WECAN August 2013 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting August 1, 2013 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were: Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Rachel Larson and Pattiy Torno . Board Members not present were Byron Ballard, Jeff Carnivale,Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Luke W. Perry, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.  Also present were: Officer Evan Coward, Chip Howe, Tom Gallegher, Hanni Muerdter, David Pearson, Officer Tyler Radford, Rafael Rettig and Marsha Stickford,

    Vice chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. with a round of introductions. Marsha distributed a handout about a Remapping the Community event Saturday August 3, 2013 from 1-4 p.m. at the Dr Wesley Grant Sr Southside Community Center to create a community-driven & community-centered, shared map to preserve Asheville's African-American history. (Questions to Priscilla Ndiaye at priscillapower2@gmail.com) . The Draft July Board minutes were approved as distributed.

APD CRO Update: Evan talked briefly about a hit and run DWI incident at the Jean Webb Park on Saturday Afternoon. Tyler advised that APD downtown units were working with ALE and ABC units to resolve alcohol violation issues with the Hot Spot at 79 Asheland Ave. He also reported that pedestrian operations in the area had been canceled. He reminded residents to keep reporting issues to Marsha or to CRO's and there would be a response. The question of speeding vehicles on Roberts Street was mentioned again. There was a shooting at Green's Mini mart on Depot Street involving teenagers but witnesses have identified the shooter. Pattiy noted that a rock had been thrown through the window of the Clingman Café.

NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES:  Luke's house on Club Street has been foreclosed and he will need to vacate in the next few weeks. Hanni reported that the single unit at Clingman Lofts had been sold. Jessie said things had been quiet on Knoxville Place.

RIVERSIDE DRIVE STRATEGIC PLANNING: Tom discussed the two main options for development of city-owned parcels along Riverside Drive.  They amount to 10 acres of lane but due to floodplain, railroad right of way only 50,000 square feet is buildable. (minus the Ice House smokestack.) He showed several options and cross sections showing the transitions from the river to park to RADTIP to pedestrian transition zone to development (ground floor on stilts above the flood line) to parking deck (possibly above the railroad tracks) with one option having an enclosed pedestrian connection to Roberts St. One obstacle besides railroad easements is consideration of  height limitation issues (seven to eight stories are being requested.)  He showed some examples of mixed use development from around the country and world and some ideas for use of the PSNC building at 14 Riverside Drive which include rest rooms, multi-purpose space and alternate proposals for a large deck on the East side that could be a performance space. He announced that a second public meeting would be on the 20th of August then an economic study would be undertaken.  

****(The secretary conducted the balance of the meeting)****

CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: Get any feedback for gateways and motifs to Rachel.

EAST OF THE RIVERWAY CONNECTIONS: Joe attended the Community Design Workshop at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center on Monday July 29. Pattiy, Rachel and Rafael were also there. There was a comprehensive survey for the participants who were there. Joe counted about 50 altogether about half of which stayed to generate ideas for transportation needs after the RADTIP and Riverside plans were built. Their goal is to have a plan drafted by November covering land use and transportation using trend line development or strategic changes along with the usual buzzwords: multi-modal, complete streets, context-centered solutions, and level of service considering proximity  to jobs, healthcare and food. Then in breakout groups ideas were put onto maps. One idea was connecting Vernell Street with Lyman Street Extension  to provide an alternative for east/west traffic as an alternative to already crowded Hilliard or Patton.(which looks easy on a map but has vertical connectivity problems.) Other ideas mentioned were the need for a closer grocery store. (The closest now are FBR Food Coop on Biltmore, Downtown Market on South French Broad and Earthfare at Westgate.) also additional bus routes requested (bypassing downtown to get from UNCA to Biltmore Village via Riverside and Meadow Road) as was a pedestrian bridge connecting Riverside Drive to the west side of the river--possible on the old trolley car bridge footings just south of the Riverlink Bridge. However, besides the meager turnout it was disappointing to have the discussion monopolized by bicycling zealots. One unfeasible idea was to make Riverside Drive one way and route traffic onto Roberts Street. Admittedly the consultants do have to listen to every idea presented but they should be able to focus the discussion. Pattiy reported on a reception for the funders of East of the Riverway. and the part of their purpose they have yet to achieve: building community capacity.

NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Joe has been appointed to this committee and they are planning a 'Festival of Neighborhoods' celebration on Sunday October 27 3-5 p.m. at the Sherrill Center at UNCA. They are requesting Asheville neighborhood organizations to showcase their achievements in a tri-fold display card and share ideas with other neighborhoods. There will be a speaker and  maybe door prizes and light refreshments will be served. More info to come in the next month

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP: Joe reviewed  WECAN activity since the last General Membership meeting last December. He expressed his disappointment that so many meetings were dominated by outside groups: Ice House(x2); 100 Park Ave; Cotton Mill; CF Greenway(x2); leaving WECAN limited time to maintain our organizational health. Admittedly these were all issues that have a direct impact on WECAN and because we meet regularly were easily scheduled but they tend push our organizational development to the back burner. Things like nominating At-Large Board members or organizing social gatherings, or a pool party have fallen b y the wayside this year. Pattiy noted that with all the development in the near future the pressure on WECAN will only increase. 

CLINGMAN AVENUE LIGHTING: Marsha reported that all the lights were replaced by D.O.T and if any issues remain to let her know.

COMMUNITY GARDEN:  This is not an urgent priority due to the kudzu's growing season. It would be better to clear the land after frost slows the kudzu growth. Marsha said it is now with Stephanie Monson Dahl and David Foster to work it and other issues out with D.O.T.

OTHER GARDENING ISSUES: Pattiy asked if any landscaping was planned for the new ADC Bridge as she has a source.

GARDEN CLUB: Joe set the next date at the overgrown sign garden at Clingman and Hilliard for Sunday August 4 at 5 p.m. for anyone interested.     

The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

August 2  Fri 6 p.m.                     Pedestrian bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Jean Webb Park   

August 4 Sun 5 p.m.                    Garden Club Weeding Party Clingman and Hilliard

August 6 Tue 5:30 p.m.                National Night Out  Carrier Park: refreshments, displays, prizes.

August 10 Sat                              River Arts District Second Saturdays Ceramics and Sculpture Demonstrations

August 15 Thu  6:30                    Greenworks Root Fest Fundraiser 6:30-9:30 318 Riverside Dr(new location)  

August 23  Fri                              River Music Roots/Bluegrass/Old time @ Craven & Riverside                             

September 5 Thu                         WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECAN July 2013 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting July 11, 2013 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard,  Joe Fioccola, Rachel Larson, Luke W. Perry and Pattiy Torno . Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale,  Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.  Also present were: Stephanie Greiner, Alicia Kaiser, Jane Mathews, Linda Rettig, Rafael Rettig and Officer Tyler Radford, 

    Luke called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. with a round of introductions, after which the June Meeting minutes were approved as distributed. There was no Treasurer's report.

APD CRO Update: Tyler reported that Evan Coward is reassigned as our CRO for South/Central District. He also reported that National Night Out would be observed locally at Carrier Park on Tuesday August 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. He encouraged WECAN members to attend.  It is also with some regret that his personal career path and training opportunities may prevent him from serving as Community Resource Officer in the near future but he will let us know if and when he is reassigned and who his replacement will be. He complemented WECAN as we are held up as an example of a model community.  He also reported that The Traffic Safety Unit also had a new supervisor but he would check with Officer John Derrick about the planned operations for Clingman Avenue and on South French Broad Avenue. 

BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Alicia reported that her house under construction on the site of the Old Club House on Club St was supposed to be finished by the end of August but may actually be closer to September or October. Joanne is back in town. Bret is out of town. Yuri is fathering. Street lights are still out on Clingman Ave.All Souls Pizza is about to open where the Silver Dollar and The Asheville Tap were. 12Bones ownership is changing hands but nothing else should change. The Bull and Beggar will open soon on Riverside Drive near the Railroad trestle.

CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: Steven Lee Johnson and Jane Matthews were on hand to lead a second round of discussions regarding the greenway. Siteworks Studios and Matthews Architects areworking on The Clingman Forest Greenway and the Town Branch Greenway which are two of the 6 to 8 projects in the works in the East of the Riverway area. Their priority tasks are to identify alignments, constraints and opportunities.The prime constraints are large old growth trees, steep slopes and private property ownership. There is also an opportunity to increase parking for the Tennis Center west of the tennis courts with a turnaround at the south end at one trailhead. There is an opportunity for WECAN when the trails are constructed  to rescue some desirable vegetation such as wild azaleas, etc. Tonight they were looking for input on connectivity between WECAN and the greenway. We looked at examples of signage including: identifying signs atop existing street signs, trail connector signs showing walking or hiking. Jane advised that the Greenways commission was looking for some uniform thread, graphic or color for all greenways in the city and that the chamber may fund way finding maps for the city-wide trail system. There were several examples of signage at the trail head entryways.  They also looked at design elements currently in the neighborhood such as the neighborhood logo sign, the John Payne Bus stop bench, the metal Kiosks at the Owens Bell bus stop shelter, etc. and raised the question of materials or designs for amenities such as trash cans, overlooks, benches and rails. Materials under consideration include locust wood, metal and stone. Lighting was also mentioned as important. In contrast to the greenway along WT Weaver Blvd the CF-Greenway is not visible from any street and without directions hikers can get lost. The idea for trailheads ( three were suggested) include a framework to which art can be applied or text labels to a base, stand, framework, archway or pillars. The style that appears to be emerging for WECAN is metal and local, and not fancy or out of a catalog but something that gives a more timeless appearance--using what is on hand. The trailhead designs at Merritt Street should reflect the residential neighborhood and the one on Clingman Extension should reflect more the River Arts District. An idea was raised to make the trailhead gateway do double duty as a rain shelter. Consideration of the vocabulary of signage design will be given focusing on way finding, orientation and style. There will be another round of meetings and the construction documents will be completed in 2 months. Then construction funding will be sought. There is also an idea to make the Aston Park Trail head at the corner of South French Broad Avenue and Hilliard Avenue. Next steps: Still seeking comments and suggestions from residents and request all comments come from one source. Luke volunteered to relay them. Consideration giver to safety, vistas and overlooks  then a closer look at overlooks, bench placement, hand railings, signage by late August or early September.   Rafael brought up the issue of erosion after he removed hundreds of tires also the sighting of a family of foxes. Pattiy identified a runoff area behind Clingman Café.  The next public input meeting will be at the Dr Wesley Grant Southside Center on August 15 or 20.

