WECAN Board Meeting November 5, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave
Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, Rebecca Lance, Rachel
Larson and Luke W. Perry. Board Members not present were Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike
Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Floree Lowery, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and
Pattiy Torno. Also present were: CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford.. Chair Rachel called the
meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. MINUTES: Byron moved and Luke seconded a motion to approve the draft
minutes from November 5 as distributed. The motion passed. There was some activity on the treasurer's
report. Reimbursement has been submitted for the postage and printing of the WECAN News. APD/CRO
UPDATE: Rachel reported an I-pad stolen from an unlocked vehicle which was not reported to the
police. Lucas said that it should be reported because items like that are sometimes recovered and can
be returned. He noted that there have been 25 hours of extra patrols and 15 hours on Jefferson Drive.
He reported that a motorcycle was taken from Hunter Volvo and has not been recovered and that 2
homeless camps along the river had been moved. He also explained that 'Code Purple" was a situation
when the temperature is below 32 degrees a shelter will accept someone even if they have been
drinking or barred for other reasons if an officer brings them. The parking problem at the end of
Clingman Place has been resolved. The River Arts District is being hit with a lot of graffiti and in response
special operations are in place. He had no further information to share about the murder investigation.
He will forward information about car break ins and holiday packages and advises to keep reporting
because it helps. BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Byron remembered the old tradition of welcoming new
neighbors with a 'Welcome Wagon" small gift basket with food, coupons, important phone numbers,
etc. With the turnover in WECAN we often don't get to meet new neighbors when they move in. She
wants to restart the tradition and will propose something next month. Also that the designated Block
Jessies should update the mail or email list throughout the year but especially in September for the
annual newsletter. She also reported that the mother of past WECAN Chair Pattiy Torno had passed
away. Byron will get a card to send from WECAN. Finally, Byron has been thinking about past WECAN
Chair Geraldine. She has not been very active lately in WECAN but was an important part of the
community and needs to be acknowledged in these difficult times for her family. Byron volunteered to
send am appropriate and helpful card. Marsha announced that final street paving on Craven Street to
raise it to grade will take place this weekend. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Smith Bridge will be
closed. Joe remarked that it is such a waste to put in curbing just to be torn out when the second bridge
goes in with the RADTIP improvements. Marsha explained that federal funds have to be spent as plans
are submitted and it would be too expensive to resubmit revised plans. He admitted that they are
getting better about the streets, water and utilities working together when there are street projects.,
but they are obviously not there yet. Luke announced that the pad for the bus stop at Haywood Road
and Craven Street would be poured soon and in January the Asheville Design Center would be seeking
public input online at their website. This may be a model for other bus stops in the city. He also has been
in contact with Mr. Poliak who owns the house next to his and several other properties and is not
wanting to sell at this time. 2015 ACTIVITY REPORT: Joe reported the activity for 2015 as follows: Jan:
Luke and Floree elected for 1 year renewable term as At-Large Members. Feb first meeting of
Community Garden Group. Mar: Community Garden Agreement signed, Festival of Neighborhoods
Workshops Asheville in Motion and Garden Club Wednesdays. Apr: Spring Fling/Community Garden
installation and City Wide Cleanup May: Settled Community Garden Funding Issue. Jun: General
Membership Meeting, RAD Form Based Code, Ice Cream Social, Community Garden Assessment,
Equitable Development Forum. Aug: Corn Feast, Watch for Me Campaign, Patton Place Apartments
announced, National Night Out, Sep: Livingston complete Streets; Oct: Mayor's State of the City,
Halloween Social, Nov: Neighborhood Plans Workshop, I-26 Connector hearing. Whew! I-26
CONNECTOR PUBLIC HEARING: NCDOT is accepting comments on the I-26 Connector until December
16. Luke pointed out there are aspects that directly affect WECAN but there is almost too much
information in the 9 potential plans. Some have a direct connection to Hillcrest and Montford, some
have a greenway starting on Trade Street, several will have an affect on highway noise that cannot be
