Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Saturday Workday on the Hill- May 26 (10am-1pm)
Hi WECAN neighbors. Come out and help Asheville Greenworks continue their contributions to our neighborhood.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Clingman Circle Celebration and RAD ONE Neighborhood Benefit- June 5th@ 6pm
Moving Street Party & Benefit Concert Mark Completion of $1.2
Million Clingman Avenue Streetscape Project
“Clingman Circle Celebration” and “RAD ONE Neighborhood Benefit” to
showcase and support the beautiful gateway to River Arts District and West
End/Clingman Avenue Neighborhood
ASHEVILLE,
NC – On Tuesday June 5th
at 6:00 PM, the public is invited to join Mayor Terry Bellamy, Asheville
community leaders, River Arts District business owners and artists, West
End/Clingman Avenue neighbors and project supporters as they celebrate the
recent completion of the $1.2 million Clingman Avenue streetscape enhancement
project with a moving street party down Clingman Avenue, and a benefit concert
and silent auction at the Grey Eagle.
After a ceremonial ribbon cutting at
Clingman & Hilliard, the “Clingman
Circle Celebration” will walk, bike, roll and dance down Clingman to the
new traffic circle at Roberts Street to the sounds of Youth at Jazz, Cub Scout
Pack No. 24 bearing flags and our Master of Ceremonies, Chall Gray. Moving Street Party goers are encouraged to DRESS UP! in support of
their favorite neighborhood organization. To support WECAN, show up in Dots!
For Asheville On Bikes... please wear Plaid! The Asheville Area Arts Council
would love to see you in RED!
River Arts District Artists love YELLOW! Asheville Greenworks is looking for a sea of GREEN, of
course! The organization with the
most people sporting their color or pattern wins the "Best CCC Organization"
donation of $100!!
Remarks by Mayor Bellamy, NC Department of
Transportation, RADBA, Mountain Housing Opportunities, and Asheville on Bikes
will begin at 6:30 PM in the FLS Energy parking lot, 130 Roberts Street. The "Best CCC participation"
award will be decided at FLS, at 7pm to wrap up the Clingman Circle
Celebration.
The “RAD
ONE Neighborhood Benefit” will begin at 7:00 PM at the Gray Eagle. Musical guests include the
blues/rock harmonies of The Blue Dragons,
20th century hot jazz with Jerome
Widenhouse & His Roaring Lions and Ivory Coast Master Drummer, Adama. The concert and a silent auction will raise money to support Asheville GreenWorks' "Green the RAD" initiative,
which helps maintain the new streetscape, and the "ONE Neighborhood Art
Mentoring Program,” a new program that brings neighborhood youth to the RAD for
free arts and cultural learning experiences. Tickets to The Grey Eagle are $10 at the door.
REMEMBER to support WECAN and wear polka dots!
More info:
http://ashevillerad.com/business/clingman_circle_celebration
http://www.facebook.com/events/292415550842423
Monday, May 7, 2012
WECAN May 2012 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft
WECAN Board on Thursday May 3, 2011 at Merritt Park Meeting Room
Members present: Byron Ballard, Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Luke W. Perry, Joanne Skinner and Suzanne Willis. Members not present were: Bret Frk, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen. Also present were APD Lt Jamie Crawford, Sgt Sean Aardema, Officer Jackie Stepp, Officer Josh Meindl, Sarah Nunez, Susanna Ronalds-Hannon and Pattiy Torno.
Luke called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Introductions included length of residence in WECAN ranging from 'family in neighborhood since 1895', 28 years, 8 years, 5 years, 'since age 8' all the way to 3.5 weeks. The April Minutes were approved as published.
APD CRO Update: Community Resource Officer Jackie Stepp reported that the new Police Chief William Anderson places great emphasis on community policing. She announced a new protocol for handling homeless campsites: A seven day notice to move is given along with a card listing contacts for support services and a report is made. This aids in mapping sites to monitor, tracking calls for service and tracking individuals. The kickoff for this protocol was on April 17 at a site behind 12 Bones that included DOT and city representatives. She encouraged anyone noticing homeless camps to report them to the non-emergency police number 252-1110. Pattiy reported seeing a graffiti team dressed in black with black ski masks pull into her parking lot a couple of weeks ago also a homeless camp behind the red Anders Warehouse at the NW corner of Riverside at the Smith Bridge (Craven St./W. Haywood St.) Jackie relayed that the chief and the District Attorney were getting better at coordinating prosecution of graffiti tagging cases. Jessie reported a tent set up in the area behind her house on Knoxville Place. Following up on a previous issue of fence removal behind 12 Bones Jackie had been in contact with Beth Erickson who was more receptive than Kathy Conner but Pattiy reported that it had already been arranged for the Town of Woodfin to remove the fence and re-use it as soon as the property was officially transferred to the city. Jackie also announced that the S. French Broad neighborhood was going to meet regularly again every other month beginning on May 24 at 6 p.m. at Aston Park and was interested in arranging a social event with WECAN. Sgt Aardema requested that when calling police on the night shift to be as specific as possible with locations so they can find things like "people running into the woods" more accurately. Lt Crawford reported a Breaking or Entering that occurred the previous night on W. Haywood at Park Place. One suspect was caught and charged. She also advised that we would be seeing a lot more of the officers at meetings and in the neighborhood including supervisory personnel because the police are a part of the community, part of the family. Suzanne reported a tent on Jefferson and a female she saw most of the day at the bridge at Owens-Bell Park.
