Mrs. Jessie Mae Jones will be missed

Information Update: Duke-Energy’s Proposed Substation in WECAN

Duke-Energy is working with representatives from WECAN, RADBA, SFB, Montford, the Haywood Street Congregation, several local developers, the Downtown Commission and the City of Asheville to develop a mutually acceptable design for a power substation at the corner of Patton and Clingman. At the first meetings of this working group, guidance criteria addressing site uses, neighborhood protections and aesthetics for the substation were articulated.

The Criteria was created to:
1) Ensure minimum impact on the neighbors adjacent to; and closest to, the site and,
2) Promote creative ways to hide the substation while supporting future growth and development both on and around the site.
A scorecard was created with six categories to compare and judge four development scenarios against the criteria and the neighborhood guiding principals:

1. Prioritize planning that creates flexibility along the edges of the site so that future growth and development on the site independent of the substation can be activated and supported.
   
2. Design and aesthetics to make the substation as invisible as possible.
   
3. Technical constraints such as topography, cost and proximity to existing transmission line.
   
4. Safety and security to limit health, fire and other potentially dangerous impacts.
   
5. Construction impacts.
   
6. Noise impacts from regular and temporary activities.
   

WECAN neighborhood representatives working to make a difference and bring forth the community voice are Recy Barnette, Joe Fioccola, Luke Perry and Pattiy Torno. Several other business and neighborhood constituents support them in opposition to the initially presented traditional open-air substation design. The Rankin Ave substation is an example of this design with the electrical infrastructure, chain link fence and razor wire in full view. Duke-Energy representative, Jason Walls acknowledges the proposed build site is a gateway location that must properly represent Asheville, the communities, RAD, etc. He and his management have publicly committed to consider necessary engineering technology and equipment alternatives to achieve project acceptance from their business and neighborhood stakeholders.
Proposed Upcoming Meetings (scheduling is subject to timely completion of work inputs): August 16: Duke-Energy will present the four proposals to the team.
August 23: Evaluate and rank scenarios using scorecard
September 6: Finalize rankings and reach consensus
TBA week of September 18: Public neighborhood meeting.
For More Information:
For questions, additional details or to receive future updates by email, send your request to Lynn Hall, lahall78@gmail.com. We will continue to post updates on Nextdoor and the WECAN
Blog, http://wecannews.blogspot.com

August 8, 2017 

WECAN August 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes August 3, 2017  

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer, Lyn Hall, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery and Pattiy Torno. 

Members not present: Danny Aull, Tom Gibson, Rebecca Lance, Mike Kenton, Luke Perry JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis.

At Large Members not present: Rafael Rettig.

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

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

MINUTES/ TREASURER”S REPORT: Lynn moved and Byron seconded a motion to approve the draft WECAN minutes from July 6 as distributed with one spelling correction.      The motion passed. There was no treasurer’s report.

APD/CRO Update: Justin happily advised that no crimes were reported in WECAN in July. Some issues have been reported with traffic going the wrong way on Club/Trade St from west Haywood and with parking on West Haywood between Park Ave and Roberts Street. In other neighborhoods S French Broad reported increased prostitution, more homeless camps, shooting at Hillcrest, Pisgahview and Livingston and pickpockets downtown. Several people reported cars not yielding to people in the crosswalks at Clingman and Hilliard.

BLOCK JESSIES: There is an ongoing problem with inconsiderate parking on and off Rector Street. Lynn reported homeless camping continues near Clingman Lofts and at Owens-Bell Park.

No movement on making Clingman Avenue Extension one way. Duke-Energy was inconsiderate when they cut down two crabapple trees and half of the big willow tree at the Crisps on W Haywood Street where they are putting in new transmission lines and never informed or consulted with them. Pattiy was asked by Robert Sipes (Jason Walls boss) to let them know when what they do is not right. She brought up the replacement of trees they cut down on Clingman Avenue that have not been replaced and she met with Victor Ray the next day and with Rot Smith ,Duke’s arborist to identify 11 stumps. They will remove 6 piles of debris and cut down the remaining stumps and treat them. Then in the fall they will replant 11 trees near the stumps to maintain the pattern. They asked what kind of trees WECAN would like there and from a list of trees that grow to 15-20 feet including hawthorn, buckeye, crabapple, crepe myrtle, dogwood, magnolia, holly, Japanese maple, snow ball, etc. the native limestone hawthorn crategus calpodendron was chosen. Pattiy moved and Lynn seconded a motion to recommend a native hawthorn. The motion passed.

DUKE SUBSTATION UPDATE: Rachel reported that Duke officially owns the site now.  It made Jessie cry to actually read about it in the paper. The Duke working group has produced a scorecard to be used on August 16 when the Duke team provides additional information and 4 initial proposals to consider. They include a GIS at Asheland and Hilliard, a GIS on the Meeker lots, a GIS on the entire block including residential lots, and an AIS on the entire block. Then on August 23 the group will rank each one using the agreed scorecard. The WECAN working group will met between those meetings and on September 6 the Duke working group will try to come to consensus. There will be something to report at the next WECAN Board meeting on September 7.  A new question arose about the new transmission lines going in on West Haywood which will enable the removal of some of the smaller distribution line poles which hold street lights. Will the street lights be affected? 