corrected by sound barrier walls. Some people are also concerned with highway air pollution and its
affect on heart disease. Some people do not believe the projected traffic counts and others are
concerned with other neighborhoods such as Burton Street which will be sacrificed to eight unnecessary
lanes through West Asheville. Citizens are encouraged to comment. It was suggested that a loose
alliance be formed with Burton Street, Montford and EWANA to comment together. Luke will start a
document. The full Draft Environmental Impact Statement, video with animations, detailed design maps,
and other info are available on line at CLINGMAN AVENUE EXTENSION ONE WAY: Rachel
reported that this will not happen. Regarding a needed sidewalk on Roberts Street, it was noted that a
recently elected City Council member lives there and perhaps all new city councilors should be invited to
a future WECAN meeting. Byron volunteered to invite the councilors. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING
WORKSHOP: Joe gave a rock star presentation.. There have been requests to see the power point he
used. Marsha noted that all the presentations were recorded and will be placed on the city website. The
new city Comprehensive plan will begin in January with the choice of the consultant. Then in the next 18
months there will be events to get input. In the mean time WECAN can continue efforts to update the
Citizens Master Plan (2001) or work on a small area plan (aka plan on a page) The comprehensive plan is
for 'big picture' planning and the plan on a page is for Planning and Zoning to have guidance for
development. RAD FORM BASED CODE: The draft report is available on the City’s Projects Page.
Comments and feedback are still being accepted. The collected feedback will go to Planning and Zoning
and then to council for approval. Luke would like for future budgets to include compensation for getting
feedback. NEWSLETTER: It went out on schedule and so far no returns. Just some bad email addresses
and a few 'unsubscribe' requests from residents who moved have been received. ADOPT A HIGHWAY
The quarterly litter pickup will be scheduled for some time in January. GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS:
The 'group' cleaned out the community garden and due to rain and cold not much else this month.
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe submitted the annual report (see attached.) VACANT LOT ANALYSIS: Rachel
received a request for a place to locate a storage building and found out there are a lot of vacant lots in
WECAN. Jessie has also received requests for properties on Knoxville Place. GENTRIFICATION: Rachel
and Byron have been contacted by a student at Warren Wilson College doing a report on gentrification.
They will meet at Clingman Café on Sunday December 6 at 1 pm. others with opinions on gentrification
are welcome. NOMINATIONS: Joe nominated Byron, Yuri, Rachel and Pattiy to serve a second three year
term. Byron seconded and motion passed. Welcome back. ISSUES and GOALS for 2016: Some things
mentioned included: Welcome Wagon, Social Events, More Communication, Retaining Luke,
Reactivating Block Jessies with a welcome wagon, Continuing Community Garden, compiling info from
Simplicity into a single place with phone and email info. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. DRAFT
Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Thursday, October 8, 2015
WECAN October 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft
WECAN Board Meeting October 8, 2015 at 34 Girdwood Street (Rescheduled from last week due to water damage at MHO.)
Board Members Present were: Joe Fioccola and Rebecca Lance. Board Members not present were Byron Ballard, Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno. Also present were: CRO's Sean Davis and Lucas Lovelace.
Secretary Joe Fioccola called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
MINUTES: The draft minutes from September 3 were approved as distributed.
APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that last week two vehicles were set on fire on Roberts Street with no witnesses and no injuries. Asheville Fire and Rescue is investigating. Also human remains were found in the French Broad River close to the Smith Bridge. Lucas reported that a 7-day notice was given today to the homeless camp between the back of 64 Clingman Avenue and the tennis courts. The Watch For Me pedestrian and crosswalk campaign is continuing until Thanksgiving. (So the banner should remain up until then.) We were briefed on the Pace Car Pilot program in the Charlotte Street Area and the Sober Hero campaign initiating with Octoberfest this weekend. The last River Music of the year is Friday October 9. Next year they may move up Riverside closer to the Mulch Yard. Rebecca reported how difficult it is for pedestrians to walk on Riverside and Depot but RADTIP should improve them.
GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: On September 2 we worked on the corner of Hilliard and West Haywood where the sidewalk ends--or used to end. We were rained out on September 9 and September 30, but on September 16 we moved a volunteer dogwood from the sign garden to the loop at Owens Bell Park (and hope it survives the move.) On September 23 we did some weeding and hedge trimming at the Sign Garden. Next we plan to remove a dead tree near the top of Hilliard, and limb up some of the oak trees and try to get some to chip mulch on the unpaved 'sidewalk' path we cleared last month. And eventually finish clearing the sidewalk on Roberts Street below Park Square.
ADOPT A HIGHWAY: Quarterly litter pick up is scheduled for this Sunday October 11th at 8:30 am. Vests and bags provided meet at the sign garden.
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe and Byron are working on a full report of progress so far and a briefer one for the WECANews. On the first, 8th, 15th and the 22nd we spent about 5 hours weeding and clearing and harvesting and planting peas. (Joe missed the 15th doing pedestrian traffic counting.) and thankfully it rained on the 29th. (We needed it.)
NEWSLETTER: Joe and Byron are working on the Community Garden, Form Based Code and New Construction articles and may do a Neighbor Profile. Rebecca will be working on the mail and email lists.
HALLOWEEN/FALL POT LUCK SOCIAL: Rebecca volunteered to poll preferences and organize an event on the Face Book Group. Suggested date Saturday October 31. Suggested time 5:30-6:30?
MASTER PLANNING/PLANNING ORIENTATION WORKSHOP: Joe will present a personal view on neighborhood planning that has occurred in WECAN over the last 21 years at the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (on which he serves) workshop on November 7th. 9:00-11:30 am at Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech. Marsha will be sending information about it soon and WECAN should be represented there, so save the date!
UPDATES: City Council candidates have been reduced from 16 to 6. Vote for your three 'faves' on November 3.
The Vance Monument Time Capsule has been sealed up for 100 years. A picture of Jessie Coleman is one of many which appear on the cover of the Urban News which was included in the capsule.
Livingston Complete Streets: Joe gave input at the Grant Center on the 29th: on Livingston: there will be continuous sidewalk and bike lane on both sides of Livingston from Depot St. to Victoria Rd. and a traffic circle at Depot and Livingston. Many people complained about the curve and bump-out near the Glen Rock and a second traffic circle may not be necessary at South French Broad and Livingston.
RADTIP: Several people attended the D.O.T. presentation at Pack Library on Sept 24th. There were six stations: 1) Review Project Timeline, 2) View Public Workshop Map, 3) Provide feedback on future Craven Street Bridge, 4) View Proposed Greenway Alignment & Open Space Opportunities, 5) View Proposed Streetscape Elements and 6) Provide Feedback on Public Art. Comments are accepted by October 25,2015 to Dan Baechtold, Project Manager Phone 259-5842 or email dbaechtold@ashevillenc.gov.
Mayor Westheimer's State of the City Address: was on October 1. She outlined goals set by City Council in areas of Economic growth and sustainability, Affordability and economic mobility and High quality of life.
It can be viewed in full with the following link: http://ustre.am/W7Px
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
EVENTS IN OCTOBER::
Fridays 8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios
October 11 Adopt A Highway Litter Pickup 0830 am
October 12 Columbus Day Holiday
October 13 Community Garden Group 6 pm
October 14 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
October 15 Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours 3–5 pm at City Hall, 5th floor
October 20 Community Garden Group 6 pm
October 21 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
October 27 Community Garden Group 6 pm
October 28 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
October 31 Halloween/Fall Pot Luck Social on Jefferson
November 3 VOTE for City Council Election
Community Garden Group 6 pm
November 4 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
November 5 Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm
November 7 City Planning Orientation Workshop 9-11:30 AB Tech Ferguson Auditorium
Thursday, September 3, 2015
WECAN September 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft
WECAN Board Meeting September 3, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.
Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, AnnaBeth Hardcastle and Luke W. Perry. Board Members not present were Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Suzanne Willis and Pattiy Torno. Also present were: CRO's Sean Davis and Lucas Lovelace.
