East of the Riverway Day- Thurs, Sept 13

Hello Neighbors.

As part of the City of Asheville's planning initiative related to the East of the Riverway, there will be a neighborhood day to share information and updates about what is going on in each community that is part of this effort.  These neighborhoods include Hillcrest, WECAN, River Arts District, Lee Walker Heights, South French Broad, and Southside. See below for information about the event.  WECAN will be making a presentation about our neighborhood, and what we would like to see happen.  Please email Luke W. Perry (lukewperry@yahoo.com) if you would like to help or have any input. 

Party for the People

Potluck and General Membership Meeting: Thursday, Aug, 2

Please join us on Thursday, August 2 from 6-8 pm for our neighborhood potluck and 2012 general membership meeting.  We will be gathering in Owens Bell Park, which is on Clingman Ave, next to Clingman Lofts.  There will be a brief meeting at the beginning, followed by food, fun, and all the craziness that your WECAN neighbors provide.  Please come and invite your neighbors!

So far, we have tomato + basil bruschetta, spinach lasagna, homemade salsa, and brownies committed.  What can you bring?  Please RSVP to lukewperry@yahoo.com or 828-335-7070.

Here is the draft agenda for the event:
5:00
    Set up tables and chairs and decorations
6:00 p.m. (sharp)
    1-Reading/approval of Minutes
    2-Summary of Board Activity
    3-Issues: Pedestrian concerns :Roberts St/W Haywood St
    4-D.O.T properties: proposing alternate uses (i.e  Community Gardens/Bike Skills Park,etc.)
    5-Future Development
6:15
    6-Crime/Safety Issues: National Night Out Tuesday August 7.
    7-Neighborhood Watch//Block Captains/Jessies
    8-New Belgium issues
    9-Fund Drive for Kiosk   
    10-Feedback: Bike Race, Concerts
    11-RADBA-Report 
    12-First steps to a Community Generated Neighborhood Plan for 2025.
6:30
    Food
7:00
    Games and Dancing
8:00
    Cleanup

French Broad Cycling Classic- Sun, July 22.

Hi Neighbors. The French Broad Cycling Classic will be held in our neighborhood this coming Sunday.  Please see the following information for the schedule and road closures.  Please come and check it this exciting event, and we hope it will provide minimum disruption to the neighborhood.

1)      The French Broad Cycling Classic 2012; Sunday July 22, 2012; Races start at 8:00am-end around 6:00pm; location River Arts District on the following closed roads:
Haywood-Eastbound, from the Traffic Circle to Clingman Ave.
Roberts St. south of the Traffic Circle to the intersection with Lyman/Depot/Clingman Ave.-Extension
Clingman Ave.-Extension south to the intersection with Lyman/Depot/Roberts
Roads will close @ 7:00am for setup and should be reopened by 6:30pm

2)       The French Broad Cycling Classic (FBCC) is a 3-day bicycle stage race (Omnium), directed at promoting amateur racing in the U.S.A., and traditionally occurs on the 3rd weekend of July. The FBCC is presented under the direction of the Asheville Bicycle Racing Club (ABRC), one of the oldest and most established amateur race clubs in the Southeast (founded in 1984). ABRC operates under sanction and license by USA Cycling, the official American cycling organization, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Cycling Union (UCI). USA Cycling is responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. ABRC is also sanctioned by the Carolina Cycling Association, which promotes amateur bicycle racing in North and South Carolina. The FBCC offers racers a 3-day Omnium (stage race) across 3 specific race disciplines (time trial, road race and criterium), attracting well over 500 racers from across an 8 state radius (NC, SC, VA, TN, KY, GA, AL, FL) with scores of others from across the U.S.A. The typical racer travels with spouse/significant others and many with families, combining the race weekend into a longer destination vacation here in the Land of the Sky. With professionals, national champions, rising junior and women’s racers in attendance, crowds are privileged to see some of the most competitive bicycling racing in the United States.

3)      We expect over 500 racers, competing in 10 categories of races throughout the day on Sunday. We also anticipate there will be another 1,000+ spectators.

