WECAN December 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting December 3, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave

Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson and Luke W. Perry. Board Members not present were  Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Floree Lowery,  Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno. Also present were: CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford.. Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. MINUTES: Byron moved and Luke seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes from November 5 as distributed. The motion passed. There was some activity on the treasurer's report. Reimbursement has been submitted for the postage and printing of the WECAN News. APD/CRO UPDATE: Rachel reported an I-pad stolen from an unlocked vehicle which was not reported to the police. Lucas said that it should be reported because items like that are sometimes recovered and can be returned. He noted that there have been 25 hours of extra patrols and 15 hours on Jefferson Drive. He reported that a motorcycle was taken from Hunter Volvo and has not been recovered and that 2 homeless camps along the river had been moved. He also explained that 'Code Purple" was a situation when the temperature is below 32 degrees a shelter will accept someone even if they have been drinking or barred for other reasons if an officer brings them. The parking problem at the end of Clingman Place has been resolved. The River Arts District is being hit with a lot of graffiti and in response special operations are in place. He had no further information to share about the murder investigation. He will forward information about car break ins and holiday packages and advises to keep reporting because it helps. BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Byron remembered the old tradition of welcoming new neighbors with a 'Welcome Wagon" small gift basket with food, coupons, important phone numbers, etc. With the turnover in WECAN we often don't get to meet new neighbors when they move in. She wants to restart the tradition and will propose something next month. Also that the designated Block Jessies should update the mail or email list throughout the year but especially in September for the annual newsletter. She also reported that the mother of past WECAN Chair Pattiy Torno had passed away. Byron will get a card to send from WECAN. Finally, Byron has been thinking about past WECAN Chair Geraldine. She has not been very active  lately in WECAN but was an important part of the community and needs to be acknowledged in these difficult times for her family. Byron volunteered to send am appropriate and helpful card. Marsha announced that final street paving on Craven Street to raise it to grade will take place this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Smith Bridge will be closed. Joe remarked that it is such a waste to put in curbing just to be torn out when the second bridge goes in with the RADTIP improvements. Marsha explained that federal funds have to be spent as plans are submitted and it would be too expensive to resubmit revised plans. He admitted that they are getting better about the streets, water and utilities working together when there are street projects., but they are obviously not there yet.  Luke announced that the pad for the bus stop at Haywood Road and Craven Street would be poured soon and in January  the Asheville Design Center would be seeking public input online at their website. This may be a model for other bus stops in the city. He also has been in contact with Mr. Poliak who owns the house next to his and several other properties and is not wanting to sell at this time. 2015 ACTIVITY REPORT: Joe reported the activity for 2015 as follows: Jan: Luke and Floree elected for 1 year renewable term as At-Large Members. Feb first meeting of Community Garden Group. Mar: Community Garden Agreement signed, Festival of Neighborhoods Workshops Asheville in Motion and Garden Club Wednesdays. Apr: Spring Fling/Community Garden installation and City Wide Cleanup May: Settled Community Garden Funding Issue. Jun: General Membership Meeting, RAD Form Based Code, Ice Cream Social, Community Garden Assessment, Equitable Development Forum. Aug: Corn Feast, Watch for Me Campaign, Patton Place Apartments announced, National Night Out, Sep: Livingston complete Streets; Oct: Mayor's State of the City, Halloween Social, Nov: Neighborhood Plans Workshop, I-26 Connector hearing. Whew! I-26 CONNECTOR PUBLIC HEARING: NCDOT is accepting comments on the I-26 Connector until December 16. Luke pointed out there are aspects that directly affect WECAN but there is almost too much information in the 9 potential plans. Some have a direct connection to Hillcrest and Montford, some have a greenway starting on Trade Street, several will have an affect on highway noise that cannot be corrected by sound barrier walls. Some people are also concerned with highway air pollution and its affect on heart disease. Some people do not believe the projected traffic counts and others are concerned with other neighborhoods such as Burton Street which will be sacrificed to eight unnecessary lanes through West Asheville. Citizens are encouraged to comment. It was suggested that a loose alliance be formed with Burton Street, Montford and EWANA to comment together. Luke will start a document. The full Draft Environmental Impact Statement, video with animations, detailed design maps, and other info are available on line at http://www.ncdot.gov/projects/i26connector/    CLINGMAN AVENUE EXTENSION ONE WAY: Rachel reported that this will not happen. Regarding a needed sidewalk on Roberts Street, it was noted that a recently elected City Council member lives there and perhaps all new city councilors should be invited to a future WECAN meeting. Byron volunteered to invite the councilors.  NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING WORKSHOP: Joe gave a rock star presentation.. There have been requests to see the power point he used. Marsha noted that all the presentations were recorded and will be placed on the city website. The new city Comprehensive plan will begin in January with the choice of the consultant. Then in the next 18 months there will be events to get input.  In the mean time WECAN can continue efforts to update the Citizens Master Plan (2001) or work on a small area plan (aka plan on a page) The comprehensive plan is for 'big picture' planning and the plan on a page is for Planning and Zoning to have guidance for development. RAD FORM BASED CODE: The draft report is available on the City’s Projects Page. Comments and feedback are still being accepted. The collected feedback will go to Planning and Zoning and then to council for approval.  Luke would like for future budgets to include compensation for getting feedback. NEWSLETTER: It went out on schedule and so far no returns. Just some bad email addresses and a few 'unsubscribe' requests from residents who moved have been received. ADOPT A HIGHWAY The quarterly litter pickup will be scheduled for some time in January. GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: The 'group' cleaned out the community garden and due to rain and cold not much else this month. COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe submitted the annual report (see attached.) VACANT LOT ANALYSIS: Rachel received a request for a place to locate a storage building and found out there are a lot of vacant lots in WECAN. Jessie has also received requests for properties on Knoxville Place. GENTRIFICATION: Rachel and Byron have been contacted by a student at Warren Wilson College doing a report on gentrification. They will meet at Clingman Café on Sunday December 6 at 1 pm. others with opinions on gentrification are welcome. NOMINATIONS: Joe nominated Byron, Yuri, Rachel and Pattiy to serve a second three year term. Byron seconded and motion passed. Welcome back. ISSUES and GOALS for 2016: Some things mentioned included: Welcome Wagon, Social Events, More Communication, Retaining Luke, Reactivating Block Jessies with a welcome wagon, Continuing Community Garden, compiling info from Simplicity into a single place with phone and email info. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

