes the zoning for 94 Grandview Road to RM-6, the city’s residential multifamily low-density district.

Planning staff said the change would allow a broader range of housing types and better buffer nearby residences from commercial-industrial uses. The rezoning request had no associated site plan or development proposal; it changes only the base zoning.

Will Pompost, of the Planning and Urban Design Department, told council the roughly 3-acre, currently vacant parcel is “a straight rezoning” and that the city’s future land use map designates the site as residential neighborhood, so no future-land-use change was required. Pompost said staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission found the request consistent with goals in the Living Asheville comprehensive plan, including encouraging appropriate infill development and increasing housing supply.

The staff presentation noted the existing mix of commercial-industrial zoning on the western portion of the site and residential zoning on the remainder; the requested RM-6 designation would make the zoning uniform and allow single-family detached and other residential forms by right. Planning identified as benefits the potential for single-family detached dwellings, potential for higher-density multifamily development, and a larger residential buffer for the adjacent neighborhood. Staff reported no cons.

Council opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment and then approved the rezoning by voice vote. The motion and second were recorded on the floor; the vote was taken by voice and recorded as aye with no opposition.

The rezoning does not approve any specific development plan, site design, or building permits; future projects on the parcel would require separate review and must meet applicable land‑use and development standards.","The Asheville City Council unanimously approved a straight rezoning that changes the base zoning of 94 Grandview Road to RM-6 (residential multifamily low density), aligning the parcel with the Living Asheville future land use map and Planning staff recommendations.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6312702,"City presents FY26 budget priorities; public urges climate action, living wages and transit investments",238,5625000,5863000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda&start=5625&end=5863","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2390466-54cd039880adf86010b43ee3db589bda/thumbnail_5625000.jpg","/articles/6312702/Asheville-City/Buncombe-County/North-Carolina/City-presents-FY26-budget-priorities-public-urges-climate-action-living-wages-and-transit-investments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6312702-458fcdca357566b93c0896fdd9cd6551/orig.mp4?Expires=1775228721&Signature=Tmejn7-f~Y9zZDyfeQayN-0lA6P97PZc1g9BbX1io3WBsYo8O5GhKaL5INUMhj0DEcH1mAXmn1ITmMKI0dqem-pZT2i~JxJzqERBLVngmJ3a12jFuSND8vK~Ae6pMYPLjrLL0Fh~zhulzW7kHprmGpGMX~aEZRLC36iIkUtsIoJAa0RGcqufrZJVr2f~rDCDBGNJav5m860P2YTYfNgjiGtSJvlbuvxmXavOmc3pG3gm24qybcusu9HqWAwuRkc7p0sXLvtwUoi4WueupfSleWsXxYPiOVEugEW2g3WRoh0dH4QI6uhRad0E-CSVhLbUstp0Zl43cq2TJdcvrEY6dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City budget staff on Feb. 25 gave an early preview of the FY26 budget process and recovery priorities, and dozens of members of the public used the session to press council for climate and social‑service investments.

Lindsey Spangler, budget and performance manager, said the city’s revenue mix is dominated by property taxes (about 48%) and that personnel costs represent roughly 64% of expenditures. Spangler described the FY26 outlook as constrained by storm recovery needs and noted one major resource: approximately $225 million in Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG‑DR) funding to support recovery priorities related to Tropical Storm Helene. Staff outlined the budget calendar, opportunities for public input, and plans for council work sessions before the manager’s proposed budget in May.

Public commenters focused on climate mitigation and resilience, affordable‑housing policy and living wages, and transportation. Speakers from advocacy groups urged council to restore or fund regional climate coordination (Blue Horizons or similar), to use recovery funds to accelerate renewable energy, community‑scale solar with battery storage, building electrification and weatherization programs targeted at low‑income households, and to fund staffing to implement climate justice initiatives. Timber (Sunrise Movement Western North Carolina) called for prioritizing electrification, grid resiliency, community solar microgrids and funding to implement the Blue Horizons plan. Others urged that recovery funds require energy‑efficient, electrified new housing and that retrofit programs be made free for low‑ and middle‑income households.

Speakers also urged living‑wage increases and better public transit. Jen Hampton of Just Economics noted the local living‑wage benchmark of $23.15 per hour for Buncombe County and urged that city wages and starting pay not leave workers unable to afford housing in the city. Several commenters asked for more frequent bus service on South Asheville routes and the 170 route through East Asheville and Swannanoa (identified as areas hit hard by Helene), arguing that improved transit would reduce vehicle miles traveled and support equitable recovery.

Other public remarks addressed immigrant‑rights concerns tied to federal legislation, neighborhood impacts of development, invasive species and stream cleanup, and direct observations about local economic impacts to downtown businesses following Helene and broader tourism declines.

City staff reiterated that the manager’s proposed budget will include recommended allocations and that the public and council will have additional formal opportunities to provide input before adoption in June.","City budget staff previewed FY26 priorities and recovery spending options; public commenters urged the city to use CDBG‑DR funds and other resources to accelerate renewable energy, grid resilience, living wages and improved public transit in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves 304‑unit Sweeten Creek conditional zoning with EV, solar and sidewalk conditions

Council approves $2.05 million of housing trust loan and conditional zoning for Pine Lane 126‑unit affordable project

Council approves rezoning of 1289 Sand Hill Road to commercial‑industrial

City council approves rezoning for 94 Grandview Road to allow residential uses

City presents FY26 budget priorities; public urges climate action, living wages and transit investments