Thank you,
Terry Wilson
Director of Marketing-French Broad Cycling Classic
Terry.L.Wilson@att.net
828-712-6835 (M)

www.frenchbroadcyclingclassic2012.com
www.abrc.net

WECAN July 2012 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN BOARD MEETING.  Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Merritt Park Meeting Room

Members present:  Mike Kenton, Joann Skinner, Luke W Perry, Annabeth Hardcastle.  Members not present were:  Jessie Coleman, Bret Frk, Pattiy Torno, Jessie Coleman, Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Jeff Carnivale, Tom Gibson and Suzanne Willis.  Also present were Patrick Willis, APD Officer Evan Coward, and City of Asheville Employees Jeff Moore, Barb Mee, and Marsha Stickford.

Luke called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.  Introductions were made.  Luke mentioned that fellow board member Brett Frk had a baby boy about two weeks ago. Luke also mentioned that Jimmy Smith, who lives on Club Street had a bad fall last week, and probably won’t make it through the weekend.  Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.  Accommodations are being made for all of the cats he took care of. Evan said he would check to see about some live traps to help transfer the cats to a no-kill animal shelter.

APD CRO UPDATE.  RiverMusic happened this past Friday without any major incidents.  Evan said that people need to know that dogs are not allowed.  Marsha mentioned that the city would like feedback if there are any issues from the neighborhood.  Joann asked about Gene Hampton’s house and people stealing chairs and tables from his porch.  Evan said that they weren’t able to find anything.  Mike reported a homeless camp across form the bus garage and said he did a ride along with Evan and encourages other people to do so.

TREASURER’S REPORT.   Annabeth has now gained access to our funds.  We have approximately $151 in our account, before the $100 from the Clingman Circle Celebration.  Luella (past treasurer) is still a signer on the checks in addition to Annabeth.  Annabeth suggested getting Joe’s name on there as well.

ROBERTS STREET UPDATE.  Jeff Moore, Traffic Engineer from the City of Asheville reported the results of the traffic count they did on Roberts St. between July 19-22.  Some of the results are:

·      Approximately 1,600 vehicles per day

·      Average speed is 26.9 mph (25 mph zone)

·      Highest speeds were 47-49 mph

Jeff said there will be another count soon to verify the data.  Annabeth requested the next count take place on a weekend.  Jeff described some next steps that could be used to help slow some of the traffic such as yellow reflectors in the middle of the road.  They generally agreed that speed bumps would not work because of the hill on Roberts St. (dangerous).  Jeff said he will look at other strategies to help with traffic calming.  Patrick asked if there was anyway to forecast or look at the trends in traffic to see what it might be look in a few years.  Jeff responded that they typically plan for a 3% increase, but that has not happened recently.  Jeff also acknowledged that growth is happening faster in River Arts District, than other places.

Barb Mee, Pedestrian and Bicycle Planner with the City of Asheville, described the process by which sidewalks become a priority.  There are a number of factors, including Zoning jurisdiction, proximity to community destinations, etc.  This data is plugged into GIS and helps rank priorities based on the 2005 pedestrian plan.  With the new traffic count numbers and other data, Roberts St is not ranked as a priority.  It was noted that Roberts St. is a needed linkage, and any new projects will have to install sidewalks on their property.  Marsha noted that with the uncertainty of a lot of the properties, it would be hard to commit to anything at this point. 

Luke raised the concern of how people have to walk in Roberts St, and even though our traffic count isn’t that high, that it only takes on car going 50 mph to have an accident.  Annabeth also reinforced how different our neighborhood is now than 3, 4, and 5 years ago, and all the energy and work going on by the river is going to need infrastructure improvements, and in order for the neighbors to feel safe, some changes are going to have to be made.  Marsha acknowledged the rapid pace of change in that area and for WECAN to look at building some partnerships with other local stakeholders to keep the issue present on the city’s radar screen and to make sure that the City is clear on what our needs are.

CITY OF ASHEVILLE + NC DOT.  Marsha reported that the City has been in conversation with the DOT about more flexible usage of DOT land in our neighborhood, including areas under the bridges, around the Hillcrest pedestrian bridge, and around Clingman Ave. They are looking at setting up easements for the city to manage access and maintenance of such spaces.  The general sense is that DOT is open to some new arrangements.  Mike asked Jeff about the potential of revisiting the idea of the Bike Park underneath the I-240 bridge.  Jeff acknowledged that originally DOT had said that the area with access road was off-limits, but that more recently they had said that they would be open to it if the city took responsibility for that area.  Jeff and Marsha acknowledged limited resources and problems with liability, etc.  They suggested we follow up with Stephanie Monson in Planning department, to look more holistically at the different planning efforts, and how WECAN can communicate what its hopes and goals in the midst of all the projects, ideas, and developments.  Barb mentioned that there will be an East of the Riverway transportation planning process that will be picking up steam soon and that we should get involved and stay involved in it. She also said that publicly thanking DOT for the work they are doing in our neighborhood goes a long way, and that the Clingman Circle Celebration was a great way of doing that.