WECAN November 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting November 5, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave
Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca Lance, Rachel
Larson and Luke W. Perry. Board Members not present were  Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike
Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Floree Lowery,  Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and
Pattiy Torno. Also present were: CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford.. Chair Rachel called the
meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. MINUTES: Byron moved and Luke seconded a motion to approve the draft
minutes from November 5 as distributed. The motion passed. There was some activity on the treasurer's
report. Reimbursement has been submitted for the postage and printing of the WECAN News. APD/CRO
UPDATE: Rachel reported an I-pad stolen from an unlocked vehicle which was not reported to the
police. Lucas said that it should be reported because items like that are sometimes recovered and can
be returned. He noted that there have been 25 hours of extra patrols and 15 hours on Jefferson Drive.
He reported that a motorcycle was taken from Hunter Volvo and has not been recovered and that 2
homeless camps along the river had been moved. He also explained that 'Code Purple" was a situation
when the temperature is below 32 degrees a shelter will accept someone even if they have been
drinking or barred for other reasons if an officer brings them. The parking problem at the end of
Clingman Place has been resolved. The River Arts District is being hit with a lot of graffiti and in response
special operations are in place. He had no further information to share about the murder investigation.
He will forward information about car break ins and holiday packages and advises to keep reporting
because it helps. BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Byron remembered the old tradition of welcoming new
neighbors with a 'Welcome Wagon" small gift basket with food, coupons, important phone numbers,
etc. With the turnover in WECAN we often don't get to meet new neighbors when they move in. She
wants to restart the tradition and will propose something next month. Also that the designated Block
Jessies should update the mail or email list throughout the year but especially in September for the
annual newsletter. She also reported that the mother of past WECAN Chair Pattiy Torno had passed
away. Byron will get a card to send from WECAN. Finally, Byron has been thinking about past WECAN
Chair Geraldine. She has not been very active  lately in WECAN but was an important part of the
community and needs to be acknowledged in these difficult times for her family. Byron volunteered to
send am appropriate and helpful card. Marsha announced that final street paving on Craven Street to
raise it to grade will take place this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Smith Bridge will be
closed. Joe remarked that it is such a waste to put in curbing just to be torn out when the second bridge
goes in with the RADTIP improvements. Marsha explained that federal funds have to be spent as plans
are submitted and it would be too expensive to resubmit revised plans. He admitted that they are
getting better about the streets, water and utilities working together when there are street projects.,
but they are obviously not there yet.  Luke announced that the pad for the bus stop at Haywood Road
and Craven Street would be poured soon and in January  the Asheville Design Center would be seeking
public input online at their website. This may be a model for other bus stops in the city. He also has been
in contact with Mr. Poliak who owns the house next to his and several other properties and is not
wanting to sell at this time. 2015 ACTIVITY REPORT: Joe reported the activity for 2015 as follows: Jan:
Luke and Floree elected for 1 year renewable term as At-Large Members. Feb first meeting of
Community Garden Group. Mar: Community Garden Agreement signed, Festival of Neighborhoods
Workshops Asheville in Motion and Garden Club Wednesdays. Apr: Spring Fling/Community Garden
installation and City Wide Cleanup May: Settled Community Garden Funding Issue. Jun: General
Membership Meeting, RAD Form Based Code, Ice Cream Social, Community Garden Assessment,
Equitable Development Forum. Aug: Corn Feast, Watch for Me Campaign, Patton Place Apartments
announced, National Night Out, Sep: Livingston complete Streets; Oct: Mayor's State of the City,
Halloween Social, Nov: Neighborhood Plans Workshop, I-26 Connector hearing. Whew! I-26
CONNECTOR PUBLIC HEARING: NCDOT is accepting comments on the I-26 Connector until December
16. Luke pointed out there are aspects that directly affect WECAN but there is almost too much

information in the 9 potential plans. Some have a direct connection to Hillcrest and Montford, some
have a greenway starting on Trade Street, several will have an affect on highway noise that cannot be
corrected by sound barrier walls. Some people are also concerned with highway air pollution and its
affect on heart disease. Some people do not believe the projected traffic counts and others are
concerned with other neighborhoods such as Burton Street which will be sacrificed to eight unnecessary
lanes through West Asheville. Citizens are encouraged to comment. It was suggested that a loose
alliance be formed with Burton Street, Montford and EWANA to comment together. Luke will start a
document. The full Draft Environmental Impact Statement, video with animations, detailed design maps,
and other info are available on line at CLINGMAN AVENUE EXTENSION ONE WAY: Rachel
reported that this will not happen. Regarding a needed sidewalk on Roberts Street, it was noted that a
recently elected City Council member lives there and perhaps all new city councilors should be invited to
a future WECAN meeting. Byron volunteered to invite the councilors.  NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
WORKSHOP: Joe gave a rock star presentation.. There have been requests to see the power point he
used. Marsha noted that all the presentations were recorded and will be placed on the city website. The
new city Comprehensive plan will begin in January with the choice of the consultant. Then in the next 18
months there will be events to get input.  In the mean time WECAN can continue efforts to update the
Citizens Master Plan (2001) or work on a small area plan (aka plan on a page) The comprehensive plan is
for 'big picture' planning and the plan on a page is for Planning and Zoning to have guidance for
development. RAD FORM BASED CODE: The draft report is available on the City’s Projects Page.
Comments and feedback are still being accepted. The collected feedback will go to Planning and Zoning
and then to council for approval.  Luke would like for future budgets to include compensation for getting
feedback. NEWSLETTER: It went out on schedule and so far no returns. Just some bad email addresses
and a few 'unsubscribe' requests from residents who moved have been received. ADOPT A HIGHWAY
The quarterly litter pickup will be scheduled for some time in January. GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS:
The 'group' cleaned out the community garden and due to rain and cold not much else this month.
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe submitted the annual report (see attached.) VACANT LOT ANALYSIS: Rachel
received a request for a place to locate a storage building and found out there are a lot of vacant lots in
WECAN. Jessie has also received requests for properties on Knoxville Place. GENTRIFICATION: Rachel
and Byron have been contacted by a student at Warren Wilson College doing a report on gentrification.
They will meet at Clingman Café on Sunday December 6 at 1 pm. others with opinions on gentrification
are welcome. NOMINATIONS: Joe nominated Byron, Yuri, Rachel and Pattiy to serve a second three year
term. Byron seconded and motion passed. Welcome back. ISSUES and GOALS for 2016: Some things
mentioned included: Welcome Wagon, Social Events, More Communication, Retaining Luke,
Reactivating Block Jessies with a welcome wagon, Continuing Community Garden, compiling info from
Simplicity into a single place with phone and email info. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. DRAFT
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

WECANNEWS 2015

 

WECANNews 2015

WECAN October 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting October 8, 2015 at 34 Girdwood Street (Rescheduled from last week due to water damage at MHO.)

Board Members Present were: Joe Fioccola and  Rebecca Lance. Board Members not present were Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno.  Also present were: CRO's Sean Davis and Lucas Lovelace. 

Secretary Joe Fioccola called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. 

MINUTES: The draft minutes from September 3 were approved as distributed. 

APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that last week two vehicles were set on fire on Roberts Street with no witnesses and no injuries. Asheville Fire and Rescue is investigating. Also human remains were found in the French Broad River close to the Smith Bridge. Lucas reported that a 7-day notice was given today to the homeless camp between the back of 64 Clingman Avenue and the tennis courts. The Watch For Me pedestrian and crosswalk campaign is continuing until Thanksgiving. (So the banner should remain up until then.) We were briefed on the Pace Car Pilot program in the Charlotte Street Area and the Sober Hero campaign initiating with Octoberfest this weekend. The last River Music of the year is Friday October 9. Next year they may move up Riverside closer to the Mulch Yard. Rebecca reported how difficult it is for pedestrians to walk on Riverside and Depot but RADTIP should improve them.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: On September 2 we worked on the corner of Hilliard and West Haywood where the sidewalk ends--or used to end. We were rained out on September 9 and September 30, but on September 16 we moved a volunteer dogwood from the sign garden to the loop at Owens Bell Park (and hope it survives the move.) On September 23 we did some weeding and hedge trimming at the Sign Garden. Next we plan to remove a dead tree near the top of Hilliard, and limb up some of the oak trees and try to get some to chip mulch on the unpaved 'sidewalk' path we cleared last month. And eventually finish clearing the sidewalk on Roberts Street below Park Square.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Quarterly litter pick up is scheduled for this Sunday October 11th at 8:30 am. Vests and bags provided meet at the sign garden.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe and Byron are working on a full report of progress so far and a briefer one for the WECANews. On the first, 8th, 15th and the 22nd we spent about 5 hours weeding and clearing and harvesting and planting peas. (Joe missed the 15th doing pedestrian traffic counting.) and thankfully it rained on the 29th. (We needed it.)

NEWSLETTER:  Joe and Byron are working on the Community Garden, Form Based Code and New Construction articles and may do a Neighbor Profile. Rebecca will be working on the mail and email lists.

HALLOWEEN/FALL POT LUCK SOCIAL: Rebecca volunteered to poll preferences and organize an event on the Face Book Group. Suggested date Saturday October 31. Suggested time 5:30-6:30?   

MASTER PLANNING/PLANNING ORIENTATION WORKSHOP: Joe will present a personal view on neighborhood planning that has occurred in WECAN over the last 21 years at the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (on which he serves) workshop on November 7th. 9:00-11:30 am at Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech. Marsha will be sending information about it soon and WECAN should be represented there, so save the date! 

UPDATES: City Council candidates have been reduced from 16 to 6. Vote for your three 'faves' on November 3.

The Vance Monument Time Capsule has been sealed up for 100 years. A picture of Jessie Coleman is one of many which appear on the cover of the Urban News which was included in the capsule.   

Livingston Complete Streets: Joe gave input at the Grant Center on the 29th: on Livingston: there will be continuous sidewalk and bike lane on both sides of Livingston from Depot St. to Victoria Rd. and a traffic circle at Depot and Livingston. Many people complained about the curve and bump-out near the Glen Rock and a second traffic circle may not be necessary at South French Broad and Livingston.

RADTIP: Several people attended the D.O.T. presentation at Pack Library on Sept 24th. There were six stations: 1) Review Project Timeline, 2) View Public Workshop Map, 3) Provide feedback on future Craven Street Bridge, 4) View Proposed Greenway Alignment & Open Space Opportunities, 5) View Proposed Streetscape Elements and 6) Provide Feedback on Public Art. Comments are accepted by October 25,2015  to Dan Baechtold, Project Manager Phone 259-5842 or email dbaechtold@ashevillenc.gov. 

Mayor Westheimer's State of the City Address: was on October 1. She outlined goals set by City Council in areas of Economic growth and sustainability, Affordability and economic mobility and High quality of life.

It can be viewed in full with the following link: http://ustre.am/W7Px

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

EVENTS IN OCTOBER::

                           Fridays    8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios

October 11        Adopt A Highway Litter Pickup 0830 am

October 12        Columbus Day Holiday

October 13        Community Garden Group 6 pm

October 14        Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

October 15        Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours 3–5 pm at City Hall, 5^th floor   

October 20        Community Garden Group 6 pm

October 21        Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm 

October 27        Community Garden Group 6 pm  

October 28        Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

October 31        Halloween/Fall Pot Luck Social on Jefferson

November 3       VOTE for City Council Election

                          Community Garden Group 6 pm

November 4       Garden Club     2 pm

                          RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

November 5       Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm  

                        

November 7       City Planning Orientation Workshop 9-11:30 AB Tech Ferguson Auditorium

WECAN September 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting September 3, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle and Luke W. Perry.  Board Members not present were Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson,  Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno.  Also present were: CRO's Sean Davis and Lucas Lovelace. 

Vice Chair Byron called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 

MINUTES: The draft minutes from August 6 were approved as distributed. 

TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported that the current balance was $775 with one outstanding check for $125 for the Community Garden Fence.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that a 12 tent homeless camp on West Haywood near the Boy Scouts was given a 7 day notice and moved and Christina Tugman with the Homeless Initiative will ask DOT to clean up the flotsam. There have also been extra patrols on Jefferson. Sean thanked the residents for calling in suspicious people and taking pictures. AnnaBeth thanked him for the extra patrols. Sean reported one car break in and vandalism under the Jeff Bowen Bridge. He also reported a traffic detail responding to RADBA complaints about speeding cars and not stopping for pedestrians on Depot Street and issued 11 citations.(mostly for seatbelt violations.)  Byron reported a conversation with Mrs. Crisp about 'ladies' waiting in the garden to be picked up by their johns. 

WATCH FOR ME CROSSWALK CAMPAIGN: Rachel has some information about the banner.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that the first harvest was in and a Corn Feast was celebrated on August 25th. Thanks to Rebecca for planting, growing, harvesting, cleaning, cooking, and serving the delicious fruit of our garden. (Is corn a fruit?) As many as six people had plots in the first planting: Joe, Byron, Rebecca, AnnaBeth, Lance and Meg. Mrs. Crisp originally was opposed to the idea of the garden but she wants to tend a plot next time. Next meeting we will talk about fall planting and wintering over.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS:  Joe reported that the Garden Club had uncovered the stone wall on Jefferson, mulched the Sunny Cultural Garden at Owens-Bell Park. (Thanks Pattiy for getting the mulch.)  Cleared the vegetation around the Power Pole at Knoxville and West Haywood.(Thanks Helen!) and Cleared the fence at the top of the hill on Hilliard (up to the yellow Jackets nest!) We also cleared the overgrowth at the southeast corner of Hilliard and West Haywood to improve visibility and to create a path where the sidewalk ends. Joe noted that a lot of mowing had been noticed along the east side of Hilliard, the north side of West Haywood and even on Roberts Street. AnnaBeth reported that the end of Jefferson was being maintained. She thinks roundup has been used behind All Souls Pizza. 

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES:  Luke has a supply of gravelly debris from Yarrow Place that may find a use elsewhere. He also reported that Stan was doing okay . He observed that parking was a bit wild at the end of Clingman Place. Luke noted that Tracie's place as boarded up. Byron noted that Mr. Crisp was doing better. AnnaBeth is also doing better.