Asheville Buncombe Community Relations Council: Sarah Nunez began as their only staff three months ago. Since the 1950's the Good Neighbor Council was initiated by Governor Terry Sanford to respond to discrimination and race relations, locally since 1969 the ABCRC has strived to help communities solve problems. Since that time they have worked with HUD on fair housing issues, also on women's issues, youth scholarships, EEOC and other programs including honoring the Community Relations Officer of the year.( An honor that once awarded to Jackie.) But now they are re-visioning and embarking on a listening project to see what the needs of the community are, how they can help, acknowledging that structural racism exists at all levels of society what kind of discrimination issues are of concern. Pattiy brought up the issue of how property taxes affects our community with revaluations ever increasing the only value to neighbors is when you sell your property and move away which does not support strong communities. Sarah reported that the ABCRC is the only one in the state that is an autonomous 501(c)3 organization since most are city departments and while they do receive funds from the city of Asheville, Buncombe County and the Asheville Housing Authority they will be seeking other sources of funding. They are governed by an 18 member board. (6 each appointed by the City and the County and 6 at-large.) They meet on the last Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the United Way Building at 50 S. French Broad Avenue.
Roberts St/Speeding Issues: This is tied in with pedestrians and sidewalks on Roberts St and the 2005 City Sidewalk Plan but also relates to vehicles and buses speeding on Clingman Ave. Jackie will talk to Marsha and Luke will talk to Barb about these issues. Jessie identified problems at Hilliard and Clingman from 7:20-7:28 a.m.when the children are getting on the school bus and the rush hours 8-9 am and 5-6 pm. Asheville Transit will respond to complaints but what they need is a date, time, location and a bus number to investigate and address these issues. Jackie will contact Jeff Staudinger about a traffic study.
Green Opportunities Weatherization Assistance Training Team: Suzanna passed out a brochure. Their services include air sealing, insulating, duct sealing, weather stripping around doors, installing CFL light bulbs, water heater jackets and faucet aerators. Some services are available at no cost to qualifying income households. and other options are also available such as hiring the energy team, becoming a training home by paying for materials and getting labor free, or joining the 'Neighbor Saves" program to get trained with others to weatherize each others homes. Visit http://www.wnccgbc.org/neighborsaves/ for more information. or call (828)398-4168.
Clingman Circle Celebration: Pattiy updated the official city sponsored celebration plans: participants will gather at the car lot at Clingman and Hilliard at 5:30 and the brief window immediately after the 6:03 bus will include dignitaries at a ribbon cutting and procession with Boy Scouts trooping the colors, Asheville on Bikes, community groups showing their colors for a $100 prize, and a moving pa system to the traffic circle with a few speeches at a flatbed truck stage in the parking lot of FLS . The police will assist with a "rolling closure" and then a benefit will follow at the Grey Eagle with a silent auction and live bands playing. The funds raised will go to Asheville Green Works for "Green the RAD" to pay for plantings and maintenance and also to fund the "One Neighborhood Initiative" which will mentor neighborhood children in River District Artists studios. MHO has contributed $500. WECAN Walkers will be wearing polka dots. Clingman Residents will be asked to allow or decorate the Procession route. Pattiy emphasized the need for logistical organization and stage management for the brief time available for the procession.
DOT COA Conversation: Byron reported that on Friday April 27 a group met at the base of the Walkover bridge steps with Marsha and Chad Bandy from the DOT. He was friendly and open and is positive about a Memorandum of Agreement with the Ciy of Asheville to cover a range of issues including limited versus controlled access; cleanups; community gardens; and the kudzu hill on Clingman. The city can then partner with other groups such as Asheville Greenworks or WECAN under that agreement.
Communications Sub Committee: Pattiy will print or email break-out lists of addresses in the several blocks to the identified 'Block Jessies.' Still trying to get the pamphlets out.
The WECAN Garden Club will meet this Saturday May 5 at 9 a.m. to weed and trim at the corner of Hilliard and Clingman by the WECAN sign. We are assured that there will be a thorough cleanup of the length of the Clingman Circle Celebration procession from sweeping debris from the road and sidewalks etc.
Owens-Bell Park: Kiosk: Luke presented an illustration of the proposed addition.