ADC DESIGN/BUILD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT JEAN WEBB PARK PROJECT: Luke reported that it is moving along even thought no ground has been broken yet. The metal work is almost done off site.  He showed a model of the bridge. and reported that more input is still needed. They are still shooting for an August 2 completion date. He listed a host of contributors but funds are still needed for completion. Tax exempt contributions may be made to the Asheville Design Center. Progress is being recorded in a blog:  AVLDESIGNBUILD.WORDPRESS.COM.      

YOUTH EMPOWERED SOLUTIONS/ASHEVILLE REAL FOOD requested a letter of support to the Hot Spot at 79 Asheland Ave to stock more healthy food items. Pattiy recalled that WECAN had made contact with the head office who even engaged a consultant but since Selena Sullivan stopped working there they have been less responsive. Tyler advised that he and Evan work secondary there and may be able to acquire a contact name or number. 

MASTER PLANNING: The committee will meet again on July 25 at 6:30 at 62 Park Square to review and finalize the goal statement and some recent movement by the city :

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES: The Dave Steel property developers have pulled the original plan from the TRC (Technical Review Committee) due to the city's inability to fund a parking deck and are reconsidering the development without a public parking component.  Pattiy noted that parking is a constant problem in the area and at a recent RADBA meeting the number one issue was parking.

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY: Joe reported that a replacement sign was ordered and may take up to four weeks. He also showed the 15 year sticker to go on both signs.

CLINGMAN/HILLIARD PED-HEAD MIS-PLACEMENT: The pole closest to the metal vane sculpture is totally wrong. the placement on that corner is placed as if it was a 90 degree corner when in fact the entire intersection is skewed in a parallelogram.  From the December 2/2011 minutes: Ped Head crossing lights are funded as a part of this project but will be going up after it is completed. Pattiy requested an input meeting when the Ped Head project phase begins so that the city can talk us through what is coming and hopefully about a month in advance. In Feb 2012 Barb Mee showed plans for pedestrian crossing signs but in the next 18 months no other activity or notifications were made. On June 6,2013 Joe expressed concerns because he noticed that spikes were placed in our area and one week later construction had begun. Pattiy expressed the obvious that they look awful. Joe will talk to Marsha when he sees her at the next Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting--to which, by the way, he has been appointed. 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: after some discussion the general membership meeting was set to be concurrent with the next WECAN board meeting on August 1 at 164 Clingman Avenue with pot luck food. At that meeting discussion of a non-business social party possibly out of doors sometime thereafter.

GARDEN CLUB: Joe set the next date at Owens Bell Park for Tuesday July 23rd at 5 p.m. for any one interested in helping.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Friday July 12                                 River Music funk bands galore

Saturday July 13                              River Arts District Second Saturdays Ceramics and Sculpture Demonstrations

Tuesday July 23                              5pm-dark   Owens Bell Park Garden Club

Fri-Sun July 26-28                          Final City Sponsored Bele Chere (volunteer with GO)

Thursday July 25                             6:30 Master Planning Sub Committee Meeting at 62 Park Square (Not a museum) 

Monday July 29                              5 p.m. French Broad River Greenways Coalition @ Sims and Steele on Merrimon Ave

Thursday August 1                          WECAN semi annual General Membership Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

Tuesday August 6                           National Night Out at Carrier Park 5:30-7:30

Thursday August 15                        Greenworks Root Fest Fundraiser5 6:30-9:30 318 Riverside Dr(new location)  

WECAN June 2013 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

 WECAN Board Meeting  June 6, 2013 

Members present were: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Anna Beth Hardcastle, Rachel Larson, Luke W. Perry, Pattiy Torno. Members not present were: Jeff

 Carnivale, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton,  Yuri Koslen, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis. Also Present were: APD Officer Evan

 Coward, Steven Lee Johnson(Siteworks), Chris Strout(Pisgah Area SORBA),Jacob Stachler, Serena Huang, Lauren Taylor, Thachston Crandall,

 Amy Marion (All from Asheville Design Center Summer Design/Build Program) Marsha Stickford, Hanni Muerdter and Sean Illgin.