MASTER PLANNING: Joe reported that the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (on which he serves) will conduct a workshop on neighborhood planning on November 7th. (Time and place TBA) A new City Planning Director Todd Okolichany has been hired effective September 8 and in January the city will begin updating of the Comprehensive Plan. (2025 Plan)  The workshop will help neighborhoods develop their own master plans and prepare them to be included in the updated comprehensive plan.    Also the Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours every 3^rd Thursday from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at City Hall, 5^th floor for information about Form Based Code or other river issues.   

TRANSIT BUFFERING: Marjorie emailed Yuri about a new cement fuel tank at Transit across from her house on Park Avenue requesting a green screen/live evergreen landscape trees and shrubs around and asked about the MD plan to move Transit.

NEWSLETTER: Suggested articles include: Community Garden; RADTIP/Form Based Code; New Construction: Jefferson, Trade, Yarrow; Halloween?

WECAN MAILING LIST: last newsletter we mailed 66 paper copies to residents for whom we do not have an email address and now it is time to check and update the list. Byron will do a shout out on FaceBook.

LIVINGSTON COMPLETE STREETS IMPROVEMENTS: The goal of the project is to make the street safe and comfortable for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. Asheville residents were invited to an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. September 3 at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center to hear more about the project and give input. 

PARTNER NEIGHBORHOODS: Byron met Shavonda Harper from Walton Street and was talking about the problems they were having with the Walton Street Pool: being closed most of the summer, pump problems and charging $3 admission. She asked about approaching NGO's such as Green Opportunities to possible develop vouchers or to partner to get needs taken care of. Luke thought that Parks and Recreation was doing an assessment of all the city pools. Without objection Byron will continue talking about working on infrastructure and will email Marsha.

WECAN PLANNING: Joe noted the major concerns in the next four months are: September: work on Mailing list, October: plan Halloween/Harvest Social, November publish Newsletter and December General Membership meeting and election.

The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER:

September 4        Clips and Beer at Pack Square Park 7-830   

September 8        Community Garden Group 6 pm

September 9         Garden Club     2 pm mulching garden at Owens-Bell Park

                            RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

September 10      City Council Candidates Forum 6 pm ay YWCA

September 14      Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods Meeting 7 pm Oakley Community Center

September 15      Community Garden Group 6 pm

September 16      Garden Club     2 pm

                            RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

September 17      Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours 3–5 pm at City Hall, 5^th floor   

September 18      Time Capsule returned to Vance Monument

September 19      Asheville Housing Fair 10-2 Stephens-Lee recreation Center

September 21      Edible Park Work Day 5-7 pm

September 22      Community Garden Group 6 pm

September 23      Garden Club     2 pm

                           RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm 

September 29      Community Garden Group 6 pm  

September 30      Garden Club     2 pm

                            RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

October 1            Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm  

                            Fridays    8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios

WECAN August 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting August 6, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery and Pattiy Torno. Board Members not present were Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance,  Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.  Also present were: CRO Sean Davis and Marsha Stickford. 

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. 

MINUTES: The draft minutes from June 4 were approved as distributed. TREASURERS REPORT: Byron relayed information from AnnaBeth that there was no change from last month.

EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT: Rachel attended part of the meeting on July 18. Development comes with challenges and opportunities. Some suggestions are adding housing and density bonuses. Marsha added that they took the information and will put it into goals. The philosophy is that development should benefit everybody--not just developers and we need to look for strategies that other communities have tried .for different areas of the city. The report from the sponsoring EPA is pending with action plans for each area. (One attendee's notes are attached.)

WATCH FOR ME CROSSWALK CAMPAIGN: The purpose is to make people (drivers and pedestrians) aware of crosswalk safety. Be warned that increased enforcement will occur in the next weeks beginning with warnings and leading up to ticketing--even jaywalkers in September. (Look to the Projects Page on the city website for details.) A request to place a banner at the corner of Clingman and Hilliard. It was approved by consensus lacking only the exact location and how to proceed.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Floree noted a traffic problem on Depot Street in the sharp curve near the Glen Rock which makes traffic go into the oncoming lane. Pattiy noted that in the next few years the RADTIP included complete streets from Depot to Livingston to Victoria.  Floree also asked about Clingman Avenue extension. Pattiy reported that it would become one way from Ferguson towards the Clingman Cafe with parking on both sides (but not on the sidewalk). Also that Roberts Street would become one way from Lyman to the Traffic Circle.  Sean reported a break in at the Grey Eagle and several vehicles broken into on Clingman Extension, Avenue, and Depot Street in June and July. He noted that the Traffic Unit was stepping up patrol on Depot. There is a new program called "Walk with a Cop." The new division Commander will determine the exact route but probably will include South. French Broad, the Grant Center  and may include Clingman or Roberts St. The idea is for neighbors to come out and point out problems or just ask questions. A recent "Walk" was dome from Montford to Hillcrest.  The tentative date will be Tuesday August 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Pattiy reported some problems she has been having with drug use, trespassing and vandalism on her property. Byron noted the problems with parking near the Bywater. Sean reported that Asheville's new Police Chief had the Department Reaccredited. Chief Hooper was beginning some reorganizing and Sean did not yet have details on the Neighborhood Enhancement Team or the Community Services Section. Marsha noted that when the new District Commander was in place they would come to one of our meetings. (Sean recently returned from a hiking and backpacking vacation to Iceland to see the volcanoes and hot springs.)

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES:  Joe relayed that a vacant lot on Girdwood recently was purchased for $100,000 with plans to build a house. He also reported that Luke's house on Yarrow Place was now roofed. Floree remembered when those houses were built and Mr. Yarrow made and dried the concrete bricks for them. Byron reported a new satyr sculpture at Hanger Hall. Pattiy reported a pregnancy at Curve Studios and her first apple pie from her apple tree. Marsha reported that the sagging fence on Hilliard was getting fixed soon. Chad Bandy found that it was part of the sidewalk project. Joe reported that construction was underway on Club/Trade Street across from Park Avenue. Byron wants people to pick up after their dogs all over the neighborhood.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that The Urban Agriculture group had completed an assessment questionnaire. The first harvests included: tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, eggplants, collards, carrots, cucumbers, beans,. Joe noted that it was hard to picture the volume of the harvest since small amounts were taken out over several weeks and not big bushels all at once.

MASTER PLANNING: Marsha is working on getting CAN and NAC together to present a workshop for neighborhoods to create their own neighborhood plans. The planning department is setting up what information they need and what form it will take to become part of the 2025 Comprehensive plan update. She also noted that new Planning Director Todd Okolichany  has been hired effective September 8 and that Alan Glines will be Assistant Planning Director.

DUKE SUBSTATION: Marsha noted that planning needs to develop rules and standards for buffers at utilities and sub-stations.   

NEW BELGIUM BREWERY: Joe, Rachel, Pattiy and Marsha attended the Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable where the plan to reduce truck traffic on Haywood Road was explained. Craven Street is now completely open.

TRAFFIC CALMING ON HILLIARD: Marsha will forward the City Traffic Calming Policy to Rachel.