New Belgian Brewery Meetings: Luke announced there will be two public input meetings on Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8 from 5:30-7 at The Artery at 346 Depot St. There should be information about a timeline, proposed plans and community needs. We need to identify issues from WECAN: What will change?, How will they affect us?, When will things happen? Some ideas mentioned were economic sustainability, arts advocacy, walkability, and capitalist obscenity. Pattiy announced that infrastructure teams have been narrowed down to 5; that the materials from old buildings being removed would be 'recycled'. She suggested that we as a neighborhood try to figure out what is important to our future and get creative about what is doable from them and for the neighborhood. Concerns were raised about property values placing an unfair burden on us, keeping our neighborhood intact, workforce housing. The biggest issues impacting WECAN were identified as Clean air; Jobs and Noise during construction.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Friday May 4 at 3 p.m Reid Center Block Party . food and a DJ.
Mon May 7 at 5:30 p.m. New Belgium Community Meeting Artery 346 Depot St
Tue May 8 at 5:30 p.m. New Belgium Community Meeting Artery 346 Depot St
Thu May 24 at 6 p.m. S French Broad Neighborhood Meeting at Aston Park Center
Sat May 26 Avl Greenworks Cleanup day W Haywood/Hilliard Pepsi Billboard Area
Tue Jun 5 at 5:30 Clingman Circle Celebration
Meeting adjourned at 8:25
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
Next BOARD Meeting 6:30p.m. on Thursday June 7.
Members present: Byron Ballard, Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Luke W. Perry, Joanne Skinner and Suzanne Willis. Members not present were: Bret Frk, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen. Also present were APD Lt Jamie Crawford, Sgt Sean Aardema, Officer Jackie Stepp, Officer Josh Meindl, Sarah Nunez, Susanna Ronalds-Hannon and Pattiy Torno.
Luke called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Introductions included length of residence in WECAN ranging from 'family in neighborhood since 1895', 28 years, 8 years, 5 years, 'since age 8' all the way to 3.5 weeks. The April Minutes were approved as published.
APD CRO Update: Community Resource Officer Jackie Stepp reported that the new Police Chief William Anderson places great emphasis on community policing. She announced a new protocol for handling homeless campsites: A seven day notice to move is given along with a card listing contacts for support services and a report is made. This aids in mapping sites to monitor, tracking calls for service and tracking individuals. The kickoff for this protocol was on April 17 at a site behind 12 Bones that included DOT and city representatives. She encouraged anyone noticing homeless camps to report them to the non-emergency police number 252-1110. Pattiy reported seeing a graffiti team dressed in black with black ski masks pull into her parking lot a couple of weeks ago also a homeless camp behind the red Anders Warehouse at the NW corner of Riverside at the Smith Bridge (Craven St./W. Haywood St.) Jackie relayed that the chief and the District Attorney were getting better at coordinating prosecution of graffiti tagging cases. Jessie reported a tent set up in the area behind her house on Knoxville Place. Following up on a previous issue of fence removal behind 12 Bones Jackie had been in contact with Beth Erickson who was more receptive than Kathy Conner but Pattiy reported that it had already been arranged for the Town of Woodfin to remove the fence and re-use it as soon as the property was officially transferred to the city. Jackie also announced that the S. French Broad neighborhood was going to meet regularly again every other month beginning on May 24 at 6 p.m. at Aston Park and was interested in arranging a social event with WECAN. Sgt Aardema requested that when calling police on the night shift to be as specific as possible with locations so they can find things like "people running into the woods" more accurately. Lt Crawford reported a Breaking or Entering that occurred the previous night on W. Haywood at Park Place. One suspect was caught and charged. She also advised that we would be seeing a lot more of the officers at meetings and in the neighborhood including supervisory personnel because the police are a part of the community, part of the family. Suzanne reported a tent on Jefferson and a female she saw most of the day at the bridge at Owens-Bell Park.
Asheville Buncombe Community Relations Council: Sarah Nunez began as their only staff three months ago. Since the 1950's the Good Neighbor Council was initiated by Governor Terry Sanford to respond to discrimination and race relations, locally since 1969 the ABCRC has strived to help communities solve problems. Since that time they have worked with HUD on fair housing issues, also on women's issues, youth scholarships, EEOC and other programs including honoring the Community Relations Officer of the year.( An honor that once awarded to Jackie.) But now they are re-visioning and embarking on a listening project to see what the needs of the community are, how they can help, acknowledging that structural racism exists at all levels of society what kind of discrimination issues are of concern. Pattiy brought up the issue of how property taxes affects our community with revaluations ever increasing the only value to neighbors is when you sell your property and move away which does not support strong communities. Sarah reported that the ABCRC is the only one in the state that is an autonomous 501(c)3 organization since most are city departments and while they do receive funds from the city of Asheville, Buncombe County and the Asheville Housing Authority they will be seeking other sources of funding. They are governed by an 18 member board. (6 each appointed by the City and the County and 6 at-large.) They meet on the last Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the United Way Building at 50 S. French Broad Avenue.
