WECAN March 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting March 6, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

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

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

MINUTES: The Updated Draft February minutes were approved as revised and distributed.

BLOCK JESSIES: Pattiy reported that two buildings had recently been sold: The Cotton Mill Studios and Roberts Street Studios have changed hands last week. See Pattiy's post on AVLRiverfront for details. Kudos to Bill and Lynell Goetcher with WILLYNG Corp.for their efforts in the district. Also Phil Mechanic Studios has been put on the market with opportunity for a cooperative to develop and make an offer. 

APD/CRO UPDATE:  Joe noted that the pod at 453 West Haywood St. has gone after a week of blocking the road. Irritating noise from backhoe at 40 Roberts St is allowed from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. but just an ongoing issue between developers and neighbors. Rachel advised there is the house on Park Square had finally sold and she has new roomies. Pattiy reported that Robert Bott, photographer at 95-97 Roberts St was almost hit by a white SUV at the Clingman Traffic Circle last Monday at 10:30 a.m. but his Jack Russell was not so fortunate. It wasn't reported to the police. Evan noted the need for traffic cameras especially on the smaller intersections. Pattiy keeps hearing comments about campsites on the West side of the River. Evan is scheduled to ride the length of the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks next week from Enka to Airport Rd. to spot illegal activity. Joe noted a few campsites littering the D.O.T. path west from the Boy Scouts. Evan also asked them to clear out the trash and the brush all the way to the curb. The new D.O.T. contact is Seth and he schedules community service usually on Saturdays. Pattiy asked about the recent transfer of the Duke property to the city and who would maintain it. Marsha noted that it took a long time to get the agreement with Greenworks and is now working on one with Riverlink. The issue of an ATM and sculpture blocking the new sidewalk near Riverlink was brought up again no permits have been issued. Marsha noted some Rivermusic plans affecting traffic on Riverside. Pattiy noted the need for a consistent policy relating  the events coordinator, City staff, and affected neighborhoods and what influence neighborhoods will have especially since council is putting a priority on having many events all over the city. There needs to be a conversation about the city's need to accommodate neighborhoods as much as they do developers. What makes neighborhoods is people not just infrastructure.  Evan reported that Luke has obtained permission to maintain and take care of the property on Yarrow Place.  Luke also wants to call a workday at the ADC Bridge moving gravel, etc. Luke will call a work day.

MSD/JEFFERSON: The drainage problem still has mud blocking it. Evan noted that he has gotten good results reporting things on 'The Asheville App."    

CLINGMAN FOREST WALK THROUGH:  Stephanie advised Rachel she was still talking to Nikki Reed. Rachel contacted Rafael Rettig who will be coming to town in April to have a walk through from his property.

RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: Pattiy reported that some leftover TIGERII money was set to be used to survey mechanisms that exist that can be used to address gentrification. Also RFP's would be sent out soon to study the issue of the substandard bridge on the south fragment of Park Avenue North.

#1 PRIORITY NEED: Stephanie had asked WECAN to advise her of what our number one priority need from the city was regarding the update to the WECAN Master Plan. Pattiy suggested a sidewalk on Roberts Street as a priority need but staff is really asking how they can help the master plan.  Joe noted that one reason for the re-census is that the neighborhood has changed a lot in the last 15 years. Rachel suggested a committee to meet separately.  Pattiy noted that the UNC School of Government was doing an assessment of RAD and South Slope and got data from BC GIS that there are 48 households in RAD and she knows there are only a fraction of that number.  

HISTORIC PRESERVATION Consultants are returning on the 20th. Joe is on the Neighborhood Character and Quality of Life Focus Group. The problem is valuing buildings over people. Three Brothers is being torn down and the buildings across from the Vanderbilt Apartments will be gone soon . 

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe will set a date in April for the next cleanup and try to get a big turnout and photo at our 15-year decal celebration. (In April possibly with the walk-thru at Rafael's.)

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Jeff wants an intergovernmental agreement and he and Marsha are writing a letter and they won't be sad if it is magically cleared and if it is agreed on the city would be responsible to clear it. Maybe ninjas with goats?

GARDEN CLUB: Wednesdays in March will be Garden Club work days Several projects are lining up: Clean up the Sign Garden, Sunny Cultural Garden and Ivy work, end of Jefferson, the slope on Short Hilliard, the stone wall on West Haywood. Also will try different times: 10-2, 2-4 or 5-7 and get them posted on the Facebook.  Joe has had some fun at the Fruit and Nut Club. They have hot dogs and fun family activities such as sign painting, golfing with walnuts and the elderberry toss and teach tool sharpening, pruning for fruiting and for growth. Rachel offered to bring pigs in a blanket  

SUPPLEMENTAL CENSUS: Rachel has put together a list of categories for the census and also a list of the East Clingman Ave Property owners. There are approximately 45 units we need to review.

