After making steady progress this summer, the New Haw Creek Road Sidewalk project will resume a normal schedule in order to accommodate school traffic. Starting Monday, August 18, there will be no lane closures from 7 am - 9 am and 2 pm - 6 pm.

How to stay informed about water outages during the New Haw Creek Sidewalk project.

To facilitate utility connections during the new sidewalk installation, planned water outages will occur periodically throughout construction of the New Haw Creek Sidewalk project. The City of Asheville's Water Resources Department will notify all affected water customers via AVL Alert about any impending service interruptions. The project team will also update subscribers regarding planned water outages via email, but please be aware that unlike AVL Alert, not all email recipients will be impacted by water outages. Sign up for AVL Alert for alerts specific to your address. 

Kevin Jackson, the developer of 767 New Haw Creek Road, hosted a public meeting on July 9, at which he revealed a proposed Amended Plan for the development. The primary change is the addition of a 350’ bridge as the subdivision entrance, a hugely impactful change when considering it must cross fragile wetlands as well as create a new intersection on New Haw Creek Road.

In addition, inclusion of the bridge will likely require construction of retaining walls, up to 10’ tall, which were also not in the originally approved plan. As well, he has proposed the greenway would no longer link to Sleepy Hollow Road and instead dead end short of this location.

The subdivision entrance approved last year came off Sleepy Hollow Drive about 150’ up from New Haw Creek Road. This location is just above the creek, thereby negating the need to build a bridge. This entrance would be below any Happy Valley homes, meaning any additional traffic would be limited to the bottom of Sleepy Hollow Drive. 

As a community, we’re left to ask what should we do? Do we support or oppose the proposed changes? Jackson is seeking a significant change to what was agreed to in 2024. At that time, we were able to negotiate significant concessions* and opposition now could imperil that progress.

On August 28 at 7 pm, HCCA is hosting a community meeting to discuss these plan changes and what our position should be to best represent the Haw Creek community (see the event listing to register). The next opportunity for public input is the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for September 3. 

If City Council were to vote against this requested change, it could mean a restart to the entire development process with no guarantees next time, particularly if another developer comes along with a use-by-right application where we have no leverage to negotiate. It’s a lot to ponder before deciding.

When questioned about why these changes are being sought, Jackson cited the original covenants of the Happy Valley subdivision, which some believe would prohibit the proposed entrance. Jackson's development team does not believe the covenants present a legal problem for the proposal. "Our attorneys are of the legal opinion we have the right of way,” he said. However, “Our lender has asked us to pursue a bridge option."

Asheville City Council approved a Master Site Plan for the Meadows at Haw Creek in July 2024. The plan was supported by a 5-1 vote of council members after a nine-month community campaign and negotiations between the City, developer Kevin Jackson, and HCCA leaders. 

*Among the community-desired improvements HCCA  achieved were:

• a reduction in the number of housing units from 95 to 84;
• protection of 1.3 acres of tree canopy on the west side and 4.4 acres on the east side, with provisions for a publicly-accessible trail system in the protected area on the east side;
• installation of a 12’ wide greenway parallel to New Haw Creek Road, running from Sleepy Hollow Drive to Bullman Park;
• extension of New Haw Creek Road sidewalk between Bell Road and the development; and
• expanded tree buffering protections for the west side neighbors.
  

Everyone present wanted to know why the developer of the Meadows at Haw Creek project was back one year after City Council approval, seeking a significant change to the project. 

The answer was revealed by developer Kevin Jackson to the more than 125 residents who attended the city-mandated developer information meeting on July 9 at Evergreen Community Charter School. The reason: The lender financing the project is requiring an entrance bridge off New Haw Creek Road because of uncertainty about the legal viability of the Sleep Hollow entrance. 

Jackson explained, "Our attorney believes we have the legal right to use the Sleepy Hollow entrance; however, our lender has asked us to include the bridge option, and we'll do either." Additionally, he said, "If the bridge is approved, we will abandon the Sleepy Hollow entrance."

Both Jackson and Warren Suggs, the project designer, state that the only changes to the originally approved design would be the new bridge and the addition of a fire department-mandated K-turn at the end of Beargrass Lane (as highlighted in the drawing below). All other conditions from the original plan stay the same. 