 The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. with a round of introductions. The first order of business was to change the next

 scheduled meeting on the first Thursday in July since it falls on July 4. It was agreed to move it to the second Thursday July 11. (Joe will confirm

 with MHO on the room availability.) The minutes were approved as distributed and the Treasurer reported that the balance in the WECAN

 account was still $302.79 with no activity last month.

 APD-CRO UPDATE: Evan advised he was reassigned back as the South-Central Community Resource Officer. He reminded us that the non-emergency Police

 number was 252-1110 and his cell number was 777-4505. Joe brought up an anecdotal report of a baby bear on Tuesday near Clingman and Hilliard.

 Pattiy reported that a vehicle was broken into at 12Bones a week and a half ago with only cash items stolen. Evan and Marsha are working on a

 neighbor networking site and ‘app’ called nextdoor.com. They advised to check the ‘Neighborhood Services” page on the city website

 (Ashevillenc.gov) as a portal for neighborhood information such as trash pickup, recycling, etc.   Pattiy asked how the first River Music Concert

 went.  It was reported that there were noise complaints about it being loud but no parking problems. Pattiy requested any attendance data when it

 becomes available.

 BLOCK JESSIES: Rachel reported that the house on Park Avenue was now for sale and on Park Square three changes. Luke reported new construction

 continues on Club Street and may begin soon on a lot behind the old clubhouse. AnnaBeth reported a new baby was born on May 29 to be adopted

 on Jefferson by Steve and Brittany Wager. Hanni reported that Clingman Lofts had one 2-bedroom unit for sale and one 1-bedroom unit just sold.

 Also they were trying to amend the association’s covenants and restrictions to only allow 4 rentals at a time and to cap them at 3 years

 and it has almost passed.

 CLINGMAN FOREST AND TOWN BRANCH GREENWAY: Steven Johnson showed slides of some conditions and problems involved with developing the two greenways.

 The task is to prepare 100% construction drawings after intense and fully documented community input funded by a US DOT TIGER II Grant which is one

 of 33 funded in 40 states. Another project is the EASTOFTHERIVERWAY.COM. Some features include stormwater wetlands, using art to tell stories from

 the community about businesses, trades, people and its history—similar to the recent downtown exhibit about the historic family stores. MHO did a

 study in 2004. That plan for the Clingman Forest Greenway was not fully ADA compliant and accessible as this federally funded plan must be and did

 not appreciate that there is undisturbed old growth forest and flora in addition to invasive vegetation. He advised he would be sharing detailed

 site analysis documents before the next WECAN meeting covering visibility, safety, eyes on the greenway and CPTED guidelines(Crime Prevention Through

 Environmental Design.) He reminded us that the funding was in place for construction documents and not for construction and should be completed by

 mid December. Sitework Studios is taking the lead but are associating with Baker Engineering and Matthews Architects. They have 16 on staff and will

 be putting in 3600 hours of work to complete the project. They will return in July to get input on preferences on trail head designs and ideas to

 represent the neighborhood. The features under consideration include asphalted paths, railings, overlooks in varieties of materials as well as

 stories, history and the look and feel desired by the neighborhood. In addition the Public Art Board may be involved with potential commissions

 at community specified locations. The trailheads will be located to connect with existing transportation. He asked everyone to talk to your

 neighbors about this and encourage them to come to the meeting on July 11. Contact Info: Steven Lee Johnson, ASLA 352 Depot St Suite 120 Asheville NC

 28801 828 225-4945 sljohnson@siteworkstudios.com

 PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT AT JEAN WEBB PARK: Luke is leading the project with the Asheville Design Center. The designers

 brought the design boards from the event on the 31st. and some small conceptual models they have been working on. The design constraints for

 the bridge are that it must be 14 feet wide and have a gathering and resting area with benches and an overhang. They are still working on

 permits, engineering, acquiring materials, site preparation and must be complete by the end of August. They will have more presentations between

 June 14 and 17 and will show models on the site on June 14 at 12:45.

 MASTER PLANNING PROPOSAL: The Master Planning group met and refined and revised the draft proposal. A copy of the draft proposal will be

 distributed separately.