Roberts St/Speeding Issues: This is tied in with pedestrians and sidewalks on Roberts St and the 2005 City Sidewalk Plan but also relates to vehicles and buses speeding on Clingman Ave. Jackie will talk to Marsha and Luke will talk to Barb about these issues. Jessie identified problems at Hilliard and Clingman from 7:20-7:28 a.m.when the children are getting on the school bus and the rush hours 8-9 am and 5-6 pm. Asheville Transit will respond to complaints but what they need is a date, time, location and a bus number to investigate and address these issues. Jackie will contact Jeff Staudinger about a traffic study.
Green Opportunities Weatherization Assistance Training Team: Suzanna passed out a brochure. Their services include air sealing, insulating, duct sealing, weather stripping around doors, installing CFL light bulbs, water heater jackets and faucet aerators. Some services are available at no cost to qualifying income households. and other options are also available such as hiring the energy team, becoming a training home by paying for materials and getting labor free, or joining the 'Neighbor Saves" program to get trained with others to weatherize each others homes. Visit http://www.wnccgbc.org/neighborsaves/ for more information. or call (828)398-4168.
Clingman Circle Celebration: Pattiy updated the official city sponsored celebration plans: participants will gather at the car lot at Clingman and Hilliard at 5:30 and the brief window immediately after the 6:03 bus will include dignitaries at a ribbon cutting and procession with Boy Scouts trooping the colors, Asheville on Bikes, community groups showing their colors for a $100 prize, and a moving pa system to the traffic circle with a few speeches at a flatbed truck stage in the parking lot of FLS . The police will assist with a "rolling closure" and then a benefit will follow at the Grey Eagle with a silent auction and live bands playing. The funds raised will go to Asheville Green Works for "Green the RAD" to pay for plantings and maintenance and also to fund the "One Neighborhood Initiative" which will mentor neighborhood children in River District Artists studios. MHO has contributed $500. WECAN Walkers will be wearing polka dots. Clingman Residents will be asked to allow or decorate the Procession route. Pattiy emphasized the need for logistical organization and stage management for the brief time available for the procession.
DOT COA Conversation: Byron reported that on Friday April 27 a group met at the base of the Walkover bridge steps with Marsha and Chad Bandy from the DOT. He was friendly and open and is positive about a Memorandum of Agreement with the Ciy of Asheville to cover a range of issues including limited versus controlled access; cleanups; community gardens; and the kudzu hill on Clingman. The city can then partner with other groups such as Asheville Greenworks or WECAN under that agreement.
Communications Sub Committee: Pattiy will print or email break-out lists of addresses in the several blocks to the identified 'Block Jessies.' Still trying to get the pamphlets out.
The WECAN Garden Club will meet this Saturday May 5 at 9 a.m. to weed and trim at the corner of Hilliard and Clingman by the WECAN sign. We are assured that there will be a thorough cleanup of the length of the Clingman Circle Celebration procession from sweeping debris from the road and sidewalks etc.
Owens-Bell Park: Kiosk: Luke presented an illustration of the proposed addition.
New Belgian Brewery Meetings: Luke announced there will be two public input meetings on Monday May 7 and Tuesday May 8 from 5:30-7 at The Artery at 346 Depot St. There should be information about a timeline, proposed plans and community needs. We need to identify issues from WECAN: What will change?, How will they affect us?, When will things happen? Some ideas mentioned were economic sustainability, arts advocacy, walkability, and capitalist obscenity. Pattiy announced that infrastructure teams have been narrowed down to 5; that the materials from old buildings being removed would be 'recycled'. She suggested that we as a neighborhood try to figure out what is important to our future and get creative about what is doable from them and for the neighborhood. Concerns were raised about property values placing an unfair burden on us, keeping our neighborhood intact, workforce housing. The biggest issues impacting WECAN were identified as Clean air; Jobs and Noise during construction.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Friday May 4 at 3 p.m Reid Center Block Party . food and a DJ.
Mon May 7 at 5:30 p.m. New Belgium Community Meeting Artery 346 Depot St
Tue May 8 at 5:30 p.m. New Belgium Community Meeting Artery 346 Depot St
Thu May 24 at 6 p.m. S French Broad Neighborhood Meeting at Aston Park Center
Sat May 26 Avl Greenworks Cleanup day W Haywood/Hilliard Pepsi Billboard Area
Tue Jun 5 at 5:30 Clingman Circle Celebration
Meeting adjourned at 8:25
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
Next BOARD Meeting 6:30p.m. on Thursday June 7.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Asheville Transit Changes: Open House
Open houses scheduled to share upcoming changes to transit system
ASHEVILLE - Beginning Monday, May 21, the city’s bus system, currently operating as Asheville Transit, will begin operating as ART (Asheville Redefines Transit). In addition to introducing a new look, new routes and new rides, the launch will celebrate the first phase of transit master plan implementation. The new ART transit network will demonstrate the City of Asheville’s commitment to multi-modal transportation, affordability and sustainability.