PATTON PLACE APARTMENTS: Joe reported a proposed apartment complex on Patton Avenue between Clingman Avenue and Pearl Street which will be four stories tall and include 116 apartments, and a pool and self contained parking in the rear(off Pearl Street) One concern is the traffic load on both ends of Pearl Street may be a problem. In the next two years the sidewalk on Patton will be closed and the trees on Patton and a very large one on Pearl will be lost.

RAD FORM BASED CODE: Some who attended the charrette felt that it did not look good for community or artists and a lot of high end residential was expected and that artists didn't want very tall buildings. Pattiy explained the flaw in the question to artists about wanting to live there. She observed that it was a good reality check and many findings were correct but it won't make everybody happy. She believes that 'live-work' has worked elsewhere and is the way to go. She also observed that there will be no development in some areas because of the cost of pile driving foundations in the flood zone and only building two stories high with parking below.. 

CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: Marsha reported  that some action is happening about moving the Parks Maintenance Facility and a new RFP would come out soon. Pattiy noted that TIGER VII money was allocated and did have an expiration date. RADTIP construction will begin in the Fall of 2017 and the city will begin land acquisition in September.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: The event was held at Pack Square Park (aka City-County Plaza) this year. It went well. It could have used more information booths and Splashville was broken

SIMPLI-CITY Marsha reported that SIMPLI CITY is live now. It replaces MapAsheville and is geographic information based.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

   

   August 8        5K Marathon passing through WECAN should be done by 9:30

   August 8        Riverlink RiverFest Anything that Floats  FBR Park 1-7 pm

   August 4       Community Garden Group 6 pm

   August 5        Garden Club     2 pm mulching garden at Owens-Bell Park

                        RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

   August 11      Community Garden Group 6 pm

   August 12      Garden Club     2 pm

                        RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

   August 18     Community Garden Group 6 pm

   August 19      Garden Club     2 pm

                       RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm 

   August 22      GreenWorks The Big Sweep    10 am

   August 24      Community Garden Group 6 pm  

   August 25      Garden Club     2 pm

                       RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm

 September 3    Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm  

 September 4   New Belgium CLIPS Beer and Film Tour Pack Square Park 7 pm

 Fridays    8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios

    

WECAN PLANNING: Joe noted the major concerns in the next four months are: September: work on Mailing list, October: plan Halloween/Harvest Social, November publish Newsletter and December General Membership meeting and election.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Joe reported that the Garden Club had completed Rector at Hilliard over two weeks in June. In July they tackled the Sign Garden and across Hilliard at the car lot. and began weeding at Owens Bell Park. They were rained out once and did a walk through to create a task list all around the area. The garden club boasts a new member from the South French Broad Neighborhood and may have recruited a resident of Owens-Bell Lane who works nights.

WECAN June 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting June 4, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were: Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, and Rachel Larson. Board Members not present were Byron Ballard,  Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance, Floree Lowery, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford. 

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. 

MINUTES: The draft minutes were approved with a correction about the General Membership meeting: moved due to rain. TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported no activity. Current balance is $624.22.

APD/CRO UPDATE: The police department will have a new Chief as of July 20. Tammy Hooper. There was nothing critical to report. Lucas did respond to a call from Jefferson about prostitution and to one from Merritt Park about panhandlers. Jessie reported a couple of people set up a tent behind her house on Meeker property. Rachel reported a suspicious couple she has seen more than once parked near Hanger Hall. Since there will be no WECAN meeting in July Joe asked about National Night Out which is usually the first Tuesday in August. Marsha reported that it would be from 5:30 to 7:30 at Pack Square Park and she would send more info when she has it. Joe reported a bad parking situation on Pearl Street across from Aston Park. There is also a new Public Information Officer using the APD Face Book Page.

FORM BASED CODE: Rachel heard from Sasha Vertunski that an introductory public meeting was set for the evening of June 18 at the Grant Center. Also she wants to meet with a smaller focus group from 11:30-12:30. Marsha will send out a flyer.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Rachel took a photo of a cowboy, dog and chicken for a scavenger hunt. Joe saw a cedar tree at Hanger Hall being carved with a chainsaw into a sculptural column. Marsha said the sculpture was being assembled at the old Ice House property. Jessie wants everyone to know she is fine. She took a fall downtown and was taken to the hospital but nothing could explain the fall. Luke is working this summer on a design-build project of a portable stage for L.E.A.F. and in his spare time working on his house. (work day this Sunday June 7 at 10)

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that the fence was completed and that most of the beds were planted. He was contacted by Hope Hanselman from WLOS who had seen him in an article in the Mountain Xpress last year on guerilla gardening. He explained that the Community Garden was legal and that the Garden club really did guerilla maintenance. They shot some video and want to come back for the social to show the growth.of the garden. Rachel reported a special request from Charlie Lance: Please don't step on the corn seeds.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL: The community gardeners want to celebrate the full planting and have settled on Fathers Day Eve: Saturday June 20th at the community garden with an ice cream social, and garden tours, and general membership meeting reports. The time was set at 3-5 pm to avoid spoiling mealtimes. Marsha may get a fire truck to attend.   

ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS: Marsha advised that Darcel Eddings with Urban Agriculture Group doinf an assessment of community gardens in the city. She will be in contact with community gardeners to discuss what they all have a lot in common. She will ask about what they need, how they run, how people are sustaining them, and then sharing that information. Its co-sponsored by Asheville Green Works, Green Opportunities, Burton Street and the Residents Council.  

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Joe reported that the Garden Club had completed the fencing at the community garden and some of the knotweed on Hilliard. In June the target areas are Rector Triangle at Hilliard, Owens-Bell Park, and the rest of the Park Square wall at Roberts Street. The first half filled some of the garden beds. Joe noted that the grass strip had been mowed all the way to the new stop sign.

UPDATES: Marsha announced an event at the Grant Center on June 14 with lots of activities for children and a fundraiser for RADBA community youth art class scholarships.

MASTER PLANNING: Marsha is working on getting CAN and NAC together to work on the 2025 plan to address neighborhood planning. She has a meeting with the planning department to look at models for a workshop setting the context of what is needed for  the comprehensive plan. There is still no planning director in place.

CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: They have worked out the easement with the middle school and have 2 more easements in the works. However it looks like construction won't begin until the fall-of 2017 due to the desire to hire a single contractor to build the Clingman Forest, Duke and Town Branch Greenways

EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT: Marsha announced a public meeting with experts on June 16 at 6 pm at the Grant Center. Equitable Development is the next step of EOTR. It is to address concerns about development with the goal to extend the benefits of development to the community. It includes tools and ideas such as a community benefit agreement, hiring a percentage of local contractors, using Asheville GO to train workers. Also city staff and city council will received training from the EPA on how to implement values based planning.