Joe has been working on Block lists from the old email and snail mail lists to go to our block Jessies to verify current residents, emails, and phones. Redrawing some of the block lines keeps the number of units around that 20 or less each with total number of units around 170. 

MAILING LIST: Block Jessies:  Pattiy Torno, Jessie Coleman, Hanni Muerdter, Tom Robertson, Rachel Larson, Alicia, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Raphael Rettig, John Chang, Meg Winnocur, Suzanne Willis.

CENTRAL AREA MEETING: Joe reminded that the meeting March 24 at Public Works was from 7-9. . There will be presentations from city departments about safety and major projects going on and WECAN should make a presentation 5-7 minutes long and then a neighborhood forum to bring up what works, needs work, is dangerous or uses volunteers. Open to the public no limit to attendees.  

COFFEE KLATSCH: Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting with neighborhood leaders as a follow up to the Festival of Neighborhoods on Friday May 2 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Public Works. Breakfast will be provided and 1 or 2 representatives will be invited. Joe has a lot of the information to share about WECAN but will have other responsibilities on that day so Rachel and someone else should go.

TIME CAPSULE : New Belgium asking for contributions from neighbors no bigger than a cell phone by April 10. Byron remembered that the site was once used by the circus. Her mother lived on Roberts Street in the 1930's and could hear the gorilla Gargantua across the river at night.    

EAST OF THE RIVERWAY: The East of the Riverway wrap-up meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday March 18 6-8 p.m. at the Dr Wesley Grant Southside Center with food. It will not be a drop in meeting but have formal presentations from Riverside Drive Development Plan, Clingman Forest Greenway, Town Branch Greenway, the Five Points Traffic Circle and the Transportation Network Plan to show what they heard from the community. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 12                  Garden Club Wednesdays begin 10-2 at Sign Garden Hilliard and Clingman

March 14                   Sustainable Landscape Design @ Riverlink with Bill Jones 3-5 p.m.

March 15                   Bike of the Irish! 70 Court Plaza to Haywood Road Music and Party at the Isis.  

March 16                  Buncombe Fruit and Nut Club at Magnolia Park 10-2

March 18                   12Bones Crowd filming for Hogzilla  

March 18                  East of the Riverway Wrap Up 6-8 at the Dr Wesley Grant Senior Southside Center Food Provided

March 19                  Garden Club Wednesdays continue 2-4 Owens-Bell Park 

March 20                   River District focused Open House 3-5 p.m. 5th floor City Hall

March 20                   Historic Preservation Master Plan progress report TBA

March 25                   RADBA Board Meeting  FLS Board Room 4-5 p.m.

March 26                  Garden Club Wednesdays continue 5-7 end of Jefferson

Every Sunday             Crafternoons at the Downtown Market

Every Friday Night     Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!  

April 2                       Garden Club Wednesdays continue 4-6 on Short Hilliard (Between Rector and Clingman)                     

April 3                       WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECAN February 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting February 6, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

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

Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.  

MINUTES: The Draft January minutes were approved as distributed.

TREASURERS REPORT: We still don’t know where the check from the Half Marathon will be mailed but have heard that they have been delayed. 

APD/CRO UPDATE: Brett reported via email that his unlocked vehicle was gone through and that debris from a homeless camp was seen across from Park Avenue. Evan reported several camps have been popping up and arrests have been made and that graffiti has been appearing all over including tags on the locust rail of the new ADC pedestrian bridge. He emphasized reporting of any graffiti or suspicious activity. Marsha is preparing a fact sheet and contact list to respond to graffiti attacks. Evan said that Ferguson will repaint this week. He announced that he was on the Police Strategic Plan Community Quality of Life Committee and were planning a neighborhood survey. Joe will also attend their meeting with Jim Nolan from West Virginia University about approaches to neighborhood surveys, since he is on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee and also surveying the community. Evan also later reported that a car had been gone through at 430 W Haywood St and reminded people to LOCK YOUR CARS! He will also attend a training in Charleston about the 'Coffee with a Cop" program and asked for suggestions where people gather and can just talk to officers as people. Clingman Café, the tailgate markets at UNCA and Public Works, Ingles Cafe and Starbucks were all mentioned.

BLOCK JESSIES: Rachel advised that Stephanie Greiner had to move out of Clingman Lofts due to water damage from frozen pipes. She was in a hotel for a while and now is in West Asheville. Rachel also noted there is a house for sale on Park Square. Marsha asked about lights at Owens-Bell Park. Evan will check after the meeting. Joe noted the light at the SE corner of Clingman and Hilliard was out.  

CLINGMAN FOREST WALK THROUGH:  Stephanie advised a walk through soon would not be feasible since all the easements have not been acquired and for liability and safety reasons but that one may be possible by summer.