Vice Chair Byron called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MINUTES: The draft minutes from August 6 were approved as distributed.
TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported that the current balance was $775 with one outstanding check for $125 for the Community Garden Fence.
APD/CRO UPDATE: Sean reported that a 12 tent homeless camp on West Haywood near the Boy Scouts was given a 7 day notice and moved and Christina Tugman with the Homeless Initiative will ask DOT to clean up the flotsam. There have also been extra patrols on Jefferson. Sean thanked the residents for calling in suspicious people and taking pictures. AnnaBeth thanked him for the extra patrols. Sean reported one car break in and vandalism under the Jeff Bowen Bridge. He also reported a traffic detail responding to RADBA complaints about speeding cars and not stopping for pedestrians on Depot Street and issued 11 citations.(mostly for seatbelt violations.) Byron reported a conversation with Mrs. Crisp about 'ladies' waiting in the garden to be picked up by their johns.
WATCH FOR ME CROSSWALK CAMPAIGN: Rachel has some information about the banner.
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that the first harvest was in and a Corn Feast was celebrated on August 25th. Thanks to Rebecca for planting, growing, harvesting, cleaning, cooking, and serving the delicious fruit of our garden. (Is corn a fruit?) As many as six people had plots in the first planting: Joe, Byron, Rebecca, AnnaBeth, Lance and Meg. Mrs. Crisp originally was opposed to the idea of the garden but she wants to tend a plot next time. Next meeting we will talk about fall planting and wintering over.
GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Joe reported that the Garden Club had uncovered the stone wall on Jefferson, mulched the Sunny Cultural Garden at Owens-Bell Park. (Thanks Pattiy for getting the mulch.) Cleared the vegetation around the Power Pole at Knoxville and West Haywood.(Thanks Helen!) and Cleared the fence at the top of the hill on Hilliard (up to the yellow Jackets nest!) We also cleared the overgrowth at the southeast corner of Hilliard and West Haywood to improve visibility and to create a path where the sidewalk ends. Joe noted that a lot of mowing had been noticed along the east side of Hilliard, the north side of West Haywood and even on Roberts Street. AnnaBeth reported that the end of Jefferson was being maintained. She thinks roundup has been used behind All Souls Pizza.
NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Luke has a supply of gravelly debris from Yarrow Place that may find a use elsewhere. He also reported that Stan was doing okay . He observed that parking was a bit wild at the end of Clingman Place. Luke noted that Tracie's place as boarded up. Byron noted that Mr. Crisp was doing better. AnnaBeth is also doing better.
MASTER PLANNING: Joe reported that the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (on which he serves) will conduct a workshop on neighborhood planning on November 7th. (Time and place TBA) A new City Planning Director Todd Okolichany has been hired effective September 8 and in January the city will begin updating of the Comprehensive Plan. (2025 Plan) The workshop will help neighborhoods develop their own master plans and prepare them to be included in the updated comprehensive plan. Also the Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours every 3rd Thursday from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at City Hall, 5th floor for information about Form Based Code or other river issues.
TRANSIT BUFFERING: Marjorie emailed Yuri about a new cement fuel tank at Transit across from her house on Park Avenue requesting a green screen/live evergreen landscape trees and shrubs around and asked about the MD plan to move Transit.
NEWSLETTER: Suggested articles include: Community Garden; RADTIP/Form Based Code; New Construction: Jefferson, Trade, Yarrow; Halloween?
WECAN MAILING LIST: last newsletter we mailed 66 paper copies to residents for whom we do not have an email address and now it is time to check and update the list. Byron will do a shout out on FaceBook.
LIVINGSTON COMPLETE STREETS IMPROVEMENTS: The goal of the project is to make the street safe and comfortable for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. Asheville residents were invited to an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. September 3 at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center to hear more about the project and give input.
