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Asheville committee readies ArtPlace RFQ after $365,000 FTA planning grant to explore expanded downtown transit center and affordable housing
Summary
City staff said a $300,000 FTA Areas of Persistent Poverty planning grant plus a $65,000 city match (total $365,000) will fund an RFQ and a 12–18 month planning study to evaluate expanding the downtown transit center, incorporate affordable housing, and study electrification and circulation needs; the grant cannot pay for engineering-level design.
City of Asheville staff on Dec. 16 told the Planning, Economic Development and Environment Committee they are ready to release an RFQ and begin a planning study for the downtown transit center under a federal planning grant. Transportation Director Ashley Hair said the city received a U.S. Federal Transit Administration Areas of Persistent Poverty planning grant for $300,000 and is contributing a $65,000 local match, for a total of $365,000 to study possibilities for the transit center and adjacent Lot 20 (Talbot Lot).
The study will test a transit‑oriented, mixed‑use vision that pairs expanded bus facilities with affordable housing, ground‑floor commercial activity and placemaking. "This is a planning grant," Hair said. "There are some elements of design that we cannot fund through this grant because of the way it is structured." She told the committee staff will deliver concept designs, site layouts, required compliance documentation and an actionable roadmap but not construction‑level engineering.
Staff said the combined parcels amount to roughly one and a half acres between Ashland and Cox avenues; the planning stage is expected to take 12–18 months and may include limited geotechnical work. Hair noted supplemental Community and Economic Development funds (up to about $200,000) are available to cover items such as right‑of‑way and topographical surveying if needed.
Council members pressed staff for a clear multi‑year ‘project arc’ showing predevelopment, design and capital phases and for a funding trajectory tied to the city’s bond programs and other capital priorities. One council member said a graphic showing where the project sits on a 10‑year horizon would help council and the public understand when design and construction dollars will be needed and how the transit center fits with other housing bond commitments.
Staff also said planning will include coordination with Buncombe County and other partners and will examine whether the site can be configured to accommodate larger intercity coaches that cannot currently fit into the existing center. "They currently cannot fit in our current transit center because it's just too small," Hair said, adding accommodating larger coaches is an option the study can explore.
Votes at a glance: the committee approved the minutes for the Nov. 18, 2025 meeting (motion carried by roll call; recorded ayes included Councilwoman Sage Turner, Councilwoman Kim Roney and the meeting chair). Next steps: staff will release the RFQ and return with updates as the planning study defines design needs and funding gaps.
