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• 07.18.2023 Minutes
• 05.09.2023 Minutes
• 03.14.2023 Minutes
  
• 01.10.2023 Minutes
  
• 11.10.2022 Minutes
• 09.13.2022 Minutes

07.18.2023

Attending: Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Sarah Hess, Storms Reback, Barber Melton, Shelley McKechnie, Leslie Morris, Bruce Black, Liz Polfus Absent: Debbie Francis, Phil Trunnell, Renate Rikkers Guests: Bill Rawlings, Hunter Carson

Christina motioned to approve the May minutes as presented; Bruce seconded and all approved.

Financial report

The financial report was circulated for review in the absence of the Treasurer.

Committee Reports

Community Outreach

The fall yard sale is set for 9/16 with12 spots already sold. The committee decided to table the idea of the July pie contest due to a busy fall schedule but is still considering a chili cookoff in the fall. 

The 6/13 Bear Wise event was well attended with an estimated 100 people. 

April 20, 2024 is the date for Haw Creek Hustle, a 5K run. Storms is managing the details with residents Jim Brunner and Emily Oldenburg. More information forthcoming.

Clean & Green

Committee activities are listed as Project Updates below.

Communications & Development

We currently have 152 members compared to 102 last year and dues have raised over $4,000 since January. Emails have been well received and have open rates of 50% – 87%.

Sidewalk, Greenways & Pedestrian Safety

Committee activities are listed as Project Updates below.

Project Updates

Spruce Hill Apartments Free Little Library

The unit is assembled but paint and installation is still pending. Once the unit is in place, we will announce the completion on the website and via email and ask for book donations – especially children’s books. The apartment management will keep the unit stocked. 

Masters Park Kiosk & Parking Lot

The final costs for the parking lot are $88,700 and HCCA still owes $3,530; an HCCA supporter has agreed to provide 50% of the balance ($1,765) if the Association can match. With the $421 balance in the project account, the Association would owe $1344. Sarah motioned to pay the $1344; Bruce seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

HCCA was awarded a $5,000 Neighborhood Matching Grant from the City for the kiosk in Masters Park; funds are expected to be paid in 2-3 months. In the meantime, the Association will pay a deposit of $2,483.50, which will be re-paid once the grant is received.

Arco Road Greenway

Shelley reported that the committee obtained professional drawings/feasibility study for the greenway, donated by Jake McLean. The plans reflect the collective preferences for the greenway. Jake also provided a detailed cost estimate of $78,000.  The next steps are to review the study with the city, refine the estimate and look for grant opportunities.

Entrance Sign & Landscaping

The Clean & Green committee voted on the design for the sign; Storms sourced quotes from four vendors and recommends Basset Signs as the best option. The budget for installation of the sign, hardware and related materials is $2,828. The $364 for the city permit has been paid and is in addition to the $2,828. Phase II will be landscaping and will be discussed later.

Storms motioned to pay a deposit of $1,050 for the sign production; Christina seconded and the motion was unanimous. 

767 New Haw Creek Road

The property will go on the market in the next few weeks at an asking price of over $3 million.

New Haw Creek Sidewalks

Guests Bill Rawlings and Hunter Carson, both Haw Creek residents, discussed their concerns about the construction of the sidewalk. Specifically, regarding the concrete swale, which is shown anywhere a retaining wall is part of the sidewalk construction. They feel strongly that this is an unattractive aesthetic and will contribute to water ponding and sediment run off into the creek. The original plans showed this swale to be grass and this was the version that was presented to the homeowners. The Association agreed to send a joint letter to all key constituents at city departments and the DOT reinforcing our support for the sidewalk but opposing the use of concrete for the swale.

Next meeting – Sept 12, location TBD

Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.

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05.09.2023

Attending: Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Phil Trunnell, Renate Rikkers, Sarah Hess, Storms Reback, Barber Melton, Shelley McKechnie, Leslie Morris, Bruce Black, Liz Polfus.   
Absent: Debbie Francis
Guest:  Stefanie Kovacs

Barber motioned to approve the March minutes as presented; Phil seconded and all approved.