Because this is a major change to the Conditional Zoning approved in July 2024, the City’s development review process restarts. This includes a review by the Technical Review Committee (TRC) on August 18, the Planning & Zoning Commission on September 3, and a vote by City Council likely in October (these dates are subject to change).

Additional issues, primarily related to stormwater and lessons learned from Helene, were expressed at the July 9 meeting. The upcoming development review process will provide an opportunity for residents to share their concerns.

A neighborhood informational meeting to discuss a proposed change to the development of 767 New Haw Creek Road has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, at 6:00 pm, at the Evergreen Community School Gym, 50 Bell Road.

The 767 developer, Kevin Jackson, is seeking to change the subdivision entrance from Sleepy Hollow Road to New Haw Creek Road, which will require construction of a bridge over Haw Creek. 

Jackson contacted HCCA June 19 about this potential change and said that “Nothing else from the plan previously approved by City Council will change. Number of lots and all other conditions should be unaffected.”  

This amendment to the original plan will require approval by the City of Asheville. Project Planner Sam Starr-Baum said by email "CZ (Conditional-Zoning) amendments largely follow the same process. There will be a neighborhood meeting, TRC review, P&Z review and a vote by City Council. The final TRC permitting process may be abbreviated, but that would not impact opportunity for public input.”

No plans have, or can be submitted until 14 days after the neighborhood meeting.

Construction on the New Haw Creek Road Sidewalk project is kicking into high gear while school is out this summer. Starting Monday, June 16, drivers can expect longer lane closure hours to be in effect through the summer months to accelerate progress. When schools start again in August, the contractor will resume the normal schedule with no lane closures from 7 am - 9 am and 2 pm - 6 pm.

To create space for the new sidewalk, considerable grading and earthwork has been completed on the southwest end of the project area, forming a road shoulder. Temporary seeding has been planted on the exposed soil to prevent erosion as the contractor transitions focus to underground utility relocation. 

Planned water interruption overnight on June 12

A temporary water interruption is scheduled to occur overnight starting at 10 pm on Thursday, June 12, and is expected to be complete by 6 am the following morning. This interruption is necessary to allow for the relocation of water utilities, which must occur before the installation of new stormwater piping and retaining wall foundation. Impacted water customers who are signed up for AVL Alerts will receive a notification from the City of Asheville's Water Resources Department about the planned interruption in water service. The interruption is expected to impact properties on New Haw Creek Road between Beverly Road and Reese Road, and all properties on Bethesda Road.

City staff appreciates everyone's patience as they work to improve pedestrian safety in our neighborhood.

Community residents and local businesses made HCCA's second annual Haw Creek Hustle on May 17 a resounding success. With over 150 enthusiastic participants and 14 generous sponsors, the 5k event exceeded expectations. It was a fun family affair with many children running, walking or riding in strollers alongside their parents.

We were fortunate that driving rain gave way to clear skies minutes before the start of Saturday's race. In addition to neighbors cheering from their yards along the course, runners were serenaded by the Haw Creek Pickers from the front lawn of St. John's Episcopal Church.

A total of 12 runners won in various age groups. One lucky raffle winner went home with a running bag complete with a General Mast Store $25 gift card, Haw Creek embroidered beanie, head torch, and more. Scout Troop 4 provided assistance as race marshals in addition to setup/break down at the start and finish line, while a few sponsors shared treats and helpful information.

HCCA would like to thank and recognize our generous sponsors:

Presenting Sponsors

VIP Sponsor

Lead Sponsors

Finally, we would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers who provided essential assistance for this event.

We look forward to adding more fun activities next year.

The Meadows at Haw Creek Development Project

HCCA member Terry Latanich has been monitoring the development at 767 New Haw Creek Road to ensure the developer complies with commitments made to the City Council. He reports the 27-acre site has still not sold. Whenever it happens, transfer of ownership will be a strong indicator developer Kevin Jackson intends to proceed.

