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Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes 

03.14.2023

• Present: Jim Brunner, Christina Maggi, Leslie Morris, Phil Trunnell, Chris Pelly, Barber Melton, Susan Michael, Renata Rikkers

  Absent: Sarah Hess, Debbie Francis, Pam Seale

  Guests: Kristina Israel and Meredith Friedman

  
  

  HCCA Business

  
  

  Chris called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm; there were about 80 attendees.

  
  

  Barber motioned to accept the January 2023 meeting minutes; Bruce seconded; passed unanimously.

  
  

  Chris welcomed the guests; each introduced themselves and spoke for a few minutes.

  – Kristina Israel, Community Engagement Manager

  – Meredith Friedman, Neighborhood Service Specialist

  
  

  Phil gave the treasurers report:

  – HCCA had about $3,500 in our account at the beginning of the year.

  – The budget for this year is $6,740.

  
  

  Christina gave a membership report:

  – HCCA has 376 subscribers and 93 members.

  – Raised $1,710 in membership dues since the website launch in January.

  
  

  Report on 2022 Highlights and Successes

  
  

  Chris reported on the completion of the Masters Park parking lot and thanked those who contributed $85k towards the final cost of $88,700.

  
  

  Christina provided website and social media updates:

  – New website offers expanded content and database for better communications.

  – Thanked key website volunteers Nicole Losey and Michael Harrison.

  – Thanked volunteer Scott Clodfelter for expanding HCCA’s social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor.

  
  

  Chris reported on the City Council candidates forum last October.

  
  

  Renate gave an update on the Adopt-a-Storm Drain program, which is now at 26 adopted drains.

  
  

  Chris mentioned the success of the spring and fall yard sales, noting the next one will be May 6.

  
  

  HCCA Committee Structure

  
  

  Chris reviewed the four standing committees (Clean & Green; Communications & Development; Community Outreach; Sidewalk, Greenways, & Pedestrian Safety) and encouraged attendees to participate (signup sheets were provided).

  
  

  Special Volunteer Recognition

  
  

  Chris presented Bernard Arghiere with the “Dogged Determination” award for his work and leadership on the Masters Park parking lot.

  
  

  Board of Directors Election

  
  

  Chris thanked outgoing members Jim Brunner, Susan Michael, Meghan Quinn, and Pam Seale.

  
  

  Board incumbents Leslie Morris, Renate Rikkers, and Phil Trunnell introduced themselves.

  
  

  Board candidates Bruce Black, Shelley McKechnie, Liz Polfus, and Storms Reback introduced themselves.

  
  

  HCCA members voted to accept all nine candidates up for election; the newly constituted board will meet to elect officers and determine term lengths so that there are six members each for one- and two-year terms.

  
  

  Future of 767 New Haw Creek Road Property

  
  

  Chris concluded the business portion of the meeting at 7:37 pm, then led a discussion on the future of the 767 New Haw Creek Road property.

  – HCCA’s role: provide information (fact sheet and map were distributed).

  – Many people shared their concerns and suggestions; Chris indicated HCCA would provide notes of the conversation, which will be posted to the website as an addendum to the minutes.

  – Stefanie Kovacs volunteered to lead a working group to continue the discussion.

  
  

  The meeting concluded at 8:14 pm and everyone was invited to share in a dessert social afterwards.
  

Addendum #1: 767 New Haw Creek Road Property Information

Addendum #2: 767 New Haw Creek Road Property Map

Addendum #3: 767 New Haw Creek Road Community Discussion Notes

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Addendum #1

767 New Haw Creek Road Property Information

Prepared by Chris Pelly

Background

Formerly the home of Harry Burnett, his daughter Margaret King, and her husband Gary King, this property has been in the Burnett family since the 1880s. With all three now deceased, estate plans call for the property to be sold with the proceeds donated to the Community Foundation of WNC to fund programs serving children.

The property, located entirely within Asheville city limits, is 26.29 acres and is zoned for residential use (RS-4), which would allow about four homes per acre. Zoning is ‘Use by Right’ meaning the owner has the right to develop the property as long as it conforms to zoning standards. The property includes five older homes with the potential for renovation and resale. A portion of the property lies along Haw Creek in a flood zone likely limiting development in that area.