MASTER PLANNING: Stephanie reported on initiatives underway regarding our Master Planning 2.1. There was no progress on use of vacant land use or absentee property owners but regarding one issue she announced there would be a Request For Proposals issued soon reporting on Alternatives to Gentrification. One problem is that for some fixed income residents property values make living here unaffordable. Likewise River District artists are concerned they won't be able to afford studio space. The scope of the report will include legal alternatives for community groups, non-profits and governments specifically identifying what can be done and who can do it and research some tools that our state might not yet have. This will conclude with a large public forum. This will be funded by leftover funds from the East of the Riverway Sustainable Multi-Modal Neighborhood  DOT TIGER II Grant.  Byron asked what routes were available to effect change.  Stephanie replied that small area plans could be effective and expressing concerns to Planning and Zoning. She advised that on Tuesday March 18 at 3:30 the subcommittee on Planning and Economic Development meets and could dialog on recommendations from the comprehensive plan (The Asheville City Development Plan 2025). 

GREENWAYS, SIDEWALKS, ENHANCEMENTS: One goal of the East of the Riverway Connections Riverway Plan was to identify key buildable projects to make the neighborhood more livable. Soon they are set to report to Council with a "Near Term Priorities" (next 5 years) map which will include such items as a pedestrian skywalk across the railroad tracks from Roberts St to Riverside Drive and some sidewalk needed linkages on Trade Street, Knoxville Place and two sections of Roberts Street.(among others) being considered for the 2014-15 budget Capital Improvement Plan (CIP-9 Sidewalk Gap Priorities from 2008 Pedestrian Plan.) which is better advantaged since the Multi-Modal Commission which will combine the extant sidewalks, bicycle, parking, transit, transportation etc. plans will take another year to complete a comprehensive multi-modal plan. Marsha noted that the City Council Annual Retreat was taking place on Friday February 7 and Saturday February 8 and was open to the public at the US Cellular Center Banquet Room.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION: Stephanie reported that the Riverfront Redevelopment Commission had a Physical Conditions Committee working on some policy "Carrots and Sticks." Drawings for the building at 14 Riverside Drive have also been funded with leftover 'TIGER II' money to contain a shell building, public restrooms, a large west side deck (RFQ to go out this month.) multi-modal, bicycle parking, way finding center with maps and programming with community and commercial uses such as art shows, performances, workshops, etc. Joe noted that the Mayor recently addressed the Chamber of Commerce  promoting increasing property values in the near downtown neighborhoods. Stephanie explained that gentrification is not the goal but in mixed use developments such as the Glen Rock Depot  the commercial businesses do pay full taxes while the residential units do not. The city has no alternative to increased costs of providing services except to increase taxes or raise the tax base by increased density or building up (such as hotels.) Even when tax incentives are given to encourage developers when they expire (say in ten years) the full tax rate will be payable.

EAST OF THE RIVERWAY: Stephanie announced that the final report will have a public rollout tentatively set for Monday February 24 at the Dr Wesley Grant Southside Center. It will not be a drop in meeting but have formal presentations from Riverside Drive Development Plan, Clingman Forest Greenway, Town Branch Greenway, the Five Points Traffic Circle and the Transportation Network Plan to show what they heard from the community.  Marsha will help get the word out about that meeting.

#1 PRIORITY NEED: Stephanie asked WECAN to advise her of what our number one priority need from the city was.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION:  Joe reported that the Historic Resources Commission of Asheville and Buncombe County and the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County had received a grant to develop a Historic Preservation Master Plan. Consultants had a meeting in November at St Lawrence Basilica and met with focus groups to identify issues in January and then summarized the results at All Souls Cathedral.  Joe attended those meetings and reported that a public meeting was scheduled for March 20 to report on strategies and recommendations. He also expressed his mixed feelings about historic preservation. Last Tuesday Rich Mathews gave a talk at the Dr Wesley Grant Center called Southside: Historic Preservation when Nothing Remains--Restoring Memory.  It was an excellent presentation of photos from 'Urban Renewal' in the 1960's and the 1970's with Sanborn maps of what was there and recent photos of what remains. The area he looked at surrounded the Town Branch Greenway. In the last year we have lost the Ice House, the Club House, a remnant of the Cotton Mill, Swannanoa Cleaners, Dave Steel, the Stockyard Café, Auto repair, Johnny Penland's Auction House and the Stockyard itself. What was saved?  The smoke stack and an easement on the Lillian Exum Clement house on Hollywood Street. It's not an even exchange. Without diminishing the importance of what was saved some people ask why the only buildings preserved belonged to white people. There is no good answer to that. When you look back at what was lost it is sad, shameful and tragic but unfortunately there is no one villain responsible. Greed, racism, ignorance, poverty, politics, neglect and progress all play a role. Preservation has a limited toolbox since the 1970's when the federal preservation movement took off. Stephanie noted that the NC historic preservation tax credits have done a great deal and are a great tool but even they are being threatened by the current legislature. Designated historic districts and the National Register of Historic Places as tools for preservation ring hollow for those of us who remember the West End Historic District Nomination in 2001 which was approved locally and by the state office but was opposed by Asheville's Mayor all the way to the National Parks Service in Washington, DC. It was said to lack integrity and was even re-submitted as two districts: Chicken Hill: from the Club House to the Church and Park Square to he Mill Superintendent's House on Girdwood Street.  The Chicken Hill District even contained buildings that were noted as historic in the DOT's own I-26 survey. They were denied again saying it had already been considered. There are a few historic buildings left in WECAN but the preservation tools in place have no teeth and are reliant on property owners and developers and the city's legal department.    

