Downtown Duke Substation Proposed for Patton & Clingman Ave

Neighborhood Update: Re: Proposed Duke-Energy substation at Patton and Clingman

Over the last four years Duke-Energy has tried to address Asheville’s growing energy needs. With the extensive growth in the last few years, especially in downtown, they have shown a need for a second substation to supplement and back up the fifty plus year old one on Rankin Avenue. They have since then acquired several properties including an option on a 3.5 acre site at 252 Patton Avenue (last housing Hunter Volvo.) For various reasons most of the other sites were not usable (Please see background detail below).  

Legally Duke is authorized by the state to provide energy for businesses and residents and has broad powers to achieve its mission. Legally residents and the city have little or no power to oppose Duke in its mission. However, a representative from Duke-Energy is working with a small group of stakeholders (city staff, community representatives, engineers) to explore options for mutual gain. Duke-Energy has invited the community to be part of this conversation. To keep the conversation productive, they have made the reasonable request to avoid involving the news media at this point.

The site under consideration is in the Central Business District and therefore has very few zoning restrictions but it is uniquely--and rarely for the CBD, adjacent to a residential zone. Some of the issues that have emerged are: best use of property, cost,  EMF(electro-magnetic field) health effects, maintenance access, noise and visual impacts, pedestrian safety, protection of immediate neighbors, reliability for the next 100 years, redundancy (to back up Rankin Avenue,) several neighborhood plans addressing a gateway for downtown, site security and traffic mitigation.

Initially, their first offering of a standard off-the-shelf substation (like one at 168 Clayton Road) was proposed to solve some of the concerns but did not effectively use the rest of the site and created more problems for the neighborhood.  The neighbors and the city staff prefer a smaller footprint for the substation and activation of the rest of the property for residential and commercial development.

The neighbors have acknowledged Duke’s need and are reluctant to kick the can down the road for some other neighborhood to deal with. They see the challenges and the opportunity for an innovative and creative solution that also benefits the neighborhood and the city. WECAN (West End Clingman Avenue Neighborhood) articulated principles that their community values: Equity and Diversity, Planning and Effective Land Use, Energy and Environment, Safe Home and Environment, Collaboration.

Importantly, Duke-Energy is listening and willing to work with the community for a win-win-win. Meanwhile, the city is in the process of writing an ordinance covering the buffering of utilities. The time frame is short. Construction needs to begin before the end of the year. The conversation continues with a smaller working group to explore alternate ideas for use of the space. The group from WECAN includes: Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Lynn Hall, Rachel Larson, Luke W Perry and Pattiy Torno. 

For more information, questions and concerns contact: wecannews@gmail.com.

Additional Background Detail: 

Since August of 2014, Duke has purchased 3 sites for this purpose and has 1 under contract. Currently Duke owns the former Matthews Ford site at 319 Biltmore Ave, around 17 acres in Montford surrounding the Isaac Dickson Elementary School on Hill St, and 226 Hilliard Avenue across from the Hot Spot. Duke Energy is under contract to purchase another site at 252 Patton Avenue, the former Hunter Volvo site. This includes the approximately 3.5 combined acres owned by the Meeker family. Duke’s due diligence period ends at the end of July, but they would like to make a decision by mid June.

At each previous site there was pushback from the city of Asheville, affordable housing developers, social justice advocates, neighborhood groups and parent-teacher organizations who rallied against placement in their backyard, thus pushing Duke to continue their search for an appropriate location. 

Substation Details: 

According to Jason Walls, a spokesperson for Duke, the substation technology proposed is similar to a substation at 168 Clayton Rd.  

This type of substation is conventional outdoor air insulated substation. There are multiple other types of substations, including indoor and gas insulated, but Duke does not prefer this type. This substation would likely be both a transmission and distribution substation, meaning it would continue to transmit power to north Asheville and step down the voltage to the type of power that the downtown systems can use.  

Due to the slope of the Patton Avenue site, initial assessments would suggest that for Duke to have a level site, they would have to dig down 10-15 feet on the North end of the property. The initial layouts presented at an April 5^th meeting covered about 300 x 215 sq feet. If the tallest part of the substation were placed in that dug out area, the two 50-60 feet high power poles would then be 40-50 feet above Patton Ave. The two transformers behind these would be 10-20 feet high. 

Current technology allows for substations to be buried underground, like under a parking deck or building, or placed within a standalone single story building.  The footprint for a GIS substation can be a fifth of the size of a conventional air insulated substation. Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) has been around for several decades and is commonly used in urban environments. However, the only example of this in Duke’s territory is in Chapel Hill, NC. Gas Insulated technology was used to replace an air-insulated substation in 2008, and was housed inside a building. The address for this substation appears to be 170 Old Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, across from the Ronald MacDonald House.

August 2014

Duke purchased the old Matthews Ford site (~5.5 acres) at 319 Biltmore Avenue just north of Mission Hospital and adjacent to Lee Walker Heights for $5.3M. The proximity to a Housing Authority development again had the community up in arms. In addition, the City of Asheville would like to use some of this land to enlarge the mixed use/ mixed income redevelopment currently being planned for Lee Walker Heights public housing.

December 2014

Duke purchased ~ parcels totaling 16.93 acres in Montford, along Hill St for ~$5.4M and surrounding Isaac Dickson Elementary School.  There was enough community push back from parents at Isaac Dickson Elementary that this location is strongly opposed by the Mayor. Another media clip found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufz1HEP_W8E

December 2014

Duke purchased the old Hayes & Lunsford property (1.79 acres) for ~$3M on the corner of Hilliard & Asheland at 226 Hilliard Ave.  In meetings stretching over 2 years with the South French Broad neighborhood, it was determined that a traditional substation could not fit on this parcel with sufficient buffers to the residential sections that surround it.