PARTNER NEIGHBORHOODS: Byron met Shavonda Harper from Walton Street and was talking about the problems they were having with the Walton Street Pool: being closed most of the summer, pump problems and charging $3 admission. She asked about approaching NGO's such as Green Opportunities to possible develop vouchers or to partner to get needs taken care of. Luke thought that Parks and Recreation was doing an assessment of all the city pools. Without objection Byron will continue talking about working on infrastructure and will email Marsha.
WECAN PLANNING: Joe noted the major concerns in the next four months are: September: work on Mailing list, October: plan Halloween/Harvest Social, November publish Newsletter and December General Membership meeting and election.
The meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER:
September 4 Clips and Beer at Pack Square Park 7-830
September 8 Community Garden Group 6 pm
September 9 Garden Club 2 pm mulching garden at Owens-Bell Park
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
September 10 City Council Candidates Forum 6 pm ay YWCA
September 14 Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods Meeting 7 pm Oakley Community Center
September 15 Community Garden Group 6 pm
September 16 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
September 17 Riverfront Office has Open Office Hours 3–5 pm at City Hall, 5th floor
September 18 Time Capsule returned to Vance Monument
September 19 Asheville Housing Fair 10-2 Stephens-Lee recreation Center
September 21 Edible Park Work Day 5-7 pm
September 22 Community Garden Group 6 pm
September 23 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
September 29 Community Garden Group 6 pm
September 30 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
October 1 Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm
Fridays 8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios
Thursday, August 6, 2015
WECAN August 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft
WECAN Board Meeting August 6, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.
Board Members Present were: Byron Ballard, Joe Fioccola, Rachel Larson, Floree Lowery and Pattiy Torno. Board Members not present were Jessie Nell Coleman, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner and Suzanne Willis. Also present were: CRO Sean Davis and Marsha Stickford.
Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
MINUTES: The draft minutes from June 4 were approved as distributed. TREASURERS REPORT: Byron relayed information from AnnaBeth that there was no change from last month.
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT: Rachel attended part of the meeting on July 18. Development comes with challenges and opportunities. Some suggestions are adding housing and density bonuses. Marsha added that they took the information and will put it into goals. The philosophy is that development should benefit everybody--not just developers and we need to look for strategies that other communities have tried .for different areas of the city. The report from the sponsoring EPA is pending with action plans for each area. (One attendee's notes are attached.)
WATCH FOR ME CROSSWALK CAMPAIGN: The purpose is to make people (drivers and pedestrians) aware of crosswalk safety. Be warned that increased enforcement will occur in the next weeks beginning with warnings and leading up to ticketing--even jaywalkers in September. (Look to the Projects Page on the city website for details.) A request to place a banner at the corner of Clingman and Hilliard. It was approved by consensus lacking only the exact location and how to proceed.
APD/CRO UPDATE: Floree noted a traffic problem on Depot Street in the sharp curve near the Glen Rock which makes traffic go into the oncoming lane. Pattiy noted that in the next few years the RADTIP included complete streets from Depot to Livingston to Victoria. Floree also asked about Clingman Avenue extension. Pattiy reported that it would become one way from Ferguson towards the Clingman Cafe with parking on both sides (but not on the sidewalk). Also that Roberts Street would become one way from Lyman to the Traffic Circle. Sean reported a break in at the Grey Eagle and several vehicles broken into on Clingman Extension, Avenue, and Depot Street in June and July. He noted that the Traffic Unit was stepping up patrol on Depot. There is a new program called "Walk with a Cop." The new division Commander will determine the exact route but probably will include South. French Broad, the Grant Center and may include Clingman or Roberts St. The idea is for neighbors to come out and point out problems or just ask questions. A recent "Walk" was dome from Montford to Hillcrest. The tentative date will be Tuesday August 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pattiy reported some problems she has been having with drug use, trespassing and vandalism on her property. Byron noted the problems with parking near the Bywater. Sean reported that Asheville's new Police Chief had the Department Reaccredited. Chief Hooper was beginning some reorganizing and Sean did not yet have details on the Neighborhood Enhancement Team or the Community Services Section. Marsha noted that when the new District Commander was in place they would come to one of our meetings. (Sean recently returned from a hiking and backpacking vacation to Iceland to see the volcanoes and hot springs.)
NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Joe relayed that a vacant lot on Girdwood recently was purchased for $100,000 with plans to build a house. He also reported that Luke's house on Yarrow Place was now roofed. Floree remembered when those houses were built and Mr. Yarrow made and dried the concrete bricks for them. Byron reported a new satyr sculpture at Hanger Hall. Pattiy reported a pregnancy at Curve Studios and her first apple pie from her apple tree. Marsha reported that the sagging fence on Hilliard was getting fixed soon. Chad Bandy found that it was part of the sidewalk project. Joe reported that construction was underway on Club/Trade Street across from Park Avenue. Byron wants people to pick up after their dogs all over the neighborhood.
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that The Urban Agriculture group had completed an assessment questionnaire. The first harvests included: tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, eggplants, collards, carrots, cucumbers, beans,. Joe noted that it was hard to picture the volume of the harvest since small amounts were taken out over several weeks and not big bushels all at once.
MASTER PLANNING: Marsha is working on getting CAN and NAC together to present a workshop for neighborhoods to create their own neighborhood plans. The planning department is setting up what information they need and what form it will take to become part of the 2025 Comprehensive plan update. She also noted that new Planning Director Todd Okolichany has been hired effective September 8 and that Alan Glines will be Assistant Planning Director.
DUKE SUBSTATION: Marsha noted that planning needs to develop rules and standards for buffers at utilities and sub-stations.
NEW BELGIUM BREWERY: Joe, Rachel, Pattiy and Marsha attended the Neighborhood Leaders Roundtable where the plan to reduce truck traffic on Haywood Road was explained. Craven Street is now completely open.
TRAFFIC CALMING ON HILLIARD: Marsha will forward the City Traffic Calming Policy to Rachel.
PATTON PLACE APARTMENTS: Joe reported a proposed apartment complex on Patton Avenue between Clingman Avenue and Pearl Street which will be four stories tall and include 116 apartments, and a pool and self contained parking in the rear(off Pearl Street) One concern is the traffic load on both ends of Pearl Street may be a problem. In the next two years the sidewalk on Patton will be closed and the trees on Patton and a very large one on Pearl will be lost.
RAD FORM BASED CODE: Some who attended the charrette felt that it did not look good for community or artists and a lot of high end residential was expected and that artists didn't want very tall buildings. Pattiy explained the flaw in the question to artists about wanting to live there. She observed that it was a good reality check and many findings were correct but it won't make everybody happy. She believes that 'live-work' has worked elsewhere and is the way to go. She also observed that there will be no development in some areas because of the cost of pile driving foundations in the flood zone and only building two stories high with parking below..
CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: Marsha reported that some action is happening about moving the Parks Maintenance Facility and a new RFP would come out soon. Pattiy noted that TIGER VII money was allocated and did have an expiration date. RADTIP construction will begin in the Fall of 2017 and the city will begin land acquisition in September.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: The event was held at Pack Square Park (aka City-County Plaza) this year. It went well. It could have used more information booths and Splashville was broken
SIMPLI-CITY Marsha reported that SIMPLI CITY is live now. It replaces MapAsheville and is geographic information based.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
August 8 5K Marathon passing through WECAN should be done by 9:30
August 8 Riverlink RiverFest Anything that Floats FBR Park 1-7 pm
August 4 Community Garden Group 6 pm
August 5 Garden Club 2 pm mulching garden at Owens-Bell Park
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
August 11 Community Garden Group 6 pm
August 12 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
August 18 Community Garden Group 6 pm
August 19 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
August 22 GreenWorks The Big Sweep 10 am
August 24 Community Garden Group 6 pm
August 25 Garden Club 2 pm
RAD Farmers Market next to All Souls Pizza 2-6 pm
September 3 Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm
September 4 New Belgium CLIPS Beer and Film Tour Pack Square Park 7 pm
Fridays 8 pm Foreign Film Cinema Phil Mechanic Studios
WECAN PLANNING: Joe noted the major concerns in the next four months are: September: work on Mailing list, October: plan Halloween/Harvest Social, November publish Newsletter and December General Membership meeting and election.
GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Joe reported that the Garden Club had completed Rector at Hilliard over two weeks in June. In July they tackled the Sign Garden and across Hilliard at the car lot. and began weeding at Owens Bell Park. They were rained out once and did a walk through to create a task list all around the area. The garden club boasts a new member from the South French Broad Neighborhood and may have recruited a resident of Owens-Bell Lane who works nights.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
WECAN June 2015 Board Meeting Minutes • Draft
WECAN Board Meeting June 4, 2015 at 64 Clingman Ave.
Board Members Present were: Jessie Nell Coleman, Joe Fioccola, and Rachel Larson. Board Members not present were Byron Ballard, Tom Gibson, AnnaBeth Hardcastle, Mike Kenton, Yuri Koslen, Rebecca Lance, Floree Lowery, Luke W. Perry, Rafael Rettig, Marc Schieferstein, JoAnn Skinner, Pattiy Torno and Suzanne Willis. Also present was: CRO Lucas Lovelace and Marsha Stickford.
Chair Rachel called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
MINUTES: The draft minutes were approved with a correction about the General Membership meeting: moved due to rain. TREASURERS REPORT: AnnaBeth reported no activity. Current balance is $624.22.
APD/CRO UPDATE: The police department will have a new Chief as of July 20. Tammy Hooper. There was nothing critical to report. Lucas did respond to a call from Jefferson about prostitution and to one from Merritt Park about panhandlers. Jessie reported a couple of people set up a tent behind her house on Meeker property. Rachel reported a suspicious couple she has seen more than once parked near Hanger Hall. Since there will be no WECAN meeting in July Joe asked about National Night Out which is usually the first Tuesday in August. Marsha reported that it would be from 5:30 to 7:30 at Pack Square Park and she would send more info when she has it. Joe reported a bad parking situation on Pearl Street across from Aston Park. There is also a new Public Information Officer using the APD Face Book Page.
FORM BASED CODE: Rachel heard from Sasha Vertunski that an introductory public meeting was set for the evening of June 18 at the Grant Center. Also she wants to meet with a smaller focus group from 11:30-12:30. Marsha will send out a flyer.
NEIGHBOR/BLOCK JESSIE UPDATES: Rachel took a photo of a cowboy, dog and chicken for a scavenger hunt. Joe saw a cedar tree at Hanger Hall being carved with a chainsaw into a sculptural column. Marsha said the sculpture was being assembled at the old Ice House property. Jessie wants everyone to know she is fine. She took a fall downtown and was taken to the hospital but nothing could explain the fall. Luke is working this summer on a design-build project of a portable stage for L.E.A.F. and in his spare time working on his house. (work day this Sunday June 7 at 10)
COMMUNITY GARDEN: Joe reported that the fence was completed and that most of the beds were planted. He was contacted by Hope Hanselman from WLOS who had seen him in an article in the Mountain Xpress last year on guerilla gardening. He explained that the Community Garden was legal and that the Garden club really did guerilla maintenance. They shot some video and want to come back for the social to show the growth.of the garden. Rachel reported a special request from Charlie Lance: Please don't step on the corn seeds.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL: The community gardeners want to celebrate the full planting and have settled on Fathers Day Eve: Saturday June 20th at the community garden with an ice cream social, and garden tours, and general membership meeting reports. The time was set at 3-5 pm to avoid spoiling mealtimes. Marsha may get a fire truck to attend.
ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS: Marsha advised that Darcel Eddings with Urban Agriculture Group doinf an assessment of community gardens in the city. She will be in contact with community gardeners to discuss what they all have a lot in common. She will ask about what they need, how they run, how people are sustaining them, and then sharing that information. Its co-sponsored by Asheville Green Works, Green Opportunities, Burton Street and the Residents Council.