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe will set a date in March for the next cleanup and try to get a big turnout and photo at our 15-year decal.

GARDEN CLUB: Joe has become a member of the Buncombe Fruit and Nut Club--a grassroots leaderless ninja group who maintain the edible gardens around town. Garden Club Tuesdays will begin in March. If there are any good days before then some ninjas may begin garden clearing near the head of Park Avenue.

AT LARGE BOARD MEMBERS:  There are openings for two at-large Board members. Stephanie Greiner was suggested. Rachel will see if she is interested.. 

SUPPLEMENTAL CENSUS: A committee or work group should meet to finalize survey questions and list the houses on Clingman Avenue we need to complete the WECAN Census Data. ( Block group data from the 2010 Census lumps east Clingman Avenue with west South French Broad Avenue and Aston Towers.) It can start with a Survey Monkey and  March or April should be a good time to follow up. 

FACEBOOK/NEXTDOOR: Pattiy raised the issue of whether to keep our social media just for WECAN residents or allow outside residents in. Unless it becomes a problem the consensus was to let them in. Just ask where they live. Rachel asked who is doing the blog and will check with Zac who set it up.

CENTRAL AREA MEETING: Joe announced that the Neighborhood Advisory Committee has scheduled a meeting for March 24 at Public Works from 7-9. The committee is meeting with all areas of the city and reporting back to council on the state of neighborhoods in Asheville. East and South have met last year and North and West will meet later this year. There will be presentations from city departments about safety and major projects going on and a space for neighborhood groups to report on their activities and concerns.  

RIPARIAN CLEANUP: Rachel asked about a cleanup on the west bank of the river south of the Riverlink Bridge for the new bus stop. Possibly Riverlink is organizing it. There are also plans to  renew the West Asheville Sign on the north side.

MSD/JEFFERSON: The trail is now walk able. (Thanks MSD!) However there is a drainage problem from the Jefferson turn around side. Joe will send photos to Marsha.

HILLCREST STEPS: Pattiy saw a long staircase like the one to the Hillcrest walkover where each step was painted in rainbow colors. Something like that would brighten up the area.

ATM ON NEW SIDEWALK: Riverlink has installed an ATM and a Jonas Gerard Sculpture blocking the new sidewalk next to their building without city permission.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NCDOT Public Hearing at ABTech Enka on Feb 11. The public is invited to NCDOT Division 13's Strategic Transportation Investments (STI) public meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to gather feedback about transportation issues that are important to you.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT SUBSIDIES:  Joe received a post card from Buncombe County Health & Human Services about eligibility for Federal Subsidies to pay for Health Insurance. A family of two with income between $15,000 and $62,000 are eligible for subsidies. Contact BCH&HS 40 Coxe Ave (828)250-5011 buncombecounty.org/hhs or The Asheville Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Store 1854 Hendersonville Rd. (828) 348-BLUE or (828) 348-2583 BlueStoreAshevilleNC.com  Get answers and a $10 Wal-Mart Voucher.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Feb 10                        Food Policy Council 4:30-6:30 UNC-Asheville Sherrill Center

Feb 11                        NCDOT Public Hearing on Regional Transportation Priorities 4-7 pm in the Haynes Building AB Tech Enka Campus

Feb 12                        Historic Resources Commission

Feb 13                        Riverfront Redevelopment Commission

Feb 16                        Buncombe Fruit and Nut Club at Vermont Park

Feb 20                       Stephanie Monson All Things River Open House 3-5 pm 5th floor City Hall

Every Sunday             Crafternoons at the Downtown Market

Every Friday Night     Classic World Cinema 8 pm upstairs at Phil Mechanic Studios Free!                               

March 6                     WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECAN January 2014 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting January 2, 2014 at 64 Clingman Ave.

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

    Vice chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  

MINUTES: The Draft December minutes were approved.

TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported that  a donation had been received from Gloria Howard Free in Honor of Kat Fioccola graduating from Appalachian State University. The current balance is $287.50 and the check from the Half Marathon has still not been received. Joe requested a full financial report covering the last two years.