 DEVELOPMENT UPDATES:

   Dave Steel Site: Pattiy reported 200 apartments of questionable affordability (1 bedroom going for $900 and 2 bedrooms for

 $1250)apparently both affordable and market rate are needed plus a 400 space parking garage put in by the city. Conditional use hearings are

 being pushed before November with three years expected until completion.

   New Belgium:  Luke reported that deconstruction was completed and due to increased capacity at Fort Collins they could delay the construction

 here for 8 months. The delay will also help the city to finish construction of the greenway, realign Craven Street and let the 8 feet

 of fill on the site settle before construction.

   100 PARK AVENUE: AnnaBeth reported talking to Jefferson Drive resident Pete Bassett and he is excited about getting some new neighbors.

 CLINGMAN HILLIARD PED HEAD ISSUES:  Joe is concerned about the spikes near the neighborhood sign which may indicate where the ped-head poles will be

 going.  They appear to be encroaching on the planting and blocking the sign. Marsha will get the locations confirmed before they go in.

 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE FENCING AND RAILING: Pattiy reported that it is overgrown with vegetation especially on the Hillcrest side.

 ADOPT-A HIGHWAY:  Renewal contract was sent around for signatures to extend to July 1 2017.

 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The by-laws call for two per year one in the fall to elect new board members and the second will be called for sometime

 in August.

 COMMUNITY GARDEN: a proposal was sent with the last minutes and will be resent to Marsha.

 Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

 Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

 Upcoming events:

 Community Celebration Saturday June 15 1-4 p.m. at the Dr Wesley Grant Senior  Southside Center

 Green Opportunities 5 year Anniversary: Thursday June 20 5:30-8p.m. The Mill Room (66 Asheland Ave.)

 Juneteenth Celebration at Hillcrest Apartments on Saturday June 22 from 11-3 p.m.

 Midsummer Daydreams Solstice Celebration June 22 3 p.m. at French Broad River Park

ABCRC(ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL) Dance Party June 28  8p.m-12 at Asheville Area Arts Council Depot St

WECAN May 2013 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting May 2, 2013 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Rachel Larson, Luke W. Perry and Pattiy Torno . Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale,  Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton Yuri Koslen, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.  Also present were: Marsha Stickford and Alan Glines.

    Luke called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. with a round of introductions. Luke announced that there were stakes up on Club Street to rebuild on the site of the Club House. The draft April minutes were approved by acclamation with a correction to the March minutes that the Hillcrest Garden Party was actually on Friday march 8 and not Saturday March 9. Treasurer AnnaBeth reported no change in WECAN accounts.

NEIGHBOR/Block Jessie Updates: AnnaBeth reported that Mr. Herman Crisp was recovering from surgery and his family was under a lot of stress.  New arrivals include Zelia Choster Pearson to Rector Street on April 7, Django Quetzal Shalom Koslin on April 16 and Alton Altheimer on April 22--both to Jefferson Drive..

PLANNING: 100 Park Avenue: Alan Glines city planner displayed a map submitted by the owners of 100 Park Avenue. for the subdivision of Park Avenue North.  It showed 16 lots each at least 5000 sq. ft. and with a 50 ft. street frontage except for two 'flag shaped' lots with a 20 foot frontage. The previous conditional zoning reverts back to RM-8 and every lot on the 3.232 acres is buildable by right which means that no variances are required. On lots with more than a 35 degree slope which may include some lots on Jefferson a geo-technical report is required also engineers approval. There is a question about lot 16 which fronts on Park beyond the road barrier as DOT claims that portion of road. Joe noted that in some ways it was more in keeping with adjacent areas and better for the neighborhood than the previous conditional plan which had a much higher density. The discussion moved to the issue of gentrification. Marsh noted a vacancy on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the 28801 zip code and encouraged people to consider applying  Pattiy noted that increased density is what pays for improvements to infrastructure. Joe countered that adjacent property owners also wind up paying more for that infrastructure. Luke noted that the ideal is to stabilize a neighborhood and protect the most vulnerable residents and be aware of the indirect affects of development. The EOTR conversations tried to establish priorities and explore options. There was some discussion of design options over which neighbors have little say except tor scale.

Pattiy reported that the 3+ acre Dave Steel site had no firm  plan yet but may include some live-work places and market rate apartments possibly partnering with the city for inclusion of a parking deck. A great developer was needed to put the site to best use. Alan suggested that an 'Urban Place' development like the Glen Rock with mixed use commercial and residential might be called for and he would advise if plans were submitted.. Pattiy also reported that the plans for 95-97 Roberts St fell through and it was still on the market.