HCCA Actions

A public opinion survey released in 2022 by the Haw Creek Community Association (HCCA) indicated broad support (84.5%) for preservation of open spaces when the opportunity presented itself. For this reason, HCCA leaders reached out to estate representatives who indicated the sale price will be in the $3M range, although no price has been publicly announced.

Association leaders have met with two groups of interested buyers. Our role in the meetings has been to make the case for a conservation easement for the 8-acre pasture area along New Haw Creek Road. As the community association is neither a buyer nor a seller, its role is limited to advocating for a conservation plan. In addition, the Association is hosting tonight’s forum intended to provide the opportunity for public input. Comments received will be compiled and a report will be provided to interested parties. Overall, HCCA actions seek to provide for community input before any outcome is a foregone conclusion. That said, time for action is limited as the property will soon be marketed for sale.

Objective Reality

Haw Creek, like much of Asheville, faces continuing development pressure. Demand for new homes is strong and Haw Creek remains a desirable community. Plus, it’s only fair to admit, most of us live in homes on land that was once undeveloped, a lot like this property.

Unless someone decides to invest $3M to conserve some or all this land, it will likely be developed. Some might suggest a fundraising campaign however this is beyond the scope of the community association, especially as time is limited. The surest outcome is a local investor who sees the importance of land conservation and has the means to act.

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Addendum #2

767 New Haw Creek Road Property Map

From Buncombe County GIS

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Addendum #3

767 New Haw Creek Road Community Discussion Notes

Prepared by Liz Polfus

How does development serve children? (Referring to the estate proceeds being earmarked for children’s programs through the WNC Foundation.)

Is a traffic study needed before development can happen, because there are very few ways you can access the community, or an environmental study for the land on Haw Creek?

Affordable housing in Asheville is critically needed. Middle class working folks need places to live affordably. We want to work with developers to ensure those places can be built, try to not to resist or keep them out. As someone who’s worked with low-income people we should be concerned about our neighbors.

Would Asheville Parks and Recreation be interested in buying the property?

A real estate agent with 22 years in Haw Creek agrees with affordable housing. Her in-law’s property backed up to the King's property and knew them personally. The floodplain on the property is about 4 acres – could we donate as a neighborhood to purchase the floodplain plus 2 acres for a walkway and space for family picnics? Possible to work with the city to fund enough to keep that section a part of our city as it fits in with the greenways.

Suggest we consider what we as a community want. On one end of the spectrum, we buy the property to keep it as is or create a park. On the other end, we do nothing and allow it to be developed into up to 80 homes. Is there a sweet spot in the middle? Should we do any planning on what we would want to do with the property?

Is the estate executor a member of the community? (Yes)

If it will go to a developer, then we might be able to get a concession from the city to get a sidewalk put in. Also talk of the greenway.

This is a big chunk of habitat for bear and bobcats and other large wild animals. Biltmore Lake was able to buy a part of their community. Suggest putting together a committee to come up with ideas on how we can preserve habitat.

Concerned with security and sanitation. 80 homes would completely change the community and the safety factor.

Think we need a charette (a participatory planning process with an interdisciplinary team—consisting of planners, citizens, city officials, architects, landscape architects, transportation engineers, parks and recreation officials, and other stakeholders—to create a design and implementation plan for a specific project).

Is it possible that they might divide the property into parcels?

The existing five homes are included in the purchase price. The homes sold separately could fetch close to $500k, which is a good chunk of the $3M.

Has the city been involved in the purchase/development requirements? Can we require parcels along the creek for preservation?

Echoing that the woods are a safe haven for wildlife, can the woods that are behind the homes be preserved?

Agreement with affordable housing and preservation. Love green, love space, love our community and don’t want to see it destroyed. We can become an association and developer, find the money, and invest in the land, build a few more homes, but not a huge development. Can we act as a community, sell shares, invest? Once it hits the market it’s gone. To give up the forest would be a great loss.

Can we approach the executor and ask them to give us more time?

Can we find or work with a developer where we buy the land but we sell a small chunk to a developer?