January 2017

Duke holds meeting at Fire Department Training Room. Focus on meeting was to not discuss specific sites but to step back and share common ideas for what folks wanted and didn’t want from a substation. Jason provided sticky notes and we were asked to each write down several ideas and put them on the wall. He cites the following as takeaway guiding principles:

-       Plan a long-term solution (50-100 years) to avoid having to build again.

-       Ensure safety for neighbors, community and employees.

-        Reduce noise impacts.

-        Mitigate visual impacts. (i.e., increased buffering, fewest poles, etc.)

-       Consider the best-use for a specific property and consider best use for specific properties (i.e., traffic, impacts on established neighborhoods, etc.). 

-       Ensure reliable electricity, with appropriate redundancy.

-       Lowest cost reasonable.

February 2017

Duke secures an option to purchase the recently vacated Hunter Volvo car dealership on the corner of Clingman & Patton (~ 3.47 acres).  There are three houses that Duke might like to also purchase on Knoxville Place.  So far these neighbors do not want to sell their houses, but also do not want to live with a substation as a neighbor.

March 8, 2017

Duke notifies (by email) members of the neighborhoods, city and chamber officials about the option to purchase on the Hunter Volvo Site. He reiterates that this decision was made from listening to feedback at the January meeting, following the guiding principles stated above.

      

April 5, 2017

Duke and the City of Asheville call a meeting @ City Hall. Jason informs us of the likelihood of this site being the final option, and 3 site layouts were included. He indicates that they have a 3^rd party appraisal study showing there is no impact to nearby property values. The appraisal report was requested to be shared with neighbors. It has not yet been shared. A meeting was suggested to be had in May, as the deadline for the option to purchase was approaching in July.

June 7, 2017

WECAN Association host a meeting with Duke at the Haywood Street Congregation (297 Patton Ave) and invite additional surrounding neighbors, additional stakeholders from the River Arts District and Downtown associations, and representatives from Chamber of Commerce, City of Asheville, Isaac Dickson PTO, and Montford and South French Broad who have participated in the process over the last 2 years.  A revised layout is presented showing a single A-Frame construction, normally 50 feet high, placed 20 feet below Patton Ave, as the site needs to be evenly graded for all of the components. Decibel estimate explanations are shared as well. Nearest residence is approximately 100 feet from nearest components, which would experience around 50 decibels, similar to a "calm conversation". 

June 26th, 2017

Duke spokesperson Jason Walls requests additional meetings as the option to purchase deadline approaches.  It is held at the Aston Park Tennis Court meeting room at 5pm to 6:30pm. Duke invites individuals from an Oklahoma based company to discuss Gas Insulated Substation Technology, which could substantially reduce the footprint of the site and enable other buildings to be situated on the street front. Cathy Ball speaks on the changing nature of Patton Avenue under the current NC DOT Plans for realigning I-26 off of the Captain Jeff Bowen Bridge.

WECAN June 2107 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes June 1, 2017  

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Rachel Larson, and Pattiy Torno.  Members not present: Danny Aull, Jared Fischer, Tom Gibson, Lyn Hall, Mike Kenton, Rebecca Lance, Luke Perry, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis. At Large Members not present: Rafael Rettig and Floree Lowery.

Also Present: Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Caroline Mullis and APD Officer Justin Wilson,.

INTROS: Byron called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm.

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Byron moved and Pattiy seconded a motion to approve the draft WECAN minutes from May 4 as distributed. The motion passed.

APD/CRO Update: Justin reported that there was not a lot of activity in May. An unlocked vehicle was broken into on Birddog Lane. A bullet hole was found in a house on Park Avenue North, increasing graffiti and homeless camps cleared from the Boy Scout’s Hill. He explained his frustration with the process in place for homeless campers along the interstates. There are other places in the neighborhood that are not along the interstate, such as two of the west corners of the Clingman and Hilliard intersection. Pattiy encouraged the city to post their newly acquired properties in the RAD. The neighbors assured Officer Wilson they will support any of his attempts to solve the problem.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: The annual event sponsored by Target will be on Tuesday August1. Justin reported that the fee will be waived if you register through the Neighborhood Coordinator. In the past there was competition for attention between individual neighborhood anti-crime efforts and collective gatherings such as at City County Plaza, Carrier Park or the Buncombe County Soccer Complex. Again this year the city is encouraging individual efforts rather than big centralized outings. Pattiy expressed confusion about what it is for and why.

BACOATE BRANCH GREENWAY NAMING: Pattiy noted that the naming of Bacoate Branch, and Forest and Greenway was now officially approved by City Council..

RAD FORM BASED CODE: The Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to review the proposed River Arts Form-Based Code for the greater River Arts District on Wednesday June 7 at 5 p.m. Requested changes have been made to building heights and there doesn’t seem to be a lot that needs neighborhood support. Pattiy noted that commercial interests on the commission do oppose it but they are outnumbered.

RADTIP: City Council will vote on funding at their June 13 meeting.

SOCIAL: SPRING FLING: At 2 pm on Sunday May 28 of Memorial Day weekend was the a cook out and pot luck at Owens Bell Park to celebrate Jessie Coleman’s 79^th Birthday. The weather was very pleasant, about 30 people showed up and feasted on chicken, hot dogs, sausages, salad from the community garden, potato salad banana pudding and cake. There was discussion of how to better communicate the next one.