Financial report

Phil presented the current treasurers report. Two payments were made on expenses for Masters Park, leaving a balance of $422. We are still waiting on the state to release the final $2,500 from the grant. Income for the period of 3/1/23 – 5/1/23 was $3,546, which was primarily member dues. Expenses were minimal at $150 for bank fees.

Committee Reports

Clean & Green. Haw Creek will get a compost station to be placed at the library by June 1. The Earth Day gathering at the Haw Creek park had 9 volunteers to tackle the ivy on the trees. Storms will continue to organize cleanup events in the park.

After volunteers cleaned-up the landscaping at the main entrance into Haw Creek we realized the disrepair of the Welcome to Haw Creek sign. The committee is looking into zoning regulations to replace the sign and offered ideas for replacements. There was discussion about next steps including Barber’s problematic experiences with this type of zoning permit. 

Sarah motioned that if the committee gets positive feedback regarding the likelihood of getting the permit, they are authorized to spend the $200 application fee; Shelley seconded and all approved.

Communications & Development. We currently have 152 members compared to 102 last year and dues have raised almost $4,000 since January. We will do another membership email once we have accomplishments to promote. Wild Apricot software has been very helpful in streamlining event sign-ups such as vendor spots for the yard sale and our overall communications with our 418 subscribers.

Scott Clodfelter was acknowledged for managing our social media. The committee developed a website and social media policy to clarify when and how we would promote events by other organizations. Christina motioned to accept this recommended policy; Liz seconded; all approved.

Community Outreach. The May yard sale was very successful and made $820 from vendor spots, cash donations, bake and plant sale, and the sale of donated goods.

Next event is the Bear Wise presentation on 6/13 at the library. The committee is looking at holding a pie contest in July, a chili cookoff in the fall and another yard sale in September.

Barber reported on a recent Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods (CAN) meeting regarding the county’s plans to zone some county-owned property on Tunnel Rd for up to 30 units per acre. Most of the property closest to Haw Creek is to the east toward Swannanoa. Of concern is the proposed significant density changes, lack of notification to the neighborhood schools and DOT.

Sidewalk, Greenways & Pedestrian Safety. The Arco Rd. greenway is back to active status after the committee met with Connect Buncombe and with Jake McClean, a trail designer. Jake has volunteered to provide a design and it will be loosely based on the Hominy Creek greenway. This design will be used for the next step – a feasibility study. As the project progresses, the board will discuss the project budget and additional next steps.

Chris Day, civil engineer and Haw Creek resident who is managing the Creekside pedestrian bridge project, reports the project is still moving forward, albeit slowly.

Project Updates

Spruce Hill Apartments Free Little Library. Liz met with apartment management and provided a rough sketch to replace the library; they were very happy with the proposal. The budget, based on plans from Little Free Library, is $625. Christina motioned to approve the project budget; Leslie seconded and all approved.

Masters Park Kiosk. Chris investigated options and found a Brevard supplier that can provide a kit for approximately $5,000, which would arrive unassembled. The city has indicated that they will provide a $5,000 grant and therefore the project has minimal net costs to the association. Chris will get clarification on whether HCCA has to provide the funds to purchase the kiosk before receiving the city grant.

767 New Haw Creek Road. There is a Haw Creek resident who is interested in purchasing the property and if their offer is ultimately accepted, they will deed the portion of the property in the flood plain for preservation.

New Business

Banners.  Storms offered a design option and there was discussion about being consistent with whatever sign was finalized for the main entrance. This consistency would promote branding of the community. This project was paused until we hear about the permit for the main entrance.

Haw Creek Heritage Festival. Storms recommended that HCCA sponsor a festival to promote community spirit that would include music, food, games, etc. This event will be added to the agenda for further discussion at the next Community Outreach Committee meeting. 

Next meeting – Tuesday, July 18 at 7:00 pm. Location TBD.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:07 pm.

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03.14.2023

Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes 

• 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

____________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________

Addendum #2

767 New Haw Creek Road Property Map

From Buncombe County GIS

____________________________________________________________________

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?

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01.10.2023

Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes 

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.

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11.10.2022

Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes 

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  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.

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  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. 

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  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.

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09.13.22

Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes

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.