One tool of working with a developer is using conservation easements. If they develop below the allowed density, easements can be pitched as a benefit to a developer who would be willing to look at that.

When it comes to working with a developer, it always ends badly. Similar past experience was that no developer was ever willing to work with us. Best idea is to form a committee and buy it ourselves – it could be a profitable enterprise.

Whoever buys it, the cost will be more than $3M, probably $3.5-4M. The city will have to approve a PIN number for each house, contractor will have to build roads, sewers, sidewalks before homes can be sold. Evergreen school would be offered the property behind the homes, but otherwise build houses. And keep houses on the other side of the road. (There has been outreach to Evergreen and there is interest in a small parcel.)

Great ideas, we’re such a small group, create a mailer with proposals/investment ideas, there may be investors but we need to get the word out.

Create a mailer and put it in mailboxes. Need a concrete proposal.

Should the board come up with a statement of purpose for a planning committee, and harness the talent to create a strategy and explore paths to carry things forward?

Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes 

01.10.2023

Present: Jim Brunner, Christina Maggi, Phil Trunnell, Sarah Hess, Chris Pelly, Barber Melton, Susan Michael, Debbie Francis

Absent: Renata Rikkers, Pam Seale, Leslie Morris

Guests: Bruce Black, Michael Harrison, Linda and Rick Fornoff

Chris called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.

Jim made a motion to accept the minutes; Barber 2^nd; passed unanimously.

Treasurers Report

2023 Proposed Budget is $6,740 which includes 2 printed/mailed newsletters, new website hosting, landscaping & repairs for front entrance into Haw Creek, miscellaneous expenses and a small amount for reserve.

Discussion of benefits of the newsletter (vs. the cost) and it was decided that there were benefits since newsletter goes to all households. Considering March 2023 to promote sidewalk status, Masters Park, 26-acre property on New Haw Creek Rd. 

There was discussion of how to fundraise to cover the budget; ideas include levels of dues (see below), twice yearly yard sales.

Possible fundraising event - Haw Creek Hustle – 5K community race. 

Christina motioned to accept the report; Chris 2nd. Motion passed unanimously.

Website Improvements

New website to launch by end of January; system will be integrated with Wild Apricot software so that we can make a push to solicit members and promote the annual meeting. 

Board members will be the “Beta” group to test new email systems and dues payment. Board will also do user testing.

Proposal of 3 levels of dues: Family at $20; Friend at $50; Supporter at $100

Program Reports

Pedestrian Bridge:  It appears that this project will be moving forward; FEMA approvals have been obtained and Creekside Taphouse owner may have his contractor do the bridge at the time of the restaurant renovations.

Masters Park: Contractor is back onsite and hoping to be done by end of February with the exception of the kiosk; which will come later. 

767 New Haw Creek property: Per the terms of the estate, this property is likely to go on the open market to seek best pricing for the estate.  Exact date for listing is not known.

New Haw Creek sidewalk: underway by mid 2023 with projected 12 months completion (mid -2024). 

Entrance Landscaping improvement: We have permission from the out-of-state owner; hope to start in spring to remove invasives, add native plants and spruce up the sign. 

2023 Outreach 

January 21 is the board games day 2-5; Susan Michael is hosting.

Community Yard Sales – Leslie Morris will be the organizer/host and will plan for 2 events in spring/fall.

Ideas of a Chili (or soup) Cook-Off; 5-K, revisit Haw Creek Hidden History, BearWise.

The community outreach committee will discuss the options and propose a plan.

Annual Meeting

Scheduled for March 7; primary function is to update the community and election of members and officers.

Committee Structure

The board discussed committee structure and what makes sense moving into 2023.

Haw Creek Park; since the Arco Rd. greenway easement is no longer a viable project, the Board felt that this committee could merge with the Clean & Green Committee.

Communications & Development. This has been a very active committee and Christina Maggi will continue to chair.

Community Outreach has also been very active and Leslie Morris will continue the good work.

Clean & Green has very good support from volunteers but is in need of a chairperson. 