In advance of the May 21 launch, the City of Asheville will host six informational drop-in sessions. Seeking to encourage citizen engagement, the sessions will use interactive tools to share information about the upcoming changes. New schedules and maps will be available to take home and opportunities to get hands on experience learning to navigate GoogleTransit, a new online tool riders can use to plan bus trips, will be available. Staff and transit commission members will be onsite to answer questions.
The April 30 session at the U.S. Cellular Center will have a new hybrid bus on display for family friendly activities and a "load your bicycle on the bus" competition.
The public can drop-in between 4-7 p.m. on any of the following dates:
Monday, April 30, U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood St.
Tuesday, May 1, West Asheville Community Center, 970 Haywood Rd.
Thursday, May 3, Reid Memorial Recreation Center, 133 Livingston St.
Monday, May 7, Linwood Crump - Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd.
Monday, May 14, East Asheville Community Center, 906 Tunnel Rd.
Tuesday, May 15, Grace Episcopal Church - Parish Hall, 871 Merrimon Ave.
For more information about Asheville Transit, contact 253-5691, e-mail iride@ashevillenc.gov or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/transit
This release can be found at www.ashevillenc.gov.
ASHEVILLE - Beginning Monday, May 21, the city’s bus system, currently operating as Asheville Transit, will begin operating as ART (Asheville Redefines Transit). In addition to introducing a new look, new routes and new rides, the launch will celebrate the first phase of transit master plan implementation. The new ART transit network will demonstrate the City of Asheville’s commitment to multi-modal transportation, affordability and sustainability.
In advance of the May 21 launch, the City of Asheville will host six informational drop-in sessions. Seeking to encourage citizen engagement, the sessions will use interactive tools to share information about the upcoming changes. New schedules and maps will be available to take home and opportunities to get hands on experience learning to navigate GoogleTransit, a new online tool riders can use to plan bus trips, will be available. Staff and transit commission members will be onsite to answer questions.
The April 30 session at the U.S. Cellular Center will have a new hybrid bus on display for family friendly activities and a "load your bicycle on the bus" competition.
The public can drop-in between 4-7 p.m. on any of the following dates:
Monday, April 30, U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall, 87 Haywood St.
Tuesday, May 1, West Asheville Community Center, 970 Haywood Rd.
Thursday, May 3, Reid Memorial Recreation Center, 133 Livingston St.
Monday, May 7, Linwood Crump - Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd.
Monday, May 14, East Asheville Community Center, 906 Tunnel Rd.
Tuesday, May 15, Grace Episcopal Church - Parish Hall, 871 Merrimon Ave.
For more information about Asheville Transit, contact 253-5691, e-mail iride@ashevillenc.gov or visit www.ashevillenc.gov/transit
This release can be found at www.ashevillenc.gov.
WECAN April 2012 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft
WECAN Board on Thursday April 5, 2011 at Merritt Park Meeting Room
Members present: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Yuri Koslen and Luke W. Perry. Members not present were: Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Coleman, Bret Frk, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Joanne Skinner, and Suzanne Willis.
Also present were Pattiy Torno and Susan Roderick.
Luke called the meeting to order at 6:42 AnnaBeth has been named Foreign Language Student of the Year.
The March Meeting Minutes were approved as distributed with one correction that Pattiy was listed under 'members present' instead of 'also present'
ASHEVILLE GREEN WORKS: Susan Roderick with Asheville Green works reported on the several plantings in and around WECAN. She has a 'DOT approved' but casual plan for the areas along I-240 from the Smokey Park Bridges to Clingman Avenue. They have a contract with Freckle Farms for mowing and will over time plant daylilies and forsythia and small trees like dogwoods in addition to the roses already planted along the chain link fence. The plan is for an informal and more natural look. She has heard that ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) is interested in a community garden. Byron and Susan will arrange a meeting to discuss a location in WECAN near the Pepsi Billboard. Kudzu removal will be a priority and Susan has received a large Grant from REI Outdoor for maintenance. She is planning a big work day on Saturday May 26 (The Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.)The date will be confirmed by the May WECAN Board Meeting and Luke will coordinate with the Hillcrest group, which has just elected new board members. There was general agreement that WECAN should partner with Greenworks to help maintain the level area between the base of the bridge and the top of the staircase. Some ideas mentioned included low maintenance fern beds; a trash can and repair of the fence, a picnic or cookout on 'Boy Scout Hill' which is properly named 'Chicken Hill'. Susan also has access to several service groups who could help maintain some areas. Susan also reported that you can get FREE MULCH during April at the land fill.