MASTER PLANNING: The committee has been making slow progress looking at past and current WECAN plans to see if they were fixed in time or living current documents. There remain issues about staffing and funding.  Alan noted that there were some good things in the previous plans such as increased density, infill opportunities, affordability, scale issues and protection from inappropriate development. and it was a guide that planners used even before it was adopted by council. Some concerns that remain include sensible density, access to transportation, and affordability. He noted that the city doesn’t have a lot of money available or staff time but some support is possible if it can be scheduled and possible in printing copies. Pattiy raised the question how to do outreach to the community to do data collection and who can pay for it. AnnaBeth brought up survey fatigue since EOTR has done at least two and though we have access to their raw data we had no input into their questions (one survey was mostly energy usage related) and their data wasn't used.  Pattiy referred to the 2006 Haywood Road Corridor Survey which had a phenomenal response rate. 1300 surveys were mailed and 400 responses were returned. To get feedback and see if they were on the right track it was followed up with a post card mailing referring to a Survey Monkey website which got a 600 responses. Pattiy noted that we have a good mailing list and we know every address in WECAN. Mail Management can also fix mailing lists inexpensively. Alan suggested that since we already have a set of survey information that perhaps we need to survey the holes or gaps and not have to go back to square one.. As important as asking the right questions is stating our assumptions as a communication tool. There was also a question about WECAN boundaries and whether Ann and Pearl Street should be included in WECAN or SFB.

ClLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: Marsha reported that progress was beginning to pick up and Siteworks should come to the next WECAN meeting on June 6. Their plans between now and October consist of several tiers of meetings: first introduction then deeper information and proposals then an input event followed by a final plan.

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT DESIGN SPEAKUP AND INPUT SESSION: will be at the Jean Webb Park on Riverside Drive. Drop in under the bridge from from 5-8 p.m. on Friday May 31 for input to the Riverside Drive Strategic Plan and OPEN Placemaking.. 

HISTORIC ASSETS : The Historic Assets Subcommittee Luke, Rachel, Byron and Joe met on April 23 to identify historic buildings at risk of loss. The list includes The Cotton Mill Furnace Room and smoke stack, Park Ave above Grey Eagle, Yarrow Place, Pete Basset's house, Riverside Studios, Westall Lumber buildings, Jimmy Smith's House, House on Queen St, Elbert Davis's house, Trolley Station/and bridge, Burger Bar. They identified the stages of loss from deterioration(holes in roof) to abandonment to nuisance (graffiti ) to danger(fire) to condemnation and on to demolition.. We prioritized the list and began looking at strategies to intervene in the process of decline. Pattiy noted that the Asheville Preservation Society was interested in the house above the Grey Eagle (which could be activated in the Dave Steel site plan.) Their current fund are tied to restoring the Thomas Wolfe Cabin in Oteen. She also reported that Riverlink planned to remove the Cotton Mill building that was burned any day or week now. 

EVENT NUISANCES: Pattiy noted that there was excessive noise for the April 13 event beginning at 6:30 a.m. and  cars parked on Roberts St. Shannon Tuck needs to be aware of these kind of concerns when issuing event permits. Pattiy encouraged all of us to take pictures  file them and keep a journal of these things for the next time a permit is requested and also send them to Marsha. Marsha noted that some events occur on private property and only needed a special use permit and not an event permit. An example was the River Music concert on Riverside Drive on Friday May 24 from 5-10 p.m. where Riverlink ferries attendees from Westgate Parking lot since on-site parking is so limited. Iron Man and Bicycle Race would not affect us this year and the semi annual Studio Stroll has never been a problem.

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY: Joe reported that a new 4-year contract was up for renewal beginning in June. He will have it ready to sign at the June 6 WECAN Meeting.

AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS: Joe noted that none have been nominated yet. At Large members serve on the board for a 1 year renewable term and are open to non residents, property owners, businesses or anyone who may have skills or talents that the board values.

GARDEN CLUB: Joe set the next date at Owens Bell Park for Sunday May 5 at 12 noon. The last session Joe and Byron and Hanni particpated. Hooray for all!

ASTON PARK GET TOGETHER:: Evaluation there was not a huge turnout. ( maybe 50-75 all together.)

STAND AGAINST RACISM: was over.( just the banner near our sign).

COMMUNITY GARDEN PROPOSAL: Joe and Byron have drafted a two page proposal.

MASTER PLAN FUNDING DRAFT PROPOSAL: Joe and Byron drafted a 1 page proposal. (Copies of both proposals will be sent to board members in a separate email.)  

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Sun May 5                                       12-Noon   Owens Bell Park Garden Club

Thu  May 16                                    6:30 pm Master Planning Sub Committee

Fri May 31                                       5-8 pm drop in PSNC Showcase and HoopLah

Thu Jun 6                                         6:30 p.m.  WECAN Board Meeting

WECAN April 2013 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting April 4, 2013 at 64 Clingman Ave.