GARDEN CLUB WEDNESDAYS: Joe reported that the Garden Club had completed the fencing at the community garden and some of the knotweed on Hilliard. In June the target areas are Rector Triangle at Hilliard, Owens-Bell Park, and the rest of the Park Square wall at Roberts Street. The first half filled some of the garden beds. Joe noted that the grass strip had been mowed all the way to the new stop sign.
UPDATES: Marsha announced an event at the Grant Center on June 14 with lots of activities for children and a fundraiser for RADBA community youth art class scholarships.
MASTER PLANNING: Marsha is working on getting CAN and NAC together to work on the 2025 plan to address neighborhood planning. She has a meeting with the planning department to look at models for a workshop setting the context of what is needed for the comprehensive plan. There is still no planning director in place.
CLINGMAN FOREST GREENWAY: They have worked out the easement with the middle school and have 2 more easements in the works. However it looks like construction won't begin until the fall-of 2017 due to the desire to hire a single contractor to build the Clingman Forest, Duke and Town Branch Greenways
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT: Marsha announced a public meeting with experts on June 16 at 6 pm at the Grant Center. Equitable Development is the next step of EOTR. It is to address concerns about development with the goal to extend the benefits of development to the community. It includes tools and ideas such as a community benefit agreement, hiring a percentage of local contractors, using Asheville GO to train workers. Also city staff and city council will received training from the EPA on how to implement values based planning.
DUKE SUBSTATION: Marsha attended the meeting with 250 Isaac Dickson parents. Duke convinced attendees that there was very little risk from wave energy. Now they are concerned with explosions and electrocutions. Duke has purchased three properties in the city: one is next to Dickson, one is at Asheland and Hilliard at the old Hayes and Lunsford and the third is at the old Mathews Ford on Biltmore Ave. The third was put on hold for social justice reasons in conflict with the funding for the redevelopment of Lee Walker Heights. So Dickson is on the back burner for now and the focus will be on Asheland Ave. A new consideration is that there is no language in the UDO about placement of utilities near residential areas. Planning department is working on guidelines for screening, etc. The South French Broad neighborhood is so concerned that some property owners are requesting a zoning change to Central Business District so they can have short term rentals. Concerns should be addressed to the Mayor.
DAVE STEEL: Changes have removed the live/work spaces, there is less office space, and parking and only one building 5 stories tall with a windowless wall across from the Café. Still discussing making the roads one way.
GRAFFITI FESTIVAL: Lucas announced the second annual graffiti festival celebrating the history and culture of graffiti June 5,6 and 7. Friday concert: Ships in the Night; Saturday 7-9 A the Moth light and Sunday all day at Sky Lanes 1477 Patton Ave. Last year there were no problems or increase in vandalism.
ASHEVILLE IN MOTION: Marsha updated that they are putting information together and are planning an August Plan Release Event. TBA.
HALF MARATHON: Lucas will be working from 6:15 to noon with rolling traffic stoppages on Riverside.
STEPHENS-LEE/VANCE MONUMENT: Celebrations this Saturday June 6 at Stephens Lee from 10-2 and at the Vance Monument at 2 pm.
NO MEETING IN JULY:
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
DRAFT Minutes submitted by Joe Fioccola.
June 6 Half Marathon rolling closures on Riverside before noon
June 6 Stephens Lee Dedication 10-2
June 6 Vance Monument Rededication 2 pm Pack Square Park
June 5,6,7 2nd Annual Graffiti Festival
June 9 Community Garden Group 6 pm
June 10 Garden Club 2 pm
June 16 Community Garden Group 6 pm
June 17 Garden Club 2 pm
June 18 Form Based Code Public meeting @ Grant Center in evening and Focus group 1130-1230
June 20 Ice Cream Social 3-5 at Community Garden
June 23 Community Garden Group 6 pm
June 24 Garden Club 2 pm
June 30 Community Garden Group 6 pm
July 1 Garden Club 2 pm
July 16 Equitable Development Public Meeting TBA
August 4 National Night Out 530-730 Pack Square Park
August 6 Next WECAN BOARD Meeting 6:30 pm
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