EAST OF THE RIVERWAY: surveys have begun early reports have 25-35% coverage. Jeff Staudinger has put out RFQ's (Request For Qualifications) for consultants for greenways and is looking for community participation in the form of a volunteer to assist a committee in reading and scoring applications, and selecting and interviewing the best candidates. Luke suggested Brett and will ask him and if he cannot then Pattiy volunteered to be the back up volunteer.
OWENS BELL PARK: KIOSK: Luke will have a 3-d mock up for the next meeting and Pattiy has gotten the contact number for Duckett Bell who wanted to sponsor something in the park. Apparently some dead ivy covered trees have been removed making a little less work for the Garden Club.
Pattiy reported that Riverlink has requested that the new sidewalk [going in on Depot St and across the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks all the way to the Curve Studios] use historic granite curbstones. Though more expensive cost may not be such an issue as sidewalk funds must be spent before the fiscal year ends. The issue arose that there is still resentment that granite curbstones were harvested from Park Avenue, and West Haywood Street when new sidewalks went in with no consultation with the neighborhood and that there remain some sections of original granite curbstones in WECAN and that some on Roberts Street might also be at risk. It was suggested that any community support for this be linked to prioritizing sidewalks on Roberts Street between the traffic circle and the White Duck Taco. Roberts St is listed as a 'Needed Linkage' on the 2005 City Sidewalks Plan but not a priority as Riverside Drive is characterized.
COMMUNICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE: Pattiy will create break-out lists of addresses in the several blocks and potential contacts to become 'Block Jessies.' Luke also offered thanks to MHO for their assistance making copies of the brochure.
CLINGMAN CELEBRATION: Some new striping has appeared. Pattiy updated the official city sponsored celebration plans: There needs to be a short and catchy name rather than the "WECAN Clingman Avenue Streetscape Community Parade and RADBA Fundraiser at the Grey Eagle." Some suggestions included: RAD Roundabout Parade// WECAN Roundabout Parade and RAD Benefit// WECAN Wander// WECAN Wonder// WECAN Walk// WECAN Roundup// Clingman Connection// Clingman Strut// Clingman Avenue Circle Parade// Clingman Circle Celebration//. The city will pay for invitations and some comp tickets to the benefit. There will be a Boy Scout Troop marching the colors. Also the Hillcrest High Steppers are expected. Participants will gather at the Car lot at Clingman and Hilliard and the parade will begin around 6-ish. Depending on the Asheville Transit buses. There will be speeches at the traffic circle and the benefit will follow at the Grey Eagle with a silent auction and live bands playing. The funds raised will go to Asheville Green Works to pay for plantings and maintenance and also to fund the "One Neighborhood Initiative" which will mentor neighborhood children in River District Artists studios.
NEW BUSINESSES: New Belgium: It was announced today that they will build a major facility across the river between the Riverlink Bridge and the Smokey Park Bridges with a large contribution from the State and other partnerships and a lot of things that are not yet known such as neighborhood impacts and traffic modifications. FLS: First Light Solar on Roberts St. also a new business at 87 Roberts St that makes memory foam mattresses. Also a new African-American Salon at the Glen Rock. Also a Bike Courier Business, Fast Lane Electric Bikes at 363 Depot St and Alternative Health Care Clinic at 372 Depot St.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Luke announced that there will be a Southside Community Day in April to address youth engagement and transitioning the Reid Center. There may also be another Design -Build Project.
Meeting adjourned at 8:13
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
Next BOARD Meeting 6:30p.m. on Thursday May 3.
Next GARDEN CLUB: OWENS BELL PARK Sunday April 15 @ 10 a.m.
Members present: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Yuri Koslen and Luke W. Perry. Members not present were: Jeff Carnivale, Jessie Coleman, Bret Frk, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Joanne Skinner, and Suzanne Willis.
Also present were Pattiy Torno and Susan Roderick.
Luke called the meeting to order at 6:42 AnnaBeth has been named Foreign Language Student of the Year.
The March Meeting Minutes were approved as distributed with one correction that Pattiy was listed under 'members present' instead of 'also present'
ASHEVILLE GREEN WORKS: Susan Roderick with Asheville Green works reported on the several plantings in and around WECAN. She has a 'DOT approved' but casual plan for the areas along I-240 from the Smokey Park Bridges to Clingman Avenue. They have a contract with Freckle Farms for mowing and will over time plant daylilies and forsythia and small trees like dogwoods in addition to the roses already planted along the chain link fence. The plan is for an informal and more natural look. She has heard that ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) is interested in a community garden. Byron and Susan will arrange a meeting to discuss a location in WECAN near the Pepsi Billboard. Kudzu removal will be a priority and Susan has received a large Grant from REI Outdoor for maintenance. She is planning a big work day on Saturday May 26 (The Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend.)The date will be confirmed by the May WECAN Board Meeting and Luke will coordinate with the Hillcrest group, which has just elected new board members. There was general agreement that WECAN should partner with Greenworks to help maintain the level area between the base of the bridge and the top of the staircase. Some ideas mentioned included low maintenance fern beds; a trash can and repair of the fence, a picnic or cookout on 'Boy Scout Hill' which is properly named 'Chicken Hill'. Susan also has access to several service groups who could help maintain some areas. Susan also reported that you can get FREE MULCH during April at the land fill.