BLOCK JESSIES: Pat Crisp is back in the hospital. De De posted on Next Door that her neighbor’s wall had collapsed.  Pattiy recommended organizing helpers from the neighborhood to put in our neighborhood support toolbox. Perhaps helpers could assist debris removal and Luke and Joe can start by help Jessie dealing with a leak or runoff.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that strawberries are running, corn is rising, tomatoes are planted and the wood fenced half has been weeded. He has only seen one town snake and a birds nest in the vertical ‘diaper’ garden. Pattiy has seen frogs. Lynn had asked for a submersible pump Joe explained that it was to drain their wading pool up to the community garden barrels instead of using buckets. Pattiy also noted that Roots has food grade barrels for the asking.

DUKE SUBSTATION: Pattiy and Rachel met with Laura and Steven at the Haywood Street Congregation to arrange the next meeting with Duke. Steven will welcome attendees and make a pitch for development that supports their need for additional parking. At this point WECAN does not support a traditional substation at that location. Pattiy will propose a win-win-win solution with mixed use, GIS in a building or under a parking deck. She will try to control the conversation to listen to what Duke is proposing and what options they have to offer and keeping our neighborhood response in our back pocket. Before the meeting she has offered to meet with business owners who have not been at prior meetings to bring them up to speed. There is a concern that it may be too late to use the media.  Joe noted that Duke has a lot of pushback on their gas fired generators and don’t need another black eye and this may be an opportunity for Duke to do the right thing—even though they don’t legally have to.

KUDZU HILL: No work day was set for June. It is too late to spray the kudzu and the ineffectiveness of spraying was discussed.

OTHER ISSUES: Moving the Bacoate Branch stream culvert at the stone works, Zoning issue at Roberts Street and Trade Street. Caroline reported that her house won a Griffin Award from the Preservation Society and she would be renting it  for about a year. Dogs running loose jumped on JoAnne with her grandson and dog on Short Hilliard until she was rescued by a passing motorist. Jessie reported that dogs continue to defecate on the sidewalk on Hilliard. Dog owners need to pick up the poop. 

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Rachel will bring the contract renewal around later this month. Our current contract expires on July 1.

Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

June 7                                Duke Substation meet up2:30 Haywood Street

June 6,13,20,27       Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

June 7,14,21,28      RAD Market at All Souls Pizza

June 11                    Father’s Day

June 12                    C.A.N. Meeting 7 p.m. Oakley Community Center           

June 16                    NH leaders Roundtable 8:30 @ Riverlink           

June 28                    Comp Plan Draft Public Meeting TBA           

July 6                                  Next WECAN Board Meeting Thursday 6:30 pm

WECAN May 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes May 4, 2017

Board Members present: Danny Aull, Byron Ballard, Len Hall, Rebecca Lance,

Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, and Pattiy Torno.  Members not present: Jared

Fischer, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis. At

Large Members not present: Rafael Rettig and Floree Lowery.

Also Present: Matthew Bacoate, Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Helen Hyatt,

David Siripoonsup, Margot Wallston and Mike Wasmer.

INTROS:  Rachel called the meeting to order at 7:37 pm (following a

subcommittee meeting about a future Dike Substation) with a round of

introductions.

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Pattiy moved and Jessie seconded a motion to

approve the draft WECAN minutes from April 6 as distributed. Treasurer

Rebecca reported no activity but there may be a proposal next meeting to

spend some money on water catchment for the community garden.

APD/CRO Update: Email report from Justin Wilson:

-----A resident on Park Ave N has complained of parking violations on the

street. He is claiming that people visiting the RAD are illegally parking

on the street. ----Residents at Clingman Lofts (125 Clingman Ave) have

reported an on-going issue with a homeless woman trespassing on the

property. I've worked with the residents and property management to try to

solve this----There have been complaints of homeless camping on the DOT

property between the Boy Scouts of America and Club St. I've run some

people off of this property, but it doesn't seem to take long for a new

crew to arrive. I spoke to the DOT about the lot-today. They said they've

recently cleaned it, and filled a 5 gallon bucket with used syringes. The

DOT said that they have been clearing wooded lots in other areas of I-240

and have been very successful at making the lots more visible and

therefore-preventing homeless camps long term. In my opinion, this would

be the best solution for this lot. The DOT employee I spoke with said that

their crews are short staffed for the task at hand, and are currently

focusing on DOT properties near Fairview Rd..-I don't know a timeframe of

when this could happen. Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?---A vehicle breaking

and entering was reported on Jefferson Dr on 4/16. The report indicated

that the car door was left unlocked. There is no suspect information.

Thank you, and please contact me with any feedback. Officer Justin Wilson

Community Resource Officer Asheville Police Department Cell: 828-450-3719

Rachel reported a second occurrence of a break in and stolen tools from a

building being renovated on Clingman at Clingman Place. Lynn noted

graffiti keep appearing. Pattiy observed that when it is gone fast the

vandals move on. Also 10 people live under the bridge near Riverside

Studios. Joe complained that people walk their dogs and do not pick up the

poop in front of his house.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe reported that the time has come again to renew the

contract with NCDOT. This will set the stage for a twentieth year

observance sticker. Signing the application will happen at the June WECAN

Meeting.

BLOCK JESSIES: Community garden and Clingman Edible Triangle are blooming.