APD/CRO UPDATE: Evan emailed a note that he has made contact with the owners of both buildings on Yarrow Place (4 and 6 Rector Pl).  They intend to secure their buildings.

BLOCK JESSIES: Jessie Coleman was seen over the holidays and she is doing well. Yuri has redone his basement. A property on Park Square may be sold soon. Park Square saw a water main break over the holidays. The group doing the grading on Jefferson has been doing some damage at the end of the sidewalk when their equipment turns around. Marsha will ask Development Services to have a look. and AnnaBeth will write a letter on behalf of WECAN. Alicia has moved in to the house on Club Street. Construction is well under way on at least two buildings at 100 Park Avenue. Construction noise has begun at the New Belgium site.

AT LARGE BOARD MEMBERS: Joe nominated Luke W. Perry to serve as an at-large board member. The motion passed. 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Joe noted that there are no term limits for officers. Since the 2013 slate of officers were present he suggested without objection that they be re-nominated for 2014. Luke declined to serve as chair. The final slate presented was Rachel as Chair, Byron as Vice Chair, AnnaBeth as Treasurer and Joe as Secretary. The motion passed.

PLANNING FOR 2014: The list of suggestions from the December meeting were reviewed as follows:

    XX Community building activities such as elderly resident assistance-- not sure of the needs of all elderly residents, some are known but the task of identifying needs should fall to the 'Block Jessies."  

    XX Garden Club Tuesdays: Having a regular day or days such as Tuesdays and Saturdays was a good idea. Obviously weather can be an obstacle in the winter but we should begin compiling a list of projects for the Garden Club to take on.  One item for the list is to begin clearing the vegetation across from Asheville Redefined Transit and what was proposed for a community garden. On that subject Marsha reported that a letter has been sent to D.O.T. and no response has been received and also that a 'formal letter' would be sent shortly

    XX Supplemental Census: Joe suggested that a sub-committee should be formed to work with the Block Jessie for the East Side of Clingman Avenue to tease out the census data that is mixed in with South French Broad Avenue. Rachel will compile the census questions and Stephanie Greiner will be asked to help conduct the census.

    XX Master Planning: Marsha will email Stephanie Monson-Dahl to try to make out February 6 meeting and bring plans for the Clingman Forest Greenway, some drawings of 14 Riverside Drive and ideas for affordability from East of the Riverway.

    XX Mailing List: Joe and Byron will update the mailing list with some of the returns and make a template for the Block Jessies to confirm.

    XX Meet with EWANA: There is a community meeting with neighbors within a mile of New Belgium set for Friday January 10 from 5-6:30 at the Dr Wesley Grant Center  285 Livingston Street. It was suggested that we try to meet informally with EWANA perhaps at the Wedge, or Short Street Cakes, or Anam Cara or someplace else.  

OTHER BUSINESS: Rachel noted that positions are still open for City Boards and Commissions: Board of Adjustment, Community Relations, Fireman's Relief Fund, Homeless Initiative Advisory, MSD Board, Riverfront Redevelopment, Sustainability Committee on Energy and Tree Commission. The deadline to apply is January 8 go to the city website (ASHEVILLENC.GOV)

Luke reported that he has developed a design for the historic bus shelter near New Belgium at Haywood Road and Craven Street that may serve as a prototype for bus shelters in other communities.

Rachel asked if there could be a walking tour of the future Clingman Forest greenway.

Luke thanked Marsha for getting the dangerous erosion hole at the base of the Hillcrest steps at least cordoned off.

With imminent retirements and changes of personnel it was suggested that any promises or agreements with the city be put in writing for future regimes. She suggested writing a letter to Cathy Ball confirming the arrangement with the granite curbstones harvested from Jefferson Drive. Regarding the maintenance agreement for Owens-Bell Park: it may need to be renewed or extended indefinitely.

Thanks to Rachel for the refreshments.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

January 4                                  Rainbow Recycling-Holiday Packaging (Styrofoam to light strands!)

January 10                                 New Belgium Neighbor Construction Update Meeting Dr Wesley Grant Southside Center 285 Livingston Street 5-6:30

January 11                                  Studio Stroll  --2014!

January 11                                  Greenworks--Hard 2 Recycle @ Aarons RTO on Patton Avenue

January 16                                 Riverfront Redevelopment Commission 3-5 p.m. 5th Floor City Hall Open Office

January 10,17.24.31                     Friday Night Classic World Cinema --Phil Mechanic Upstairs 8 p.m. Free!

   

February 6                                6:30 WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECAN December 2013 General Membership Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting December 5, 2013 at 64 Clingman Ave.

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

Joe called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.  

MINUTES: After introductions and refreshments the Draft November minutes were approved.

TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported that the current balance was $302.79 with an outstanding bill for $55.20 for postage for the newsletter. Also the check from the Half Marathon has still not been received.