Board Members Present were:  Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Rachel Larson, Luke W. Perry and Pattiy Torno . Board Members not present were Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton Yuri Koslen, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.  Also present were: Lt Jamee Crawford, TSU John Derrick, Shawn Elgin, AFR Deputy Fire Marshal Grover Kent,  Hanni Muerdter, Lt Scott Pruett, CRO Tyler Radford, Marsha Stickford and Tracey Wise.
    Luke officially called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. with a round of introductions and what we want to see more of which included social gatherings, saving historic buildings, knowing more neighbors, pedestrian bridges, other neighborhoods as engaged, keep progressing, gardening and maintaining public green spaces and rights of way, calls to APD when problems are seen, Joe's beard, more owner occupied homes.
The draft March minutes were approved by acclamation.

APD CRO UPDATE Traffic Safety Unit Officer John Derrick reported that the unit would be conducting enforcement operations in the area through October. One of these would be for pedestrian crosswalks on Clingman sometime in May using a police decoy in a three hour block to catch drivers who do not yield to pedestrians. The fine with court costs comes to $213. Pedestrian jaywalking may also be addressed. The intersections to focus on are Clingman Extension near the Grey Eagle and the crossing at Hilliard where the promised 'Ped-Heads' have been put to bid and contracted but not yet scheduled. Marsha will follow up on that. The other issue on Clingman was reducing the speed limit. Luke drafted a letter to the DOT (since Clingman is a state road) and will edit and email to John who has a contact at the DOT. Marsha will also check with Jeff Moore to see when the last traffic study was done on Clingman Ave and if there is an issue doing one on a state road.

HISTORIC ASSETS : Deputy Fire Marshal Grover Kent came to answer questions about the recent fire at the old Cotton Mill ruins. Most of  the Cotton Mill was destroyed in a fire set at the Chesterfield Mill on April 2,1995. A small fire was handled at the ruins on January 17, 2013 set by homeless squatters. After that fire the city asked the property owner to secure the property and Riverlink erected a fence around the buildings but it was very quickly breached and a bigger fire was set there on the 18th anniversary of the first fire. Three buildings remain but they are not well secured. Representatives of Riverlink have stated that there are plans to demolish the buildings but no schedule to complete them. Kent advised that the fire department concerns for safety on some buildings determine the type of response some buildings have red signs with white crosses with warnings such as no roof, holes in floor or avoid fire escape. Buildings so noted will not be entered unless there is a credible reason to that people are inside. Lt Crawford advised that the police will follow the fire protocol in these cases. She also noted that City Council directed staff to look at old procedures for dealing with vacant buildings that are unsafe and a public nuisance such as the recent demolition of the ice house on Riverside Drive. Other properties around town that have been declared unsafe include 22 Church St, 39 Banks Ave and 40 Simpson St. This is now at the city's legal department sorting out issues between public and privately owned buildings and Marsha will follow up on it. Some people expressed the feeling that this is just like the ice house all over again and have no confidence that Riverlink will act responsibly in this.
The Historic Assets Subcommittee Luke, Rachel, Byron Joe and Tom Gibson will meet at Byron and Joes 34 Girdwood St at 6 p.m. on Tuesday April 23. to keep the conversation going and identify properties in potential or imminent danger of loss.

FEEDBACK: Pattiy was tasked with getting feedback on the 'River Music" events held on the vacant land on Riverside Drive just south of the Craven Street Bridge. She indicated that permits were being held up until the sponsor talked to the neighbors. Problems identified included improper parking, trespassing, pedestrian safety with no sidewalks on Riverside, noise and some kind of remuneration to the neighborhood for the inconvenience.

NEIGHBOR UPDATES: No babies yet, but new Jefferson resident are expected soon. Jessie lost two family members recently. Levie Wilson, her mother Hattie' brother, died just short of his 106th birthday. Pattiy noted that he lived on Hill Street and worked for a car dealership and assisted many African Americans to purchase cars. Her brother Carmen also passed and wanted no obituary. She also noted that Jessie was doing better since her recent stroke. She wasn't using a cane to get around and was using a second hand rail installed by Gene Bell, head of the Asheville Housing Authority.  Luke has met the owners of the Club House lot who assured him the replacement building would be up by July. Tracey reported that her grandmother Mattie's house was recently sold to a small private developer Greg Meade who was excited about restoring it. Luke asked about the damaged fire hydrant on Club St not yet replaced and unsure if it was active. When knocked down by a car no water came up. Deputy Fire Marshal Kent explained that all hydrants were checked twice a year and unlike in the movies the hydrants were designed not to shoot up water when knocked down. Green Opportunities wants some planning input and Luke will contact anyone interested in answering some questions.
Pattiy reported that Public Works Director Kathy Ball had announced that to address the city's budget shortfall the staff at Aston Park would be cut. She pointed out that it would not result in any savings since there would be more police response needed. At a Town Hall meeting many people spoke out against cuts at Aston Park. The latest recommendation is to keep one full time employee and temporary seasonal help to keep the tennis courts open. The new fencing was funded by a grant.