RAD FORM BASED CODE: The draft plan went before City Council but was not passed due to late objections from EWANA about short term rentals next to their neighborhood and some objections to any zoning but particularly ‘River Zoning.’ The form based code specifies form and not use so it goes back to Planning and Zoning for revision then to Council. Pattiy has mixed feelings about it. The main issue is how it affects our neighborhood and she is aware of the unintended consequences of fickle new ideas. A weakness that she observed was that unlike the Haywood Corridor FBC the Historic River District doesn’t really have a defined ‘form’ to extend and preserve. There are also two development issues in the RAD. One is the proposal for a hotel at the Burco Building 97 Roberts St because no lodging is currently permitted in the RAD even though many businesses would support a hotel there. The second is the problems with the changing and unfair new requirements for the ‘Stoneyard’ development. A 6 month delay due to a wrong survey and new UDO requirements for council review affecting the design and for affordable housing percentages in a Conditional Use Permit threaten to scrub the entire project.

It next comes before council on August 22. There is no consensus in WECAN on STR’s.

RADTIP: The official groundbreaking is set for August 23.  Joe attended the grand opening of 14 Riverside Drive on July 21. There were some businesses awards, a band, dancers and refreshments and the entire Bacoate family was feted.

ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Joe will lead at 9 am on Tuesday August 8 beginning at the sign garden on Clingman at Hilliard.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: Byron reported over 25 neighbors broke bread and attended a good feast for of corn, potatoes, chard, tomatoes, etc. on July 18. The gardens are in between seasons now and need to be cleaned up to winter over and some cold weather planting will occur soon.

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:  Joe read excerpts from the very first WECAN NEWS from August 1997. Highlights included “MHO recently purchased 15 and 21 Rector Street and 134 Clingman Avenue for renovation.” And “Aston Park Update: Though problems at Aston Park are far from being resolved, new landscaping, lighting, and increased police presence have made Aston Park more inviting. A feasibility study addressing Aston’s problem, and new playground equipment expected to be installed by May, 1998, should make the park a safer place for families to play and picnic.”

Byron moved and Rachel seconded a motion to adjourn. Motion passed at 8:21 pm

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

Aug 7                               Last day to comment on Open City Hall on RADTIP Southern Section Survey

Aug 8                              Adopt a Highway  Litter pickup 9 am

Aug 8                             Affordable Housing Bond Money Grant Center 6-7 pm

Aug 14                              C.A.N. Meeting 7 p.m. Oakley Community Center                

Aug 16, 23            Duke Working Group Meetings           

Aug 17                              Community Land Trust Meeting 6 pm

Aug 18                   NH leaders Roundtable 8:30 @ Riverlink

Aug 23                              RADTIP Groundbreaking

Aug 26                              Riverlink Anything that Floats

Sept 76                  Next WECAN Board Meeting Thursday 6:30 pm

           

WECAN NEIGHBORHOOD SUBSTATION NEWS ALERT

}DUKE PROPOSES A TRANSFORMER SUBSTATION AT PATTON & CLINGMAN (Former Hunter Volvo). They are also buying all adjoining property along Clingman to Hilliard }Neighborhood input is essential to inform Duke of our needs, values and aspirations. Open-air substations like those on Desoto Street in West Asheville or Rankin behind the US Cellular Center are not acceptable designs }Select WECAN Board members have joined a multi-functional development task force with representatives from Duke, City of Asheville and adjoining neighborhoods }Receive Task Force updates by email if you request; email request to lahall78@gmail.com. Detailed updates are also posted to this WECAN blog, http://wecannews.blogspot.com/ GENERAL STATEMENT: The city of Asheville is growing along with its power demand. Demand and aging infrastructure requires additional power be made available. Duke has looked at several sites on the west and south sides, but is most interested in developing a new facility at Patton and Clingman. WECAN board members are working with Duke and the city of Asheville to guide matters within our limitation. Both Duke and the City understand the importance of this site as a gateway to Asheville, WECAN and River Arts, but it will take dedicated effort of the WECAN neighborhood to encourage the right type of development should it go forward.  Please see detailed information and history on the WECAN blog.

WECAN July 2017 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft

WECAN Board Meeting Minutes July 6, 2017

Board Members present: Byron Ballard, Jared Fischer, Lyn Hall, Rebecca

Lance, Rachel Larson, Luke Perry and Pattiy Torno.

Members not present: Danny Aull, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, JoAnn Skinner

and Suzanne Willis.