APD CRO Update Evan reported that regarding the open door at one of the small houses on Yarrow Place that he is attempting to contact the owner who lives out of state. Some graffiti problems happening at Ferguson Enterprises and The Odyssey Center on Clingman Avenue Extension. He has been actively dispersing campers from the lot north of Park and West Haywood and also under the Smith Bridge.(Craven at Riverside) He also alerted WECAN residents to be aware that in north Asheville some people are following UPS trucks around and stealing the packages they deliver. (Good information to put on Nextdoor.com.)

ACTIVITY REPORT Joe read a list of board activities for the year. They included Ice House discussion, Public Housing Authority Team, New Belgium discussion, Election of officers: Luke, Rachel, AnnaBeth and Joe, 100 Park Avenue, Club House demolition, Master Planning, ADC Bridge, Historic Assets Committee, Jefferson Baby Boom, Cotton Mill Ruins fire, Aston Park Cookout, Dave Steel Apartments, Proposal for Master Planning and a Community Garden, Clingman Forest Greenway, Misplaced Ped Heads, Riverside Drive Strategic Planning, East of the Riverway Connections, Neighborhood Advisory Committee, Police to Citizen website, Half Marathon Fundraiser, Festival of Neighborhoods Showcase, Traffic Calming Policy changes, City Neighborhood E-newsletter, NEXTDOOR.com, Garden Club Tuesdays, RAD Lofts, Annual Newsletter, Election of Board members and Planning for 2014. (Whew!)

ELECTION: Joe reported that the current Class of 2013 consisting of Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Jeff Carnivale and Tom Gibson  were all eligible to serve a second term. He nominated them all to serve and AnnaBeth seconded. The motion passed and the Class of 2013 is now the Class of 2016. Welcome back. 

PLANNING 2014: A list was started of what we want to do in 2014: The list included: [_] Community building activities such as yard cleanup assistance for elderly residents;[_] Garden Club Tuesdays (or some other day?); possibly combined with an afterwards gathering for a beer at the Wedge; [_] A supplemental census of the East side of Clingman Avenue (which the National Census lumps in with Aston Park Towers and S French Broad Avenue.) [_] WECAN Master Planning; [_] Updating the WECAN Mailing List [_] Meet with EWANA for a social and brainstorming session to consider what is appropriate compensation for the construction disruptions from New Belgium; [_] A community Garden across from Asheville Transit; Marsha reported that some movement was occurring. An encroachment agreement with DOT was initiated for a temporary community garden focusing on public safety issues. It was also reported that a resource to contact was Diana Schmidt who started a community garden in Black Mountain using native plants, edibles and trees. Also that several of the city community gardens (I.e. Pisgah View, Burton Street, Montford, Oakley) were in a somewhat  perilous situation with their Bountiful Cities sponsors and should come together to form a coalition or have a summit meeting to network. 

BLOCK JESSIES: AnnaBeth reported that something needs to be done to restore the pedestrian path from Jefferson to Park Avenue damaged by M.S.D. Marsha reported that Parks and Rec has committed to funding and installing a chrome vapor light at the new pedestrian bridge. It is considered temporary until a lighting plan for the area is developed. Luke reported that the hole at the south side at the bottom of the Hillcrest steps was getting bigger.  He also noted that Mountain Housing Opportunities had conducted a Neighborworks survey which may have the census data we were looking for. Rachel reported one house for sale and one for rent on Park Square. AnnaBeth reported her son has moved into an apartment on Clingman Place and that Trio Construction in clear cutting trees  had damaged a vehicle. She helped identify all the residents on Jefferson Drive. Rachel asked about steep slope regulations. The city website will have answers. Luke is now a member of the East End/Valley Street Neighborhood who meet on the 3rd Thursdays.(Except in winter)