EAST OF THE RIVERWAY: surveys have begun early reports have 25-35% coverage. Jeff Staudinger has put out RFQ's (Request For Qualifications) for consultants for greenways and is looking for community participation in the form of a volunteer to assist a committee in reading and scoring applications, and selecting and interviewing the best candidates. Luke suggested Brett and will ask him and if he cannot then Pattiy volunteered to be the back up volunteer.
OWENS BELL PARK: KIOSK: Luke will have a 3-d mock up for the next meeting and Pattiy has gotten the contact number for Duckett Bell who wanted to sponsor something in the park. Apparently some dead ivy covered trees have been removed making a little less work for the Garden Club.
Pattiy reported that Riverlink has requested that the new sidewalk [going in on Depot St and across the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks all the way to the Curve Studios] use historic granite curbstones. Though more expensive cost may not be such an issue as sidewalk funds must be spent before the fiscal year ends. The issue arose that there is still resentment that granite curbstones were harvested from Park Avenue, and West Haywood Street when new sidewalks went in with no consultation with the neighborhood and that there remain some sections of original granite curbstones in WECAN and that some on Roberts Street might also be at risk. It was suggested that any community support for this be linked to prioritizing sidewalks on Roberts Street between the traffic circle and the White Duck Taco. Roberts St is listed as a 'Needed Linkage' on the 2005 City Sidewalks Plan but not a priority as Riverside Drive is characterized.
COMMUNICATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE: Pattiy will create break-out lists of addresses in the several blocks and potential contacts to become 'Block Jessies.' Luke also offered thanks to MHO for their assistance making copies of the brochure.
CLINGMAN CELEBRATION: Some new striping has appeared. Pattiy updated the official city sponsored celebration plans: There needs to be a short and catchy name rather than the "WECAN Clingman Avenue Streetscape Community Parade and RADBA Fundraiser at the Grey Eagle." Some suggestions included: RAD Roundabout Parade// WECAN Roundabout Parade and RAD Benefit// WECAN Wander// WECAN Wonder// WECAN Walk// WECAN Roundup// Clingman Connection// Clingman Strut// Clingman Avenue Circle Parade// Clingman Circle Celebration//. The city will pay for invitations and some comp tickets to the benefit. There will be a Boy Scout Troop marching the colors. Also the Hillcrest High Steppers are expected. Participants will gather at the Car lot at Clingman and Hilliard and the parade will begin around 6-ish. Depending on the Asheville Transit buses. There will be speeches at the traffic circle and the benefit will follow at the Grey Eagle with a silent auction and live bands playing. The funds raised will go to Asheville Green Works to pay for plantings and maintenance and also to fund the "One Neighborhood Initiative" which will mentor neighborhood children in River District Artists studios.
NEW BUSINESSES: New Belgium: It was announced today that they will build a major facility across the river between the Riverlink Bridge and the Smokey Park Bridges with a large contribution from the State and other partnerships and a lot of things that are not yet known such as neighborhood impacts and traffic modifications. FLS: First Light Solar on Roberts St. also a new business at 87 Roberts St that makes memory foam mattresses. Also a new African-American Salon at the Glen Rock. Also a Bike Courier Business, Fast Lane Electric Bikes at 363 Depot St and Alternative Health Care Clinic at 372 Depot St.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Luke announced that there will be a Southside Community Day in April to address youth engagement and transitioning the Reid Center. There may also be another Design -Build Project.
Meeting adjourned at 8:13
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
Next BOARD Meeting 6:30p.m. on Thursday May 3.
Next GARDEN CLUB: OWENS BELL PARK Sunday April 15 @ 10 a.m.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Bike Fixit Station @ the Roundabout
Many thanks to the City of Asheville for the Bike Fixit Station installed at the Clingman Roundabout. It is already getting much use and appreciation. Here is the City's write-up about it:
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City adds bicycle repair station to River Arts DistrictCity of Asheville employees recently installed a “Fixit” bicycle service station at the Clingman Avenue roundabout. It is a repair stand with an attached air pump and hand tools, including screwdrivers, wrenches and a tire lever. The station provides an opportunity for a cyclist to make minor repairs and adjustments on the road rather than having to carry tools or walk an ailing bicycle home.