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

Also Present: Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, David Heetderks, Payne

Kissinger, Hanni Muerdter, Caroline Mullis and APD Officer Justin Wilson.

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

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

approve the draft WECAN minutes from June 1 as distributed. The motion

passed. Treasurer reported no activity.

APD/CRO Update: Justin reported burglaries at two houses under renovation

and two vehicles broken into and one stolen from in WECAN. Also city-wide

an increase in bicycle thefts with locks being cut.

Lyn reported problems with homeless campers on a vacant lot next door to

his home on Park Avenue. He acknowledged Asheville reputation for

tolerance making it a magnet for this activity around hidden or untended

places. It was suggested that the seven days notice should be reduced to 4

days to discourage abuse. Christiana Tugman can be reached at

CTugman@ashevillenc.gov. Justin can see the advantage for more officer

discretion in alleviating the problem. Hanni reported a similar problem at

the Clingman Lofts.

BLOCK JESSIES: July 4 party on Jefferson, Pat Crisp’s nephew passed away,

Steve and Britany have finally moved in, Yuri and Mara visited and stopped

their Air B&B, Snake and Sandra’s son just graduated from High School, 

Clingman Lofts had a lot of turnover many owners are using it as a second

home, a hydrant exploded behind Jared’s house, the .63 acre Cotton Mill

building recently sold for $1,950,000.

338 HILLIARD AVENUE: Payne Kassinger is the developer of affordable

housing on the Parks and Recreation Maintenance site.  They have built

1200 units in Asheville since 2009. Next week they walk through with the

city pre demo. He will bring a site plan to the next WECAN meeting. In two

months plans will be finished and then 120 days for city approval.

Construction should begin in April 2018 on the 64 units (34 affordable and

30 market rate). It will not be car-free and is to be called Clingman Park

Apartments.

DUKE SUBSTATION UPDATE:  Rachel gave an overview of the history leading up

to Duke’s option on the Hunter Volvo site. A meeting on June 7 at Haywood

Street Congregation yielded a proposal from Duke to put an Air Cooled

Substation in the middle of the site and fencing all around it. That

option is unacceptable to the neighborhood. At a June 13 meeting with the

Mayor it was suggested that a smaller working group be formed to dig a

little deeper and explore some options for the site. On June 26 Duke

brought in consultants to explain the differences between Air insulated

and Gas insulated Substations. Since then a report from geo-technician

showing the water table on the site at 27 feet below grade—which affects

the initial site plan digging down 20 feet. The costs of site preparation

inflate the entire project cost and may make the more expensive GIS a less

costly alternative but nothing is decided yet—everything is still in play.

A smaller working group has been formed and will meet on July 7 and 10 and

then on August 8th to develop alternatives. A WECAN’s response and

strategy and potential positive outcomes and controlling the messaging

with the media were discussed.

WECAN is advocating for a positive outcome. WECAN doesn’t want to kick the

can to another neighborhood but if it must be here it must be done

differently.

RAD FORM BASED CODE: The Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission passed

it. The only opposition expressed was from EWANA who feared Craven Street

properties going commercial would yield a row of Air B&B’s.

RADTIP: The budget estimate came in as twice what was planned so the scope

of the project is now cut in half.. What is still in the project are full

from Hill Street to the old 12Bones, 2 roundabouts, the greenway on the

west bank of the river and a 16 foot wide greenway from the old 12Bones to

Amboy Road. What was cut were: Bacoate Greenway, Town Branch Greenway,

Livingston Street, bollarded bike lanes and the roadway south of the old

12Bones.

MSD: The pipes can’t handle the load and get backed up and a larger line

will go from the end of Park Avenue down the hill to Roberts Street

starting in August and some trees will be removed.

NEW BELGIUM: Pile driving for 65 poles on the north end of the site will

begin in July for water treatment.

SOCIAL: Rebecca proposed a feast when the corn is ready to harvest. Joe

noted the potatoes will be ready soon. A membership drive in conjunction

should also happen.

Meeting adjourned at 8:21 pm

ANNOUNCEMENT: Pattiy announced that the million dollar ‘Taj Matoilets’

bathrooms at 14 Riverside Drive will have a grand opening on July 21 from

3-6 pm.

Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola, Secretary Emeritus

Important Upcoming Dates:

July 7, 9       Duke Working Group Meetings

July 9       Open City Hall Neighborhood Coordinator survey deadline.

July 10       Meet the Equity Manager Candidates at Civic Center 4:30-6:30

July 11       Development Customer Advisory Group at Public Works

9-10:30 am

July 21       NH leaders Roundtable 8:30 @ Riverlink

July 11, 18, 25       Community Garden Workday/meeting 6 pm

July 17                   C.A.N. Meeting 7 p.m. Oakley Community Center

July 21       Bathroom Grand Opening 14 Riverside Drive from 3-6 pm.

July 25                   City Council reviews RAD Form Based Code

August 1       Next WECAN Board Meeting Thursday 6:30 pm

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