Zack’s mom passed away. Luke discovered solar lights at his driveway and

steps. Rachel reported new residents at Girdwood and Green Streets.

RAD FORM BASED CODE: Rachel noted the building height requirement has been

changed next to residential areas. Now it will go through the process P&Z,

AARC, RRDC and City Council by June.

BACOATE BRANCH GREENWAY NAMING: Rachel reported the status on the Creek

naming which will lead into the forest and greenway renaming is set to go

before the African American Heritage Commission on Thursday May 11 at 5:30

pm at the Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Center.

RADTIP: City Council will vote on funding at the June meeting for the

suite of projects. Work should begin in July and Pattiy will bring a

schedule of construction and road closings to the July meeting.

MSD SEWER LINE: Rachel reported that in 3-4 months MSD will enlarge the

sewer line from the end of Park Avenue North down the hill towards the

traffic circle and a swath of trees will be removed..

CLINGMAN STREETSCAPE MAINTENANCE: Rachel reported interest at the RADBA

meeting to maintain the vegetation from Grey Eagle to the traffic circle

with volunteers. Pattiy explained that the city and NCDOT paid for putting

in the plantings but never any effort to maintain them. She also explained

that RADBA has been paying to maintain them and this year approved funding

to maintain them for three months (April, May and June) hoping that the

city will do their part for the following three months. Margot cautioned

about some poison hemlock plants in the area but they may be the less

dangerous water hemlock.

KUDZU HILL: A work day was set for Sunday May 7 at 9 am to clear weeds

starting near the traffic circle. Rachel will call Eric at Green Works for

the mobile tool shed and Pattiy volunteered Clifford the big red truck.

SOCIAL: SPRING FLING: At 2 pm on Sunday May 28 of Memorial Day weekend

will be a cook out and pot luck at Owens Bell Park to celebrate Jessie

Coleman’s Birthday. Bring pot luck. Grills will be fired up for hot dogs

and Joe will bring paper products.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: Ashley reported the graphics have come out for NNO on

August 1st.

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

May 6        Soul Shakedown 6-9pm Boathouse

May 7        Kudzu Hill workday—9 am

May 11        African American HeritaGE Commission at Grant Center 5:30 pm

May TBA        Duke Substation meet up

May TBA        Comp Plan Draft Public Meeting

May 9,16,23,30       Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

May 10,17,24,31     RAD Market at All Souls Pizza

May 14        Mother’s Day

May 19        Bike to work day

May 19        NH leaders Roundtable 8:30 @ Riverlink

May 20-21        RAD Studio Stroll

May 28       Jessie Coleman Birthday Pot Luck

May 29       Memorial Day

May 30      RADBA 4-6 pm FLS Conference room

Jun 1        Next WECAN Board Meeting Thursday 6:30 pm

WECAN April 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes April 4, 2017  

Board Members present: Len Hall, Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, and Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Danny Aull, Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer, Rebecca Lance, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

At Large Members not present: Rafael Rettig and Floree Lowery.

Also Present: Matthew Bacoate, Jessie Coleman and Joe Fioccola.

INTROS:  Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm with a round of introductions..

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: The draft WECAN minutes from March 2 were approved as distributed. No reported treasury activity.

APD/CRO Update: Email report from Justin Wilson:

03/09, 1 Roberts St- Graffiti was sprayed on the property of White Duck Taco.

03/10, 64 Clingman Ave- A bicycle was stolen from a bike rack. The bicycle was chained, which was apparently cut. There is no suspect information.

03/11, 83 Clingman Ave- This residence was broken into sometime between 3/10 and 3/12. I believe this house may be under renovations and was unoccupied. The suspect pried the door open and stolen tools.

03/27, 5:00PM, 56 Roberts St- A vehicle breaking and entering was reported. The victim left her car unlocked and a small amount of money was stolen. The suspect was not located. Some of the folks from the neighborhood shared this information with me in an email. Other items of interest that are not necessarily in WECAN;

--There is still a rise in car thefts in the city. 95% have been cases where the owner left a spare set of keys in the car and left the door unlocked. The majority of the stolen cars are recovered within a day or two. This is not any sort of organized crime, more so petty thieves checking door handles and getting lucky by finding keys.

--In the past week, there have been a couple reports of "shots fired" in Hillcrest Apartments. No one has been struck by gunfire. APD has increased patrols here and is working to identify the suspects.

--Shrubs and plants are being stolen out of the ground from residences and neighborhoods in North Asheville. This is normally occurring the same week the shrubs are planted. I haven't heard of this occurring elsewhere in the city, but keep an eye out for suspicious late night "landscaping".

Officer Justin Wilson Community Resource Officer Asheville Police Department Cell: 828-450-3719

Lynn also noted campers/drinkers across from Park Avenue, in the back shed at Hunter Volvo and Joe noted debris left behind the crabapple trees at the NW corner of Hilliard and Clingman.