FIFTEEN YEARS OF WECAN CELEBRATION:  On WECAN's fifteenth anniversary Joe reviewed a list of accomplishments from our Festival of Neighborhoods display: Beautification: Neighborhood Clean-ups (1997-8) Buncombe County Cleanup on Club/Trade Street (1998) Community landscaping Planting (1999) Decorative Street Signs (2000) Green Grants homeowner yard plantings (2001) Public Art sculpture by Julia C. Burr and sculptural bus stop bench by John Payne (2003) Clingman Forest Clean Up (2004)  Sunny Cultural Garden at Owens-Bell Park (2006) Communication: Minutes of every meeting written and distributed and annual newsletter mailed (1997-present) Email Newsletters begin (2005) Email Newsflashes (2011) WECAN Website (2006) Facebook page (2010) Kiosk at the Circle (2012) Kiosk at Owens-Bell Park (2013) Next Door.com (2013) Community Building: United Way Day of Caring (1997), Adopt a Highway cleanups begin on Clingman Avenue (1998-present) Picnic (1999) Warren Wilson College Service Day (2001) Neighborhood Watch organized (2004) Garden Tour (2005)  Aston Park Picnic (2005) Moveable feast picnics (2005) National Night Out Luminaria (2007) Twilight Together Celebration (2009) Jefferson Drive Turnaround clean-up (2011) Clingman Circle Celebration Parade (2012) History: Neighborhood History Exhibit at Pack Place (1998) National Register Historic District Nomination filed for West End Historic District (2001) Riverside Industrial District and Clingman Avenue Historic District placed on National Register of Historic Places. (2005) Oral History Project (2005) and Documentary Video: WECAN: Finding its place through change and challenge (2006) (funded by Handmade in America/Ford Foundation grant) Levie Wilson 100^th birthday Banner (2006) Naming Owens-Bell Park (2007) Identification: Logo Design (2002), Neighborhood sign (2002) Ceramic Tile (2003) Infrastructure: Walk-through with city departments (1998) Sewer lines, granite curbstone replacement, LED Streetlights, sidewalk on Hilliard, adopting Owens-Bell passive park, Clingman Enhancement: (traffic circle, streetscape, bike lanes, bike repair station, landscaping, bulb outs, ped heads) (2004-13) Pedestrian bridge at Jean Webb Park (2013) Planning: WECAN 2010 Plan (1996) Neighborhood Visioning (1999) Citizens Master Plan (2000) Open Space Planning Retreat (2005) Aston Park Playground (2005) Clingman Forest Greenway (2003) East of the Riverway (2013) Riverside Drive Strategic Plan (2013).

RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS: Joe and Pattiy attended the November meeting (Third Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. 5th Floor City Hall.) The new owner of the Burco Building next to Phil Mechanic was there as was the developer of the RAD Lofts and a representative of the Norfolk Southern Railway.

EAST OF THE RIVERWAY Report: Joe and Luke attended the final follow-up meeting of stakeholders in the Scenario Planning for EOTR. Luke said they have taken credit for things other groups were already doing. Their deliverables were: 1) A transformational Development Project: The renovation of the Reid Center and the city's acquisition of the Ice House and Progress Energy Building on Riverside Drive. 2) Construction ready drawings for the Clingman Forest Greenway and the Town Branch Greenway. 3) EOTR Connections: transportation plan for the next 5-10 years. Joe noted reports of other activities which included: Youth Build training; Free or low cost broadband; AB Tech looking for community projects; Low Cost Housing: Eagle-Market (62 units by end of 2014) and Glen Rock (22 units); Better communication about eligibility for affordable housing; Personal Development: credit workshops; Family Self Sufficiency program for public housing residents; Community Navigators; Changing Together: call-ins providing options to reduce reoffending gang members, violent and youth offenders; AB Tech College Readiness Center for Asheville High students; Green Streets--training on energy efficiency in the home; African American History--taken up by UNC-CH and Duke;  Looking at trends in the history of grants received by the city; Hillcrest developing a community based alternative to childcare vouchers-- a cooperative.  There was no clear plan to continue meeting and collaborating. The goals of EOTR Initiative were: Provide more transportation choices; Promote equitable, affordable housing; Enhance economic competitiveness; Support existing communities; Coordinate policies & leverage investment; Value communities and neighborhoods.  Marsha noted that an effort is being made to layer the various city plans and that the EOTR website has been re-launched. www.EastoftheRiverway.com They are funded through the end of this year.  

HISTORIC PRESERVATION: Joe attended a Pennsylvania based consultants first meeting to develop a preservation plan. The plan will be complete by the end of August and several meetings are planned before then. 

COMPOSTING: Compost Now offers curbside compost pick-up for a fee to Asheville residents. They provide members with bins to throw their food scraps (including meat, bones, and dairy) and other compostable materials in.  Each week, they come by and swap it out for a clean bin.  From there, it's taken to their facility where they turn it into nutrient rich finished compost comprised of 15% worm castings.  They deliver the soil members earn right back to them or they have the option of giving it to one of the local community gardens they've partnered with like Oakley Community Garden, Pearson Gardens, Falconhurst, etc.  Their mission is to educate the community on the value/benefits of composting, make composting easy, and support our local community food system by keeping local nutrients in it!  Their members are reducing up to 1/3 of their waste.

DOWNTOWN MARKET FUNDRAISER BOOTH: AnnaBeth reported that the Down Town Market has a holiday booth to which several venders have donated items and the funds will go to a needy local family. She encouraged everyone to stop by and make someone's holidays special.  Rachel will put it on the Face book page.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  Dec 6                         4pm Blue Ridge BioFuels Tour with WNCA,  Phil Mechanic Building, downstairs

  Dec 14                       Studio Stroll: Art for the Holidays

  Jan 2, 2014                6:30 WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECAN November 2013 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting November 7, 2013 at 64 Clingman Ave.