TREASURERS REPORT: No change since last month.

ASTON PARK COOKOUT: An Aston Park Area Neighborhood Get Together is planned for Saturday April 20th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tennis Center. 'Come to Aston Park to celebrate spring and get to know your neighbors in a fun filled afternoon of food, games and information.  the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire Department will provide hotdogs and hamburgers and veggie versions and fixings and drinks. Neighborhood members are invited to bring your favorite side and/or dessert.' Luke has placed posters at the kiosks.(Thanks to Curve Studios and Shawn who helped install our new OB Park Kiosk!) A planning meeting will be held on Tuesday April 9th at the Tennis Center.

MASTER PLANNING Luke tabled it for this meeting but the committee will continue to meet on Thursday April 18th at Rachel's 62 Park Square at 6:30 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rachel announced that her house would be weatherized by Green Opportunities  and she has flyers and brochures.
Pattiy announced an open House at the Curve Studios next Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. From 5-8 is a twilight party catered by GO Kitchen Ready (staffed by Rector Street residents Charles and Lisa Hadden and Aisha from Hillcrest.) Also Pizza Pura has opened and may bring gelato.

100 PARK AVENUE: No progress but coring samples were taken from Clingman and Rector site. Marsha will ask  for next month's meeting to get on Alan Glines agenda and get background and plans.

ZERO EMISSIONS DISTRICT: Rachel reported at Councilman Cecil Bothwell wanted to implement a 'zero emissions district' in WECAN. She was not sure what all that entails but was waiting to hear from sustainability manager Maggie Ullman.

SUMMER DESIGN BUILD: May 28 the summer ADC Studio session begins the pedestrian bridges connecting the spaces between 12Bones and Jean Webb Park with a completion date of August 3. Doug Heckers has ideas about using shipping containers.
Luke reported that a Creative Sector Summit SHOWCASE and HOOP-LAH was being planned for Friday May 31 at the PSNC property across from the Curve Studios.
Pattiy reported that the Riverside Drive Strategic Plan was being negotiated with a 24 week consultancy to include an unprecedented 5 public meetings. (Start date unknown.)
Luke noted that deconstruction at New Belgium has begun and he is negotiating for steel salvage, There have been no recent meetings but they have a new link for information and will be publishing construction updates every two weeks.

Hanni reported that Clingman Lofts residents were interested in establishing a vegetable garden.  The groundhogs may enjoy one.
Joe called an Adopt A Highway Cleanup set for Sunday April 7 at 12  noon.  The Garden Club will meet on the next Sunday April 14 at 12:30.
Pattiy announced a Crossfit Event across from White Duck  and south of the Craven Street Bridge expecting 3-400 people this Saturday and Sunday  
Luke received a request from Mountain Housing Opportunities to have a table at the Cookout at Aston Park for Neighborworks surveys.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sun Apr 7                                        12-1 PM    Adopt A Highway Cleanup
Tue Apr 9                                        6 pm Aston Park Cookout Planning meeting
Sat Apr 13                                       10-8 Curve Studios 6th Annual Spring Open House at 6,9,12 Riverside Dr.
Sun Apr 14                                      12:30 -3 WECAN Garden Club  
Thu Apr 18                                      6:30 pm Master Planning Sub Committee 62 Park Sq
Sat Apr 20                                      11-3 SFB/Aston Park Cookout
Tue Apr 23                                      6 p.m. Historic Assets Subcommittee 34 Girdwood St
Thu May 2                                       6:30 p.m.  WECAN Board Meeting
Fri May 31                                       PSNC Showcase and HoopLah

River Ruckus, Sat & Sun, April 6 & 7

Cross Fit Pisgah hosts the inaugural "River Ruckus"... a 2 day CrossFit competition, as part of the Garage Games series happening nationwide.  This event takes place @ CrossFit Pisgah @ 151 West Haywood Street & on COA owned property on the corner of Riverside Drive & Craven/West Haywood.  Please expect somewhere in excess of perhaps 300 folks extra in the neighborhood, getting all sweaty and having some fun this Saturday & Sunday, April 6 & 7, 2013... Both days will have 4 sessions of workouts that include powerlifting, endurance, weightlifting, gymnastics & mobility... 

Aston Towers, Garden Apartments, WECAN, and South French Broad Cook-out- April 20