DUKE SUBSTATION LOCATION UNDER CONTRACT- Rachel, Luke, Jessie and Joe attended a meeting with representatives from Duke, SFB, IDES and the City about a potential location under contract at the site of Hunter Volvo 225 Patton Ave. Rachel gave a brief history of the effort, the first attempts to locate a substation at Isaac Dickson or the old Hayes and Lunsford site at Hilliard and Asheland Ave met resistance from IDES parents and SFB neighbors. A meeting was held in June of 2016 to set a new path. A second meeting was called in January 2017 to articulate principles, concerns and issues with the Asheland site. A third was called in April 2017 to identify a new site that became available. The new site under consideration still has similar problems such as proximity to residences, affect of property values, noise, and community push back. There are also some advantages such as eliminating the need for power lines across Hilliard (since the Volvo site is next to the transmission lines already), and the site is flexible so the standard substation design has plenty of room to fit in different potential arrangements. There are also unique considerations such as the location at the gateway to downtown, potential development to the west when I-26 creating a boulevard Patton Avenue, and a possible storm water catchment park. The meeting was a start of an open dialog or conversation about the guiding principles to see if the site works. They were asked for some illustrative elevations to give an idea of scale, relationship to the residences, setbacks and sidewalks and storm water ideas. Nothing is final yet but the property is under contract and after due diligence on potential problems with the site they proposed a site visit in early May. They are working with the group to mitigate community concerns, are open to discussion of the use of the Asheland site and will be relocating poles off the sidewalk on Hill Street. Rachel proposed meeting with the SFB neighbors who have already done research on options of what could be done as a substation also that we need to push for the smallest footprint possible. Matthew asked about some transmission lines on Haywood Street behind the Rescue Mission. Jessie may be interested in selling but doesn’t want to move from the neighborhood. Pattiy observed that the city has offered relocation money in the past. Joe already shared with Jessie his concerns that since the start in 1994 of the WECAN Plan the reasons included Future residential development pressures as a result of riverfront revitalization and Commercial development pressures along Clingman Avenue. When the WECAN organization was formed on 1997 one important goal was to stop commercial encroachment on the residential areas. Also our Citizens Master Plan from 2001 called for infill placement of two story buildings in the block of Clingman north of Hilliard with residential above. Now it looks like that will never happen and the proximity of the substation makes puts pressure on the residences on Knoxville Place. So, it makes some sense to relocate the residences on Knoxville Place but on the other hand, if the residents of Knoxville Place want to stay WECAN should keep pressure on Duke for them to remain. (Not that Duke is proposing that at all. They say they want to be good neighbors.) The decision should be up to Jessie and her neighbors. With these conflicting principles it’s not an easy decision either way.  It is very complicated.  

RAD FORM BASED CODE: Pattiy explained the change from a ‘use-based’ code to a ‘form-based ‘code and the first was created for Haywood Road from Patton Avenue in West Asheville to the Riverlink Bridge. Rachel reported that there was a problem with proposed building heights on the West side of Roberts Street. Originally the limit was up to 5 stories which would block view from Park Square. Now it has been amended to 4 stories or 55 ft on the west side except in the neighborhood transition zone which directly abuts residential properties or right of ways can now only be 3 stories or 45 ft. Now it goes on through the process P&Z, AARC, RRDC and City Council by June.

BACOATE BRANCH GREENWAY RE-NAMING: Pattiy was the first to offer the name of Bacoate Branch to rename Clingman Forest Greenway. Bacoate Branch is on the consent agenda for City Council and has not received any negative responses. WECAN Forest was suggested but the greenway commission prefers to name greenways after geographic features such as mountain, river, creek, etc. and have no problem re-naming the Clingman Forest Greenway to the Bacoate Branch Greenway. Matthew was asked to be at the ribbon cutting when it is completed (2018?) He humbly said Wow! He had no idea, and never thought but learned in his life when good working minds get together, they make things happen. You all have done a mammoth job to make it happen for a little guy like me—because very seldom unless pushed he never talks about what he’s done and wonders how he did do many of the things he made happen! He’ll remain quiet and accept the honor and make you all look good. Thank you all, he said.  Pattiy said we are thanking him for his 40 years of service to the community. She offered to video tape his memories of the neighborhood history with JoAnne some Sunday afternoon in the near future. He also offered to get copies of a SBA film and an ABC news story from the 70’s featuring his business. He will get it to Rachel ‘fasterly.’

NH LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: Not a lot of activity but the RADTIP contract for the suite of projects should officially be awarded in June. Work will begin in August from the Railroad trestle working south with lane closures expected for the following year.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe set a date for the quarterly litter pick up for Tuesday April 11 at 10 AM.

KUDZU HILL: A work day was set for Sunday April 23 from 10-2 to clear the next section. 

CLINGMAN TRIANGLE: Pattiy has fertilized and says the edibles are looking good.

SOCIAL: SPRING FLING: May 28 Memorial Day Sunday afternoon will be a cook out and pot luck on Birddog Lane to celebrate Jessie Coleman’s Birthday.

COMP PLAN ISSUES: Joe read his feedback on 11 outstanding issues with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He is the liaison from the Neighborhood Advisory Committee to the Comp plan Advisory Committee. (A copy of hid feedback is attached)  There was some discussion about short term rentals pros and cons.

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK is April 2-8. Byron offered to mark an observance on Face Book: Remembering crime victims Alex King and Tatiana Diz.

WECAN HISTORY: Joe read items from a WECAN Timeline from twenty years ago:

January 1996       WECAN 2010 Plan Adopted by City Council,

February 1997     Walking Tour of WECAN and planning meeting to begin implementation of the plan

April 1997:          30 residents and volunteers participate in neighborhood cleanup.

May 1997            Residents successfully rezone Pioneer Welding Supply Company

    from Industrial to Residential.