DUKE SUBSTATION: Marsha attended the meeting with 250 Isaac Dickson parents. Duke convinced attendees that there was very little risk from wave energy. Now they are concerned with explosions and electrocutions. Duke has purchased three properties in the city: one is next to Dickson, one is at Asheland and Hilliard at the old Hayes and Lunsford and the third is at the old Mathews Ford on Biltmore Ave.  The third was put on hold for social justice reasons in conflict with the funding for the redevelopment of Lee Walker Heights. So Dickson is on the back burner for now and the focus will be on Asheland Ave. A new consideration is that there is no language in the UDO about placement of utilities near residential areas. Planning department is working on guidelines for screening, etc. The South French Broad neighborhood is so concerned that some property owners are requesting a zoning change to Central Business District so they can have short term rentals. Concerns should be addressed to the Mayor.   

DAVE STEEL: Changes have removed the live/work spaces, there is less office space, and parking and only one building 5 stories tall with a windowless wall across from the Café. Still discussing making the roads one way.

GRAFFITI FESTIVAL: Lucas announced the second annual graffiti festival celebrating the history and culture of graffiti June 5,6 and 7. Friday concert: Ships in the Night; Saturday 7-9 A the Moth light and Sunday all day at Sky Lanes 1477 Patton Ave. Last year there were no problems or increase in vandalism.

ASHEVILLE IN MOTION: Marsha updated that they are putting information together and are planning an August Plan Release Event. TBA.

HALF MARATHON: Lucas will be working from 6:15 to noon with rolling traffic stoppages on Riverside.

STEPHENS-LEE/VANCE MONUMENT: Celebrations this Saturday June 6 at Stephens Lee from 10-2 and at the Vance Monument at 2 pm.

NO MEETING IN JULY:

The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

   

    June 6        Half Marathon rolling closures on Riverside before noon    

    June 6        Stephens Lee Dedication 10-2

    June 6        Vance Monument Rededication 2 pm Pack Square Park   

    June 5,6,7   2nd Annual Graffiti Festival

    June 9         Community Garden Group 6 pm

    June 10       Garden Club     2 pm

    June 16       Community Garden Group 6 pm

    June 17       Garden Club     2 pm

    June 18       Form Based Code Public meeting @ Grant Center in evening and Focus group 1130-1230 

    June 20       Ice Cream Social 3-5 at Community Garden

    June 23       Community Garden Group 6 pm

    June 24       Garden Club     2 pm

    June 30       Community Garden Group 6 pm  

    July 1          Garden Club     2 pm

    July 16        Equitable Development Public Meeting TBA

    August 4     National Night Out 530-730 Pack Square Park

    August 6     Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm 

WECAN May 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting May 7, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Rebecca Lance and Rachel Larson. Board Members not present were  Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, , Floree Lowery, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: CRO Sean Davis, Sgt Evan Coward and Marsha Stickford. 

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. 

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Meeko is a cat missing from Keely and Blake's. Joe relayed that Eric Bradford suggested nominating the huge maple at the north end of the Community Garden  area as a Treasure Tree.(It comes with no protection just recognition and honorific.) AnnaBeth noted that grading had begun on Jefferson. They were trying but unable to contact the Pepsi Billboard folks about landfill there. Joe noted that Bill and Marianna Bailey--who helped WECAN with visioning in the late 1990's were being honored as Asheville Living Treasures later this month. Also that Jessie Coleman was among the first so honored.  

Rachel reported that Curbie had a hydraulic accident that sprayed oil on a house on Park Square.

MINUTES: The draft minutes were approved as distributed. TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported no activity. Current balance is $624.22.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that graffiti was diminishing. There had been an arrest of a violator at Riverlink. Prostitution--especially near S. French Broad Ave, was getting a green light and response from Vice and outreach was showing some success in getting help to sex workers. A Police Chief Candidates Meet and Greet will be held at UNCA's Wilma Sherrill Center on Monday May 18  from 5-6 and At 6 p.m., following the meet and greet, candidates will make presentations on a pre-determined subject.  Community members will have the opportunity to offer feedback on candidates through comment cards.  The feedback will be considered in the selection process. Candidates will be announced by May 13. Joe reported two chain link fences broken. One on Roberts St side of the Dave Steel property and one that Rachel noted at the north end of the Melk Property. Marsha contacted DOT about that one and they claimed it was on private property. Marsha suggested keeping a count of the trash cleaned up and the police responses to campers in preparation of a report to the N.C.D.O.T. She also announced there is a new Homeless Coordinator: Christina Tugman.  There was loud noise reported and controlled at the recent River Music concert. Rachel asked how to find out what's happening around the area. A reminder that there is a noise ordinance in effect 24 hours with special emphasis from 11 pm- 7 am.

SPRING FLING: Saturday April 11 was a beautiful and windy day. A handful of people came by and on one hour helped carry soil from the driveway to fill the 4 new raised beds. Joe got the soil donated by Green Works after helping them plant the Apple Orchard at Hillcrest.

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Joe reported that the Garden Club had mowed the unclaimed grass strip at the new stop sign and trimmed and weeded the sign garden and the hedges across the street.

CITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP APRIL 18, FROM 10-2 PM: Joe reported that 4 volunteers spent 7 hours helping to collect a total of 18 bags of trash and recycling from 2 campsites. ( Melk area and across from the sign garden.) and clear storm drains between Clingman Avenue and Park Avenue.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY :The quarterly litter pick up for Clingman Avenue was set for this Saturday May 9 at 8:00 AM. Meet at the sign garden. Joe will bring vests and bags. (Other events scheduled around this Saturday include an all day bicycle criterion at South Slope, River Arts District Studio Stroll and New Belgium concrete pour at 3 am.)

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that waivers were signed, sections were fenced, raised beds were planted, notes of meetings were kept. Regular meetings have been happening on Tuesdays at 6 pm at the Garden. Marsha asked to keep good records and at the right time (Check back in September) a report or article could go onto the city blog.  

COMMUNITY GARDEN FUNDING: AnnaBeth noted that some expenses were made to get things going and questioned whether WECAN treasury funds should be used to reimburse those expenses. She noted that some people have made donations in kind and did not expect to be reimbursed. She noted that the treasury funds has not been allocated and asked if some could be earmarked for the Community Garden. So far expenses were for the wire fence $125 and paint $70? Since WECAN signed the agreement for the community garden it is an authorized project. Therefore if people want to donate that is great but if they do not want to give money how can we keep it inclusive? Joe's concern was that the treasury should not be a blank check for anyone to spend in the garden. From now on expenses should be discussed and proposed for the whole board before they are made. Byron suggested the garden committee should create a budget as good non-profit procedure. Some in kind contributions received so far include wood, compost and soil from Lance, flowers and spinners from Byron, a composter from Liz Ridley, tomato plants from Pete Bassett, pallets from Hunter Volvo, wire fencing from Patrick Pearson and topsoil from Green Works. AnnaBeth suggested a sign in recognition of the work put in by Byron and Joe. She moved that the garden committee can bring budget proposals to the board  for consideration. The motion passed. She also moved that the board approve the reimbursement of some portion of funds submitted by invoice for expenses made to date. That motion passed. Next AnnaBeth suggested there be a name for the garden to honor those who have given so much time and effort. Byron moved to name it the Queen Carson Community Peace Garden after the first female principal in Asheville of the Park Avenue School which was the site where Transit is now located. The motion passed. Next came the question of signage. Marsha will have more information about neighborhood signage at the June meeting. This topic was tabled until then.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The required second general membership meeting was set for Thursday June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Garden. (coincident with the Board Meeting). 