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

    Vice chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m.  

MINUTES: The Draft October minutes were discussed. Bret added the following via email: Just as a follow up.  We were the ones that requested the stop sign on Park Ave/West Haywood Street given the speed of people going through that intersection, people cutting the corner going down the hill behind our house, and folks going the wrong way on Club Street.  Having a ‘pause’ at that location will help people understand that intersection better and approach it safely.  A few weeks ago, a person went through that intersection at about 45-50 mph and totaled our car in front of our house.  The meeting with the city resulted in them accepting our suggestion to add the stop sign and some additional striping. Stephanie had a correction also by email : that the roaming in the raw is on Depot St by Pizza Pura. With those changes the minutes were approved.

TREASURERS REPORT: The check from the Half Marathon has not been received. Was Alphie the contact? Also the IRS still doesn't have AnnaBeth's address after several corrections were sent.

BLOCK JESSIES: Rachel printed some pictures of the Festival of Neighborhoods Showcase, the YMCA 5K fun Run, the ADC Bridge being craned into position, trees being taken down on Jefferson and the RAD Lofts conceptual drawing. The trees on Jefferson are part of the 100 Park Avenue site preparations. Those also include a reestablished drainage swale from the Park Avenue level down to Clingman next to All Souls Pizza which took out park of the pedestrian trail at the end of Jefferson to Park Avenue and is dangerous and the seed blankets were not secured and are slipping away.  Joe said that the Showcase display including over 700 photos could be used for an educational event showing the history of WECAN over the last fifteen years. Pattiy reported the 5K run was a bigger success than planned and brought out over 800 runners--mostly girls. She also noted that NEXTDOOR.COM had 30-35 members so far and would be adding River Arts District for those residents.  She liked the opportunity to schedule a Halloween route and thinks it  is a growing idea that could become an annual community builder and social event. The block party on Jefferson may also expand next time and become an annual event. Pattiy reported new folks joining Facebook.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING. The General Membership meeting will be on December 5. The main order of business is the election of board members. The Class of 2013 consists of : Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Jeff Carnivale and Tom Gibson. All are eligible for a second term. There is also a vacancy in the Class of 2014 replacing Luke W. Perry. Judy Daniels and Stephanie Monson will also attend to discuss how we can work together with planning in our area. There may also be some drawings of 14 Riverside Drive and ideas for affordability from East of the Riverway.

WECAN PROCLAMATION: Pattiy will be at the City Council meeting on Dec 10 and wants to work on a proclamation recognizing outgoing Mayor Terry Bellamy's contributions to WECAN as a native daughter who was instrumental in the formation of WECAN, Inc. and who is honored with a maple tree in the Owens-Bell Sunny Cultural Garden.

NEWSLETTER: Articles have been assigned as follows: Rachel: Ice House, Club House, Historic assets; Pattiy: ADC Pedestrian Bridge and Half Marathon; Byron: Jefferson Baby Boom;  Evan: NextDoor.com;   Joe: Fifteen years after Terry;. 

COMMUNITY GARDEN: The best time of year for clearing the land is coming up which will also make it easier to patrol and to deter campers.

APD CRO Update: Several campers were cleared from sites along the river. Also the second small brick house on Yarrow Place may have an open door. The brick pointing has been completed and the graffiti on the IceHouse Smoke Stack will be removed soon.  The question of lighting came up and it may require landmark designation. That is an idea for next years goals. Lighting may also be needed on the new pedestrian bridge. as a public safety issue. One goal of the bridge was to expedite the completion of the greenway on the east side of the river which is planned to be complete by the time New Belgium opens. Evan reported that Next Door was doing well and rachel observed that it was doing the job of the Block Jessies and should be looked at to identify block leaders.

WHAT'S IN A NAME?: Discussion of the idea of renaming Swannanoa River Road and Meadow Road and Lyman Street and Riverside Drive as The Wilma Dykeman Riverway. This would be a huge undertaking over 500 businesses would be affected. Marsha reported that name change requests are usually initiated by property owners who will pay to make the changes. There may be some advantages such as branding and trade marking which suggests that the Chamber and other parties may need to be involved. Pattiy observed that is isn't right to name a paved road after Wilma Dykeman and instead naming the greenway would be much more appropriate. Joe suggested that if a new name was called for it would almost be better to officially rename it what it is commonly known as--'River Road'.  

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

November 9-10                          River Arts District Studio Stroll  

November 14                             ADC Bridge Ribbon Cutting 3 pm next to Jean Webb Park.

November 14                             Deadline for submission to Newsletter to Pattiy

November 21                             Newsletter mailed

November 23                             Holiday Parade?               

November 28                             Thanksgiving

December 5                                6:30 WECAN General Membership Meeting 6:30 at 64 Clingman Avenue

WECANNEWS 2013

 

WECANNews 2013