Asheville Citizen Times Article and New Working Group Dates

Some dates for upcoming meetings have moved out as the substation design group works through details. The next meeting for the design group has moved from Wednesday Sept 6th to Wednesday Sept 13th. The larger stakeholder meeting moves out consequently and is generally targeted for the first week in October. Every effort is being made to set the stakeholder meeting two weeks in advance so residents can plan to attend. At the last meeting of the design group they worked on design details of a GIS substation. While progress continues, there isn't any new news to report that wasn't stated in the update published August 18th.

Joel Burgess from the Asheville Citizen Times spoke with Jason Walls from Duke Energy as well as Lynn Hall from our neighborhood and extracted some content from a prior blog post:

http://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2017/08/28/substation-could-reactivate-piece-ashevilles-western-downtown-duke-spokesman-says/607930001/

Update from Substation Design Work Group

Earlier this month, we reported the formation of a substation design work group. They are tasked with developing a mutually acceptable design for a substation Duke-Energy would like to locate on their newly acquired property along Clingman Ave between Patton and Hilliard Avenues.  The work group created development guidance criteria and produced multiple substation design scenarios. Duke-Energy has now completed feasibility studies of those scenarios and presented their conclusions to the work group stakeholders August 16.

Feasibility studies considered design scenarios using either Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) technology or Air Insulated Substation (AIS) technology. Ultimately, GIS design scenarios were concluded as the best choice. While GIS equipment is more costly, it requires less than half the development property resulting in a multitude of benefits that help accomplish scorecard goals. If you remember, the score card’s primary concern was to judge if the development would allow utilization and activation of the site’s perimeter; keep the transformer equipment out of site and invisible as possible, protect adjacent neighbors from consequential impacts and insure mutual community benefits in accordance with master development plans in place.

Achieving scorecard criteria with the smaller GIS footprint, makes it reasonable to house the equipment in a building walled off from sight and to locate the substation where it will have a lesser impact on adjacent neighbors. Generous landscape buffers beyond the central station are also possible.  It importantly allows gateway appropriate development of the excess property separate from the substation and could allow widening Clingman Ave from Patton to Hilliard Avenues lessening traffic congestion.

The Design work group plans further work focused on detailing GIS concept options such as exact substation placement and aesthetic details.  Future meeting dates are planned as follows and note they include a public information session.

 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:

Please join us at the upcoming WECAN board meeting September 7^th held at Mountain Housing Opportunities on Merritt St. You are also welcome to email questions to Lynn Hall, lahall78@gmail.com. We will continue to post updates on Nextdoor, Facebook and the WECAN Blog, http://wecannews.blogspot.com

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