NO MEETING IN JULY: It was moved to cancel the July 2 regular board meeting. The motion passed. 

BLOCK JESSIES: This was the system for communicating with all parts of the neighborhood but there are gaps in coverage. 

TRAFFIC CALMING: Marsha outlined the process in place for speed humps: first apply, then sign petition of 60% then transportation does a study to determine the number of cars and speeds over that posted. There is also consideration by the fire department and budget. Last year there were 26 requests  Several did not meet criteria but two were funded this year. Marsha will forward a copy of the policy to Rachel to address issues of increased traffic, speeding, crosswalks, mirrors, traffic studies and sidewalks needed linkages. She also encouraged reporting of buses seen speeding. It takes bus number, time of day and direction for transit to investigate. Marsha will get the number for reporting. Liz at Park Square thanked for the 'no-outlet' sign. AnnaBeth wants a sidewalk on Roberts Street prior to a pedestrian fatality. Marsha suggested consideration of a letter to Cathy Ball. 

MASTER PLANNING: Marsha noted that Alan Glines had spoken at a recent CAN meeting about neighborhood plans. This spiked interest and a Request For Proposals  was being put out for a new comprehensive plan(like the 2025 plan) to ultimately update the UDO.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Marsha reported that as a follow-up to the Gentrification Study there would be a 2 day workshop in June on Equitable Development. A WECAN representative was needed. She noted that planning staff had been reduced more than half and were really trying to get values driven development.

NEW BELGIUM BREWING: Marsh announced that Craven Street Paving was set to begin this week fro Waynesville Ave north to Hazel Mill Rd and then closing from Waynesville Ave south to Haywood Road.

CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: Marsha will have a status update for the June 4 meeting.

SHORT TERM RENTALS: Marsha reported that City Council was set to consider this at their May 12 meeting.  They may change the Home-stay rules allowing smaller houses and getting clear registrations for home-stays. Short Term Rentals are now legal in the central business district but only 30 day rentals allowed elsewhere in the city. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

   

    May 9          8 am Adopt A Highway Clean up

                        River Arts District Studio Stroll

    May 10        Mothers Day

    May 12        Community Garden Group 6 pm

    May 13        Garden Club     2 pm

    May 18        Police Chief Candidates Meet and Greet UNCA 5-7

    May 19        Community Garden Group 6 pm

    May 20        Garden Club     2 pm

    May 26        Community Garden Group 6 pm

    May 27        Garden Club     2 pm

    June 2          Community Garden Group 6 pm  

    June 3          Garden Club     2 pm

    June 4          Next WECAN BOARD Meeting and General Membership meeting 6:30 pm at the Jefferson Community Garden

WECAN April 2015 Board Meeting • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting April 2, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle and Rachel Larson. Board Members not present were  Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance, Floree Lowery, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: Dr. Jim Biddle, CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford. 

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. 

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: AnnaBeth reported Lance is planning a large yard sale on April 10 and 11 others are invited to join in. Byron noted some fun poultry guests. Rachel has some leftover fencing. Jim Biddle announced that his wife was expecting a baby in October. He is planning to build a house at the end of Park Avenue and a clinic/store/yoga studio on the eastern half of the lot on the north east corner of Hilliard and Clingman set back 10 feet with a courtyard. Rachel saw some surveying activity on Girdwood and noted some short term rental activity near Park Square. She asked about the crumbling wall removed from Floree's place and Marsha said it was being taken care of.  

MINUTES: The draft minutes were approved as distributed. TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported no activity. Current balance is $624.22.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Lucas reported that there was a break-in at 11 Club Street in the last two weeks and a couple of car break ins and one stolen vehicle from Roberts Street (which was unlocked with the keys inside) It was later recovered at Livingston. He also reported someone fatally fell off the Riverlink Bridge onto Riverside Drive last weekend. Graffiti is increasing. Some was noted at the Park Avenue stop sign and sidewalk as well as the Boy Scout building. Marsha encouraged anyone to report graffiti when you see it and use the Asheville Ap. Rachel reported seeing a graffiti covered box truck riding around and selling spray paint. Lucas also noted that with the weather improvement there is increasing transient activity. He moved some from behind 14 Riverside Drive.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: With great ceremony the Agreement for a Pilot Community Garden was signed by President Rachel after two years of negotiations. Joe reviewed the main points: the CITY will not provide any funding; will approve plans for the year; will provide some parking at Transit and remove trash.  WECAN will acquire and provide planting materials, regular maintenance, conduct orientation regarding safety and guidelines and assure that anyone working on site must sign a waiver of liability. Interested parties have met three times they included Byron, Joe, Rebecca, Lyn Player and Brian Newport and Tina from Park Ave. AnnaBeth and Lance also committed to take care of one of the ten-by-ten plots. The proposal was for 8-10 ten by ten plots. So far we are planning half to be a group effort (such as the childrens garden, perennial garden, compost area and annual garden) and half will be individual efforts. They will need to be fenced to keep out groundhogs. Joe has priced some fencing  at about $125 to cover about half the plots. Byron noted that Rose, the new Director of Transit was excited about being involved in the community. Lyn is interested in using the stored granite curbstones to build steps to the site. Rachel suggested considering using Labor Ready, Lyn said Evergreen has volunteer days that can help dig out or construct a raised bed. Marsha recommended Eric Bradford as a resource and Pattiy had used Warren Wilson students to install stones at Owens Bell Park. Joe noted promised donations of trees and vegetables ready to go in. Next meeting will be Sunday April 12 at 3 pm.

SPRING FLING: Saturday April 11, the date set at the last meeting, is fast approaching. The time was set for 2-5 pm.  AnnaBeth is looking forward to connecting with new neighbors. Transit wanted a Community Open House day that could have been combined but their best day is on a Sunday. We will schedule one later. AnnaBeth will create a flyer. She will post on Jefferson and Park. Rachel will take on Park Square, Club and West Haywood. She said that email works best for the Lofts. Byron observed that we don't have a good connection on Clingman Ave. AnnaBeth noted that personal invitation was very effective for getting her involved. Activities for the event could include a fire pit, table for snacky pot luck, hors d'oeuvres, new garden tours, ceremonial new planting, time capsule, children's games (Rebecca and Lyn?), sangria, kite flying, egg toss, three legged races, spring bonnet show, dog show. (See flyer for details.) 