Sidewalk, Greenways, Pedestrian Safety.  Since the mission statement of the organization involves pedestrian safety, the Board felt this committee should stand and meet at least twice a year. 

Susan motioned to conclude the meeting at 8:25; Jim seconded.

Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes 

• 11.10.2022

  
  

  Present:  Jim Brunner, Phil Trunnell, Renata Rikkers, Debbie Francis, Sarah Hess, Chris Pelly, Leslie Morris, Barber Melton, Pam Seale.  Approximately 65 guests also attended.

  Absent: Christina Maggi, Susan Michael

• ·      Chris called the meeting to order at 7:05
• o   All attendees did a quick introduction 
• ·      Pam made a motion to accept the minutes from the last meeting; Barber 2^nd; motion passed unanimously.

• 
  

  Treasurers Report

• ·      Unrestricted funds for general use are $4,041.46
• ·      We have $8,258.85 restricted for Masters Park; this is net of the initial loan of $20,000 which has been paid and $17,000 grant which has been deposited. However, we are anticipating the final costs from the contractor to be closer to $30,000. The board will discuss strategies to raise the difference. 

• 
  

  Program Reports

• ·      Oct 4 – City Council Candidate Forum with Evergreen Community Charter School 
• o   approx. 50 people in attendance
• ·      Oct 8 – Community Yard Sale.  
• o   24 vendors; sold baked goods. Estimate net profit of $285
• ·      Oct 8 – Invasive Plant Clean-Up at Haw Creek Park with Asheville Greenworks 
• o   Approx 30 volunteers to tackle “kudzu curtain”.
• ·      Oct 20 – Single Use Plastics Info Program with RiverLink & Mountain True
• o   Presentation is on our website – www.hawcreekavl.com
• ·      Oct 30 – Fire Safety Program at Haw Creek Fire Department

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  Update on Community Improvement Projects

• ·      Entrance to Haw Creek/Landscaping – Laurie Miller
• o   Workday on Sunday at 12:00 Nov 13 to clean up weeds at the entrance
• ·      Masters Park – Bernie Arghiere
• o   Parking lot started in June; paused in July due to city concerns about grading & need for retaining wall.  Blocks for wall were difficult to obtain, but contractor will re-start the grading & other work on November 21. 
• o   Kiosk will pause until we manage the extra costs of the parking lot. City of Asheville said they will help pay for kiosk; HCCA will be sure to follow-up on this offer.
• ·      Pedestrian Bridge at Beverly Rd – Anthony Dorage 
• o   Very slow going and have hit some roadblocks 
• o   Survey was done in June; sent it to the city and then FEMA got involved. FEMA asked for hydraulic study. Unfortunately, the area for this bridge is in a flood plain. 
• o   Chris Day, Civil Engineer & Haw Creek resident, has been helping to redraw the design; this new design will have to pass muster with FEMA as FEMA standards are more exacting than city.
• o   This is an important public safety issue, so we will be persistent.
• ·      Conservation Efforts - 787 New Haw Creek 
• o   26 acre parcel – beautiful piece of property
• o   HCCA is in preliminary conversations about how we could maybe preserve the lower +/- 6 acres (closest to New Haw Creek Rd) is part of a floodplain. 
• o   The estate is currently in probate, so no specific actions can be explored until a trustee has been appointed. 
• ·      Presidents Update
• o   Sidewalk Update – improvements must be completed by Nov 2023 per the terms of the bond. The City is negotiating easements with property owners along the route. 

• 
  

  Chris turned the meeting over to Rick Fornoff at 7:40 for his presentation about Haw Creek’s Hidden History.

Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes

9.13.22

Present: Jim Brunner, Phil Trunnell, Renata Rikkers, Debbie Francis, Christina Maggi, Sarah Hess, Chris Pelly, Leslie Morris, Barber Melton, Pam Seale

Guests: Nicole Losey – Haw Creek Resident; Clark Glenn – Haw Creek PTA President

• 35,177 is total cash on hand; estimate that approximately $30,000 is restricted for Masters Park; $177 in the Association’s Paypal account.
• $33,750 has already paid to contractor for work at Masters Park
• Phil is still working on detailing exactly how much of the $35,177 is available for general association activities.