CLINGMAN IMPROVEMENTS.  Joann mentioned that there are still two street lights out on Clingman Ave.  Evan said he would follow up on the light situation.  She also requested again to get more visibility for the bump outs.  Solutions include night reflectors and stripping around the bump outs.  Jeff said he would follow up on the bump outs and that the City should be able to take of it, instead of DOT.

CLINGMAN/HILLIARD PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL.  Barb Mee gave an update on the pedestrian signal that is supposed to be installed.  She was hoping to that it was 120 days away, but couldn’t say for sure.  At an earlier meeting, WECAN had requested a delay so pedestrians could start crossing before the cars turned.  She said that DOT has already designed the system and to put in the delay, it would have to be redesigned and the City would have to pay for it.  Barb acknowledged that it has been a steep learning curve.  Joann expressed frustration that this was not better planned during all the improvements to Clingman and that it still difficult to cross Clingman at Owens Bell Park because of the speed of cars.  Marsha acknowledged that the City didn’t follow through on some efforts to slow traffic around the cross walk, but will look back into it.  It was generally acknowledged that the Hilliard/Clingman intersection is dangerous and some bigger changes will have to take place in the future. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

§  Bike Rodeo @ Hillcrest.  Sat. July 7, 11-3 (volunteers needed, set up at 10)

§  Stand Against Racism Community Picnic. Monday, July 9, 6 - 8 pm at Aston Park

§  French Broad Cycling Classic:  Sunday, July 22 (Clingman, Roberts, and Haywood Rd will be closed, surrounding neighbors should be getting letters, notification)

§  New Belgium Community Meeting.  Wedneday, July 25.  Time tbd

§  WECAN community potluck:  Thursday, August 2, 6pm, Owens Bell Park

§  National Night Out.  Tuesday, Aug 7 @ 5pm.  Grant Southside Community Center

***Reminder that next month’s WECAN meeting will be a potluck at Owens Bell Park, on August 2, at 6 pm.  Please join us!

Juneteenth Celebration at Hillcrest

Please come out and join our neighbors across the interstate at Hillcrest Apartments for the Juneteenth Celebration, this coming Saturday, from 11-3.  This annual event commemorates the ending of Slavery on June 19th, 1865.

WECAN June 2012 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board on Thursday June 7, 2011 at Merritt Park Meeting Room

Members present: Byron Ballard, Jeff Carnivale,  Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen. Luke W. Perry and Joanne Skinner. Members not present were: Jessie Coleman, Bret Frk, Tom Gibson and Suzanne Willis. Also present were APD Officers Evan Coward, Sean Davis and Greg Latcham, Otelia Harris, Iesha Ram and Pattiy Torno.

          Luke called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Introductions included answers to Why are you here? which included: To take notes; glad to be back after a few months, love the neighborhood; back from Citizens Police Academy; enjoy being here; blame it on someone else; being active; because of place. The May minutes were approved as published.  

APD CRO Update: Community Resource Officer Evan Coward reviewed the protocol for handling homeless campsites: Basically that it is complaint driven. Every complaint is investigated and when illegal camps are found contact is made, a seven day notice to move is given along with a card listing contacts for support services and a report is made to track progress. There has been some success in some regular campsites but under the Smoky Park Bridge there is a more transient population who are more likely to move on and less likely to use the services offered and whose numbers are constantly being replenished. There was a question whether an area somewhere in the city could be set aside where camping was allowed. There are many issues regarding this such as changing ordinances, and placement and political support.  Officer Clamser has been successful in getting some prostitutes off the streets and hopefully into some help but condoms have been littering Club Street, and the end of Jefferson where the grass is getting taller. The unusual alarm and loud speaker announcements the other day were from AB Tech campus going on lockdown because of a shooter incident nearby. The police call center had many calls from the area.