June 1997                Residents vote to form an incorporated nonprofit neighborhood association                                                                 Planning committee formed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola,

Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

April 2-8            National Crime Victims Rights Week

April 11            Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

                                Adopt-A-Highway 10 am

April 13            Stand Against Racism 6:30-8 Eagle Street

April 11-17            Wood Chipping @ Queen Carson et al

April 16            Easter

April 18            Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

April 21            NH leaders Roundtable 8:30 @ Riverlink           

                        FBR Greenway Tour/ Ribbon Cutting 3:30-4:40

April 22            Earth Day

April 23            City of Asheville Earth day Celebration at Dr Wesley Grant Center 1-5 pm

                        Learn how to compost! Take a walk on the future greenway! Enjoy tasty treats!

Plant a tree! Discuss the draft historic markers! Fun for the whole family!                                               

April 23            Kudzu Hill workday—Next section 9-12

April 25            Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

RADBA meeting FLS Conference Room 4-6 pm

May 4              Next WECAN Board Meeting Thursday 6:30 pm

WECAN March 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting Minutes Mar 2, 2017

Board Members present: Jared Fischer, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Luke

Perry, and Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Danny Aull, Byron Ballard, Tom Gibson, Len Hall, Mike

Kenton, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

Also Present: Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola and Officer Justin Wilson.

INTROS:  Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm.

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Pattiy moved and Rachel seconded a motion to

approve the WECAN Minutes from February as distributed. The motion passed.

Treasurer reported no activity.

APD/CRO Update: Community Resource Officer Justin Wilson introduced

himself to new board members. He reported that former CRO Sean Davis was

temporarily reassigned to night supervisor position and may attend future

meetings. Pattiy reported ongoing problems with loud noise emptying

dumpsters at 4 and 5 am. Jessie reported ongoing problem with prostitution

and a jeep that parks no ‘Short Hilliard” (the portion of Hilliard west of

Clingman.) Justin noted nothing else reported in WECAN but elsewhere in

the city B+E’s on Depot Street and construction sites on Lyman Street.

Also that unlocked vehicles and some with the keys left in have been

stolen on Biltmore Ave and even the Wedge parking lot. He pointed out that

the graffiti task force should be handling the graffiti at the old Twelve

Bones which, though slated for demolition may be tied up in litigation for

a while. Asked about the million dollars that the chief was asking for

downtown he wasn’t sure of all the details but that it would create a

downtown district covering the Central Business District with 24/7

coverage and leadership. Asked if the proposed G.W. Carver Park lighting

would encourage increased bike patrols to Stephens Lee since the

pedestrian bridge would be easily accessed, he thought it would even

though that is outside the central business district. Asked about efforts

to respond to the heroin epidemic he asserted that education in schools

was one response also the attempt to charge drug dealers with murder.

BLOCK JESSIES: Jessie noticed that a lot of surveying was being done on

Short Hilliard and the car lot. Pattiy sent Duke the original planting

plan for the lost trees below All Souls. Pattiy observed that the damage

to locust trees may be due to locust blight and not just to kudzu. Jared

reported that the feral rooster was still in his area. Joe reported that

the streetlight on Girdwood and Green was focused too high on his house.

There was a lengthy discussion of the impact of short term rentals on

neighborhoods and communities. Luke’s birthday work party went well. He

has a yard clear of the brick pile and the effort to get food to those in

need is ongoing.

KUDZU HILL: The workday was a success in clearing from All Souls to the

crosswalk. A sway car full of vines and leaves was removed from trees and

bushes. A next work day was set for Saturday March 11 from 10-2 to clear

the trees up the hill on the next section.

RAD FORM BASED CODE: Rachel reported on a meeting at her house with Sasha

Vrtunski and about a dozen neighbors. She assembled the concerns into a

letter to the city but was not satisfied completely with the changes that

were proposed. The final draft will be completed by March 9 and then goes

to Planning and Zoning before Council.

CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY RENAMING DISCUSSION: Rachel and Pattiy met with

Lucy Crown and Mary Webber and Dave Nutter for the Greenway Commission

earlier today about renaming the WECAN Forest. They were against the

renaming as they prefer geographic based names (i.e. Beaucatcher,

Beaverdam Creek, Bent Creek, Beverly Hills, Canie Creek, Emma, French

Broad River, Glens Creek, Haw Creek, Hominy Creek, Lake Julian, Montford,

Reed Creek, Rhododendron Creek, Smith Mill Creek, Swannanoa River, Town

Branch and West Asheville—not to mention River Bend Park and South Slope.)

Their justification was that WECAN is an organization that may not exist

in 20 years. (Hah!) Their plans are also to devote historical and cultural

signage to Town Branch and just ecological and natural information at

Clingman Forest. Since the name for Bacoate Branch won the poll and is

very likely to be the official name they recommend “Bacoate Branch

Greenway.” There was extensive discussion of options (such as Bacoate

Forest Greenway, Depot Greenway, Merritt Greenway and Lyman Greenway) even

to splitting the naming into “Creek”, “Greenway” and “Forest”—which has no

precedent). The main ideas from WECAN were to honor a female, include

South French Broad neighborhood, and be unique. As it satisfied all three

consensus emerged that without strong opposition we should settle on their

recommendation for Bacoate Branch Greenway. Pattiy will rewrite the letter

to Mary Webber along with support of RADBA and get final approval through

email by the end of March. Then WECAN can work on getting our story and

history embedded in the greenway. Saturday March 18 was set as a date to

walk through the future Bacoate Branch Greenway.

COMMUNITY GARDEN Joe talked to Lucy Crown about renewing the contract. She

explained that could be a long process and suggested we continue (even

without a new contract.) Joe asked Rebecca to call a meeting of the

Community Garden group on one of our regular Tuesdays.