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Scott at MHO came to Joe and asked for suggestions of plants for the rhomboid shape between the sidewalk and Clingman Avenue. He wanted to buy the plants and have a community event with the planting. Marsha noted that there is a list of plants approved by the city. She will forward the list to Joe.  Pattiy is working on a two year plan for the area between Grey Eagle and the traffic Circle. They are spraying the rocks in the roundabout and may have planted the daffodils. Byron will follow up on the spraying. Pattiy is sponsoring part of the mowing and maintenance.  Garden Club Wednesdays have met twice. The workdays so far have cleared the weeds and leaves from the Sign garden and from Owens Bell Park. Joe announced that Garden Club Wednesdays would continue on April 8, 15 and 29 at 2 p.m. Locations will be community garden, then hedges at Clingman and Hilliard and then along Hilliard. Jefferson looks ok.

CITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP APRIL 18, FROM 10-2 PM: We coordinate volunteers to pick up trash in public areas and clear storm drains. Joe will be the coordinator and pick up the supplies. Marsha noted at 1 pm at Azalea Park ribbon cutting and ABYSSA was releasing 1000 rubber duckies as a fund raiser. WECAN volunteers will meet at the new Community Garden at the corner of Jefferson and West Haywood at 10 AM. Green Works advises to wear long pants and long sleeve shirts and closed toe shoes and gloves. Focus is on public areas and may extend to DOT, Naegle or Hunter. We may ask for donations from them. 

MASTER PLANNING: Marsha noted Stephanie has created a new Riverfront Office to coordinate all the teams and plans and grants and initiatives. We have not identified our number one priority need.  It may be time to invite her to a meeting to remind her of our area.  No new planning director has been hired yet. Rachel has been going to Riverfront redevelopment meetings, some of which have been very interesting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

    April 8           Garden Club Wednesdays 2 pm Community Garden    

    April 10-11   Jefferson Drive Yard Sale (see flyer)

    April 11        WECAN Spring Fling 2-5 pm

    April 15        Garden Club Wednesdays 2 pm Clingman and Hilliard

    April 18        City Wide Clean Up 10-2 pm

    April 29        Garden Club Wednesdays 2 pm Hilliard

    May 7           Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm at 64 Clingman Avenue

    May 10         Mothers Day

WECAN March 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting March 5, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson and Floree Lowery. Board Members not present were Byron Ballard, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis.  Also present was: CRO Sean Davis. 

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. 

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: AnnaBeth reported that the dog barking problem had been elegantly solved by frosting the lower portion of the window. New Jefferson neighbors include Blair, Keeley and 2 year old Jane. Also due to recent property exchanges she was able to re-finance her home (again.) Rebecca noted that the storm water pipe moving was complete. Joe reported that the variance requested by Luke for the house on Yarrow Place was approved and now Luke is applying for permits. AnnaBeth corrected the previous minutes with Jeff Carnivale off the board. Joe observed that the board can fill a vacancy until the next General Membership Meeting. Bring suggestions to the next meeting. Outreach was suggested to the new neighbors on Park Avenue and on Jefferson.

MINUTES: The draft minutes were approved as distributed. TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported no activity.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that the last 30 New Belgium Tanks would be arriving March 16-19 taking a route from I-40 to I240 to Amboy Road to Lyman Street to Roberts St across the Riverlink Bridge to Craven Street. Joe added that the vessels are 55 feet tall and they hope to move 10 per day. Sean also noted that regarding prostitution the police were targeting hookers as well as johns and especially looking at repeat offenders. He also reported that there have been several vehicle break ins in the area of lower Clingman and Roberts St. One suspect who was caught said they tried vehicles all along Clingman but on the upper end they were found to be locked. He also reported that there seems to be no recent activity only debris at campsites near Melk Drive.  Rachel noted seeing a red tent near the Riverlink property. AnnaBeth asked about an article she read in the paper about felony prostitution charges. Sean explained there are two charges that can be made: soliciting and loitering--both misdemeanor. However, a new development says that three charges in a six month period will equal a felony prostitution charge.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: The previously scheduled date was called off due to the weather. The next date is rescheduled for Thursday March 12 at 9:30 a.m.(weather permitting, of course.)

FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBORHOODS: WORKSHOPS:  Joe reminded Rachel to reply to the Neighborhood Advisory Committee that WECAN would be represented. They wanted an idea of how many would attend. The program includes two workshops from the following six: 1-  Development and Sustenance of a Neighborhood Newsletter  2-The Circle Forward Governance Program  3- Fundraising for Neighborhoods    4-Preventing Crime in Your Neighborhood  5-Creating a Vision for Your Neighborhood and 6- Citizens Police Advisory Council. The program begins at 2 pm on Sunday March 15 at AB Tech. The workshops will run until 3:45 and then refreshments and networking until 4:30. Joe will be there on behalf of NAC and will bring the WECAN Tri-fold display.  Rachel will RSVP for three. More can come if available. 

COMMUNITY GARDEN: The first meeting of the Community Gardeners was held at MHO due to weather on Sunday February 15. Joe, Byron, Rebecca and Lyn attended. Byron posted the minutes on Face Book.  Joe made a planning grid to get an idea of where to plant and also to address the concerns for open space that children use. He emphasized that as a pilot project we wanted to include all kinds of ideas. So the proposal for ten plots would be assigned as five for individual plots (there are about 5 people interested ) and five for group efforts such as a children's garden, compost area, pollinator/wildflower garden and nursery to provide stock for other WECAN plantings. Joe will meet with Marsha and Risk Management at Transit on March 17 at 1:30 to finalize the details of the Maintenance Agreement Amendment. The second Gardeners meeting is re-scheduled for Sunday March 15 at 5:30 on site.(Weather permitting.)  

ASHEVILLE DESIGN CENTER: Rachel reported that a proposal was made for a portable cover and stage platform for the area next to All Souls Pizza/RAD farmers market, but it was not selected.

GREEN OPPORTUNITIES: Rachel reported that they are having pop-up dinners on Thursdays at the Eddington Center. Not sure about details.(or what pop-up means.)      

GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Joe announced that Garden Club Wednesdays would begin again on March 11, 18, 25 and 4/1. at 2 p.m. Locations to be determined. Suggestions welcome.

ASHEVILLE IN MOTION: The drop in charettes are set for 9-5 Tuesday-Friday March 10-13 with a summation at 10-12 on Saturday March 14. Location is the Renaissance Hotel.

OTHER: Sean announced that EWANA called a meeting about Short Term Rentals on March 30. Joe attended a forum put on by the Chamber last month. He explained that there was general agreement that there needs to be some rules and guidelines, but no significant opposition was made. There were concerns expressed about potential abuses and impact on neighborhoods. Floree had a problem tenant on Rector Street. She also reported a problem on her property that the city threatened to fine her about a stone wall that was leaning towards the sidewalk. Then they took away the stones and never came back to seed the slope with grass. Jessie noted the passing recently of 96 year old Carrie May Briggs who used to live on Clingman Place.

The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

    April 2           Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm at 64 Clingman Avenue

    April 11        WECAN Spring Fling

    April 18        Asheville Green Works City Wide Clean Up Day