CLINGMAN CIRCLE CELEBRATION: It was a great success. Thrilling to see the turnout and everyone cooperating to bring it off. Pattiy will draft a letter to the city acknowledging and thanking everyone's amazing participation. The One Neighborhood Benefit  needed some more effort to get it going. The polka dots idea  was a really fun and simple unifying idea to see who our community was. Thanks to Pattiy and Jessie for getting that organized and thanks to Luke for the dot stickers. 

WECAN + Big Money: WECAN's participation in the Clingman Circle Celebration earned us the $100 prize.  Anna Beth will be resuming her responsibilities as Treasurer and many ideas were discussed  about how to use the prize. The main recurring expense we have is the annual newsletter which depletes our treasury by about $50-100 each year. Ideas raised included: newsletter, lottery tickets, heat support for needy neighbors, ramp festival sponsorship, public art, Owens Bell Park kiosk, and seeing what the needs are and then raising money for them.  Assignment: think about neighborhood needs for the next meeting.  Luke proposed a cookout in Owens Bell Park this summer. July was avoided because of so many vacation plans. Thursday August 2 at 6pm the cookout party and pot luck will begin and may be followed by a Board Meeting and/or General Membership Meeting. 

HILLCREST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION: Otelia and Iesha their President and Secretary invited WECAN to the join them in an event celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday June 16 from 11am to 3 p.m. which will include a basketball tournament, face painting, balloons, capoera?, poetry reading, African dance, information booths, music, fun and food. The Hillcrest Residents Association is still filling board positions and organizing their annual summer trip and taking on one project at a time. They can be contacted at hra@asheville.gmail.com. Byron noted that from Hillcrest (once known as Stumptown) all the way down to Southside used to be one large swath of neighborhood and though multiply divided should be honored.

ROBERTS ST SIDEWALK + SPEEDING ISSUES: Mike reported that the average process for getting speed bumps is 5 years and for sidewalks it is 10 years.  The traffic count should be completed in 4-6 weeks to see the extent of speeding. There is a form to file to request speed humps or bumps and Marsha can help with those forms. Byron was approached to be on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee reporting to City Council. Though she could not participate she would contact Councilman Chris Pelly and ask about a strategy to develop a master plan to prioritize sidewalks on Roberts St. There are really two issues speeding is one and pedestrian access is the other. If there was a sidewalk it would be less dangerous for pedestrians. The pressing need is to identify the most crucial infrastructure (I.e. sidewalks) needs. (Roberts St, West Haywood St., Club St. Riverside.) Neighborhood sidewalk priorities and community needs can be identified at the August 2nd potluck/cookout. Mike was volunteered to lead the effort and Byron, Luke and Yuri will assist. 

UPDATES:

    Regarding Ped Heads at Clingman and Hilliard we hope to get an update by our next meeting.

    Owens Bell Park Kiosk: ditto.

    Jeff suggested the need for a work day on Jefferson where the grass is getting very tall.

    NEW BELGIUM: Luke invited Jan to come to a WECAN meeting soon.

    Pattiy reported that the fence on Riverside is down!  Yay! Plans for PSNC building are not set. There is money to develop a plan for it and it is estimated to take $100,000 to rehab the building. Ideas for use included Police sub station or monthly rotating uses.  

    The WECAN Garden Club (Pattiy and Joe) met on Sunday to thoroughly weed and trim the curb and sidewalk from Clingman from Hilliard to the Paris of the South Flea Market just past the Clingman Lofts. Our participation in the Asheville Greenworks cleanup day was light but enthusiastic. (Joe) The path was mulched, the fence was cleared of honeysuckle, and most of the kudzu chopped off a tree close to Asheville Transit.

    SFB/WECAN/HRA Socials. Should be in a common area such as Aston Park. Perhaps in the Fall? 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

    Grant/Southside Community Day: Saturday June 9 1-4 p.m. Walton Street Park.

    River Arts District Studio Stroll: Saturday June 9 and Sunday June 10 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

    JuneTeenth Celebration at Hillcrest Saturday June 16 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Southside Community meetings 1st Tuesday of each month 6 p.m. at Dr Wesley Grant Sr Southside Community Center. 

    Asheville's African American Community Historical Tour Tuesday June 19th 5:30 p.m. meet at WC Reid Center 133 Livingston St

    Evan announced that NATIONAL NIGHT OUT (sponsored by Target) was set for Tuesday August 7th this year's location to be announced.

    South French Broad Neighborhood Meeting Thursday August 16th Aston Park Meeting Room.

Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30p.m. on Thursday July 5.