NH LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: They met on February 17 and met the construction

manager. Construction will begin on the north end near the Railroad

Trestle and work southward. There will be single lane closures with

flaggers while that goes on.

SOUTHSIDE RECREATIONAL PLAN. Joe attended two meetings so far. There was a

Town Hall in January at the Eddington Center and a survey went out. The

results were presented on February 28 at the Grant Center. 152 responses

were received (and of those 51% did not live in the Southside Community.)

Joe credits Parks and Rec for publishing the actual raw results, (except

that the comments were summarized as a meaningless ‘word cloud.’) The rest

of that meeting was taken up with a facilitated activity of placing

elements identified in the survey where they should go in Walton Park, the

Grant Center and an area across Town Branch. Five groups taped scaled

images to the map of Pools, basketball courts, restrooms, parking, Gaga

Pits, historic markers, etc. and presented them. There will be further

exercises at different times (like Saturdays, mornings and lunchtimes) to

get further input and they will be collected and presented in April. Joe

observed that there are some who in spite of the process want only one

thing and are not giving any ground on it.

SOCIAL: SPRING FLING: a date was set for a WECAN General Membership

Meeting and social at 5:30 on Wednesday April 5th (instead of the regular

April 6 Board meeting.)Weather and permission permitting it would like to

be outside next to All Souls Pizza where the Farmers Market sets up

staring in May.

WELCOME WAGON: Rachel and Rebecca will meet on Wednesday March 8 to

discuss what should be included.

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK is April 2-8 if there was interest in

remembering crime victims Alex King and Tatiana Diz.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola,

Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

WECAN February 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting Minutes Feb 2, 2017

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer, Rebecca Lance, Rachel

Larson, and Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Danny Aull, Tom Gibson, Len Hall, Mike Kenton, Luke

Perry, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

Also Present: Joe Fioccola, Officer Sean Davis, Officer Justin Wilson,

Rafael Rettig, Lucy Crown and Marsha Stickford.

INTROS:  Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Byron moved and Pattiy seconded a motion to

approve the WECAN Minutes from January as distributed with one correction

of the date. The motion passed. Treasurer reported no activity.

APD/CRO Update: Sean showed off a picture of his new daughter. He

introduced Officer Justin Wilson and explained some of the department’s

personnel changes. Marsha added that many departments move personnel

around to expose them to other parts of the community. Sean noted the

theft of tools from a worksite on Roberts St during the lunch hour. There

was a break in at White Duck Taco. There have also been follow ups at

homeless camps in Clingman Forest, Behind Aston Garden Apartments and near

the Boy Scouts building. Rachel advised there were two car break-ins near

Girdwood St. but the victims refused to report them. Sean also reported

that the subject who was attempting to jump off the Bowen Bridge was

successfully taken into custody and committed. Pattiy asked about drug

needles being found and Green Works desire to put sharps containers along

greenways.

BLOCK JESSIES: Jared reported that he had been operating an Air B and B on

weekends until the city gave him notice. He has applied for a Home Stay

Permit. Marsha explained that it was important for safety inspections,

appropriate insurance and reasonable fees. Rebecca requested a

walk-through of the Clingman Forest Greenway. Lucy will notify when the

Greenways Committee does their next one. Rachel noted that Sven and

Melissa were moving from Park Ave after their rent doubled. There was some

discussion of the property tax revaluation impacts.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The slate of Rachel for Chair, Jared for Vice Chair,

Rebecca for Treasurer and Byron for Secretary was approved. At-large

members Rafael and Floree Lowery were also approved for a one year term.

APPRECIATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD COORDINATOR: After ten years of service

Marsha Stickford is retiring. She was thanked for her contributions to

WECAN with a card, a “Crackle” elf (for her garden) and a bottle of ‘Side

By Side’ wine. She said she liked coming to WECAN meetings because they

were inclusive, welcoming, fun, and sometimes we cussed. She affirmed that

the city needs people to hold them accountable and encouraged us to

continue. She noted that staff will continue to answer phones, but hiring

her replacement will take a process like that of the new Equity Manager

with a lot of public input and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee will be

involved in writing the job description which will be different from when

she was hired. Then the position will be posted and eventually someone

will be hired, but it could take several months. She directed us to be

clear about what we want and make sure to talk to council about it.

GREENWAYS: Clingman Forest Greenway Renaming proposal. Lucy read the City

Policy for Naming Publicly Owned Properties. Names should 1) carry

geographic, historical or cultural significance, 2) name an individual

associated with the property, the area or a leadership role through

distinguished service (such as Bowen Bridge) 3) name an individual or

organization that has made significant contribution (such as the US

Cellular Center) and 4) avoids duplication, confusion or

inappropriateness. Pattiy suggested that the neighborhood does not want to

honor the name for the forest after someone who supported slavery. She

suggested that the name should be the WECAN Forest--and therefore the

WECAN January 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN General Membership Meeting Minutes Dec 2, 2016

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer , Caroline Mullis and

Pattiy Torno

Members not present: Danny Aull, Tom Gibson, Len Hall, Mike Kenton,

Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Luke Perry, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne

Willis.

Also Present: Joe Fioccola and Marsha Stickford.

INTROS:  Byron called the meeting to order at 6:42 pm.