“The city consulted with members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force and other cyclists about whether they would thought this was a good investment in encouraging bicycling, and to find the best location to test one of these stations,” said City Transportation Planner Barb Mee. “This was the consensus.”
The River Arts District is a destination and a bicycle crossroads. It is at the bottom of two long hills that join West Asheville and downtown, and near the Lyman Street and Riverside Drive bicycle lanes. The location is also next to a transit stop that serves downtown and West Asheville.
People have already noticed the repair station. Area resident Kelly Ingram noted, “the bicycle service station is incredibly helpful! I can use it when I bike to and from work and when I'm commuting around town. It is at a very convenient location so I don't have to worry if my tire gets low or I need a few tools while I'm in the River Arts District or biking to West Asheville!”
The station is an investment aligned with city goals of integrating non-motorized modes into the city’s transportation network and providing Asheville’s residents and visitors with transportation options. It also makes the city friendlier to bicycles, another City Council objective. According to Mee, “An area where bicyclists feel welcome is one where they will patronize area businesses and spend their money. This, along with good bicycle parking, is a way to make cyclists feel welcome.”
“The cycling community is thrilled by the fix-it station in the River Arts District. Cyclists can tune up their bicycles after a ride along the river and greenway. The fix-it station also strengthens Asheville's commitment to multi-modal transportation as it's located at a bus stop on the recently improved sidewalks of Clingman Ave. I’m proud of our city’s expansion of infrastructure that supports the many modes people use throughout the day. The fix-it is a winner,” said Mike Sule of Asheville on Bikes, an area advocacy group.
Bicycling for transportation is a way to incorporate physical activity into someone’s day. Studies have found that people who use active transportation are, on average, more physically fit and have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease compared to people who use only motorized transportation.
"Kudos to the City for the installation of the Bicycle Fix-It Station in the River District. People of all ages and sizes can reap the benefits of feeling good about their health and themselves by engaging in active transportation. Studies show that the risk of chronic disease is reduced and that individuals report greater vitality and a sense of well-being when they walk or bicycle regularly". Vicki Rowe-Currence, Health Promotion Educator and member of the Asheville Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force.
These public bicycle service stations have been used in other cities, including Wilmington (NC); Cambridge, Mass., and Omaha, Nebraska.
This release can be found at http://www.ashevillenc.gov/NewsandEvents/CityNews/tabid/662/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/27115/City-installs-bicycle-repair-station.aspx.
Here is some initial feedback posted on the WECAN kiosk, located next to it:
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
East of the Riverway Surveys
At our last WECAN meeting, Jeff Staudinger from the City of Asheville, and Meg Williams from Appalachian State University discussed Sustainable Communities Initiative (East of the Riverway). One component of this grant is the gathering of information through surveys. Below is some more information:
Our Appalachian State grad students have met with many folks over the past few weeks to discuss a survey that we'll be conducting in the East of the Riverway neighborhood, which will focus on the area's transportation, energy and other community needs. We have been fortunate to have you and many of your friends and neighbors work on a draft survey with our class and other community members, but something we heard many of you say is that we need to work hard getting the word out that we will be conducting the surveys.
I realize some of you may have seen this, but I wanted to share this flier with you that we created in order to announce the surveys. Please feel free to pass it along electronically to anyone you feel appropriate. We appreciate your help in spreading the word, as we realize we don't have contact info for everyone who might find this information useful.
We'll also be posting fliers up around the neighborhood and we also have an ad in the Urban News and in the Housing Authority's newsletter this month, so we hope that these efforts will do well in preparing folks for the survey we'll be conducting with Green Opportunities and Just Folks. We plan to conduct the surveys at the end of March and early April.
Thank you so much for your help and please feel free to email me back with questions.
Best,
Meg
Megan Williams
mewilliams400@gmail.com
williamsme@appstate.edu
423-416-0839
Our Appalachian State grad students have met with many folks over the past few weeks to discuss a survey that we'll be conducting in the East of the Riverway neighborhood, which will focus on the area's transportation, energy and other community needs. We have been fortunate to have you and many of your friends and neighbors work on a draft survey with our class and other community members, but something we heard many of you say is that we need to work hard getting the word out that we will be conducting the surveys.
I realize some of you may have seen this, but I wanted to share this flier with you that we created in order to announce the surveys. Please feel free to pass it along electronically to anyone you feel appropriate. We appreciate your help in spreading the word, as we realize we don't have contact info for everyone who might find this information useful.
We'll also be posting fliers up around the neighborhood and we also have an ad in the Urban News and in the Housing Authority's newsletter this month, so we hope that these efforts will do well in preparing folks for the survey we'll be conducting with Green Opportunities and Just Folks. We plan to conduct the surveys at the end of March and early April.
Thank you so much for your help and please feel free to email me back with questions.
Best,
Meg
Megan Williams
mewilliams400@gmail.com
williamsme@appstate.edu
423-416-0839
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