CREEK NAMING: Pattiy began discussion of the topic from our last meeting:

creek naming: She suggested that a way to raise the profile of WECAN in

the city and internationally—Lonely Planet recently named Asheville as the

best place to visit and National Geographic Traveler will feature

Asheville in the4 coming months. Her suggestion was to name the stream

just east of Clingman Avenue the WECAN Creek in recognition of her

cultural diversity and neighborhood excellence. Naming is a way to honor

Mountain Housing Opportunities, Terry Whitmire Bellamy and the WECAN

neighbors who put WECAN on the map and it sets the framework for what is

here and an opportunity to focus on the positive things that happened in

this neighborhood. Byron articulated the greatest success was in the

coming together of a historically black and a historically white

neighborhood.  Pattiy is also encouraging the Board to lobby for the

renaming of Clingman Forest Greenway to honor someone else than a

slaveholding general. Marsha advised that Parks and Rec has a naming

process. Pattiy will check in with Scott Dedman at MHO for his input.

Other names suggested include Independence Creek, WECAN Waterway, Jessie’s

Creek and Bacoate Brook. Pattiy will follow upon these with 

dave@riverlink.org Timeline: Present through January 18.

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Pattiy moved and Caroline seconded a motion

to approve the WECAN Minutes from December as distributed. The motion

passed. No treasurer’s report.

ORIENTATION: Joe handed out a packet of Festival of Neighborhoods

(Tri-fold Spiel) the 2016 Plan on a Page and The WECAN By-Laws (updated in

2011.)

APD/CRO Update: Sean’s wife is expecting a bundle of joy very soon. There

have been reports of car break ins and a house on Park Ave was burgled. It

bears repeating: Lock you cars and homes, don’t leave valuables in cars or

in sight.

NEIGHBORHOOD REGISTRATION: Marsha explained that the city was working on a

map of organized neighborhoods that would be interactive. You can click on

a neighborhood and get an information box oabout the neighborhood with

association information, contact info, Plan on a Page and Neighborhood

Profile. Rachel was supposed to have submitted the info but has not yet.

Byron will check in with Rachel.

EQUITY MANAGER: Marsha explained that like the course of the

sustainability officer, office and manager so follows the equity manager.

Another input meeting to define the manager’s role and responsibilities

will be held at the Grant Center on Monday January 9 from 6-730.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Marsha announced that a meeting on the Pritchard Park

Improvements would be held at the Housing Authority Office from 3-5 pm on

Thursday January 12.

Also that a meeting about Recreational Services in the Southside area

would be held at the Eddington Center on Tuesday January 31 from 5-6 pm

facilitated by Tyrone Greenlee.

Pattiy announced a meeting at the Grant Center about RAD Signage Design on

Tuesday January 10 from 8:30-9:30. Joe reported that the RAD Form Based

Code announced a public presentation of the draft at the Grant Center on

Wednesday January 11 from 6-7:30.

BLOCK JESSIES: Byron told of an incident that happened recently. In

hooking up a new house Hayes and Lunsford had blocked off the street and

cut power to houses on Girdwood Street for an hour and a half with no

notice whatsoever. Jared noted that in a separate incident Duke had cut

power to his house on Trade Street for several hours. Marsha encouraged

contacting Greg Shuler with the infrastructure Task Force. Or call public

works or the Mayor’s office if it’s during business hours. Pattiy noted

that Tree Removal for a boat ramp had been talked about but as yet no

trees have been marked for removal. She noted that when New Belgium

construction would impact neighborhoods there was weekly notice about

what neighborhood areas would be affected in a Leaders Round Table. That

round table concept is being used for the RADTIP construction but isn’t

there yet with notices.

TWENTIETH YEAR CELEBRATION: Byron suggested some future informal meetings

with snacks to plan events to celebrate WECAN’s 20th year.

DUKE ENERGY SUBSTATION: Luke and Rachel have been in touch with SFB and

Montford about meeting with Duke’s Jason Walls in the coming months.

Pattiy noted that Duke has admitted to cutting down the trees on Clingman

west of All Souls Pizza and promised to replace them.

ASHEVILLE DESIGN CENTER: Joe has drafted a proposal for water catchment

for the community garden and will email the info the Marsha and Chris

Joyell.

NH ADVISORY COMMITTEE FESTIVAL OF NH’S WORKSHOPS REPORT: Byron attended

two workshops on November 13 and thought the one on Social Media was very

good. She thought the Crime Prevention one was less helpful.

NH LEADERS ROUNDTABLE: Pattiy reported on the last meeting in December.

There was a presentation by Lucy Crown about the Greenway opening and many

announcements before the important topic of meeting structure. She would

prefer more group problem solving rather than cheerleading.

SOCIAL/ WILDLIFE EVENTS: Pattiy usually posts to Face Book on the day when

she has events like a solstice bonfire. Bears and bear scat have been seen

in the neighborhood as well as Jacques the rooster of Trade Street but

unfortunately Carl Daven—the Mayor of Girdwood Street, has been missing

for some three weeks.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Election of officers was to occur at the January 5

Meeting, However due to such a small attendance it was postponed until Feb

2 Meeting along with nomination of At-Large Board Members..

Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary Emeritus

Important dates:

Jan 9 Equity Manager Meeting 6-730

Jan 10 RAD Sign Design8:30-9:30 am

Jan 11 RAD Form Based Code Presentation 6-730

Jan 12 Pritchard Park Improvements 3-5 AHA

Jan 14 HARD to Recycle 1298 Patton Ave 9-3

Jan 18 Last day to Name a Creek

Jan 31 5-6 Recreational Services in Southside

Feb 2 WECAN Board Meeting 6:30 64 Clingman Ave