City Planner Sam Starr-Baum reports much design work remains to be completed before the project meets the staff conditions mandated by City Council. The developer has up to five years to begin construction. The clock started ticking July 23, 2024, the date City Council approved the development.   

Another related issue is that a group of Happy Valley homeowners may take legal action to attempt to prevent Kevin Jackson from using the proposed entrance at 1 Sleepy Hollow Drive. 

Electrify Haw Creek

Thanks to Keith Bamberger and Sophie Mullinax for a terrific March 27th program outlining home energy efficiency options available to homeowners. An important takeaway is their Home Energy Navigator program to help homeowners identify which improvements are best for their home. It is not a sales pitch but rather a free home evaluation.

Visit Electrify Asheville-Buncombe to learn about programs and actions that can help homeowners save money and build resilience, take advantage of federal and state incentives as well as Duke Energy programs and accessible financing to make their homes more efficient and go all electric. This program is supported by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County as part of a suite of activities to help meet their 2042 clean energy goals.

HCCA Board of Directors

The new board, elected on March 11, had their first meeting on April 1. Everyone is deeply committed to HCCA’s mission, goals and core values, and we are very excited about working together to build community cohesiveness over the next year. On the 12-member board there is one open seat available and we are actively searching for a qualified volunteer. If you are interested, please contact Chris Pelly who would be glad to discuss the details with you.

At the March 11 annual meeting of the community association, Rick Fornoff and Christina Quetel were elected to the board and re-elected incumbents included Doug Baughman, Shelley McKechnie and Liz Polfus (see all board member bios). The new board selected officers for 2025: Chris Pelly, President; Christina Maggi, Vice President; Christina Quetel, Treasurer; and Bruce Black, Secretary. 

Meeting highlights included hearing from special guests:

– Dustin Clemens, Capital Projects Division Manager, City of Asheville, provided a detailed update on the new section of sidewalk being installed on New Haw Creek Road 

– Carrie Lee, APD's Community Resource Officer for East Asheville, shared information on her role to support Haw Creek residents

– Timothy Rhodes, Administrator, Western North Carolina Youth Sports Association, gave a status report on renovations at Charlie Bullman Park

– Shelley McKechnie, board member, spoke about the inspiration behind her new book: Stronger than the Storm: Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina

A PowerPoint presentation highlighted 2024 activities, which included holding six community meetings/programs and sponsoring nine community events and five hikes. HCCA also recognized the community's response to Hurricane Helene, in particular Haw Creek Commons and Groce UMC.

There was also a review of 2025 plans:

– Monitor the 767 Development Project

– Secure Buncombe County grant for the Haw Creek Park Greenway

– Undertake open space preservation efforts

– Develop FireWise Community Program

– Sponsor Haw Creek Hustle: 5k run/walk May 17

– Continue and expand community events

Attendees were encouraged to join one of four committees, which manage much of the association’s day-to-day work, particularly the Clean & Green and Community Outreach Committees. We also have many other volunteer opportunities for occasional participation.

The meeting closed with an invitation to meet neighbors and share in a dessert social.

In response to the increased wildfire risks in the Haw Creek valley post-Helene, HCCA has initiated a project to help our residents become more aware of fire safety measures around our homes and to get prepared for potential wildfires in our area. We have prepared a presentation on key information resources that are available and safety measures that you can implement immediately to reduce your personal risks.

HCCA will be developing a FireWise Community Program this spring with more information and resources to ensure our residents have plans in place if a wildfire develops. Look for more information in the coming months.

Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout and her staff met with HCCA leaders on February 11 to discuss the trail closure in Masters Park. Signs indicating the trail is closed as it enters National Park Service land have been illegally removed. This poses a danger to hikers who may be unaware that Helene-related repairs are underway.

Parkway staff are facing numerous challenges. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a roughly 150-mile stretch was impacted by Helene. Within this area 57 landslides have been identified with 12 of those considered catastrophic. In many cases the roadway itself has collapsed or been undermined. The repair process — slope stabilization, debris removal, drainage repair, guardrail replacement, and repaving the road — will likely take until this fall.

As Haw Creek and the larger Asheville region continue to recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, a less-noticed impact of the storm has affected area hikers. Many popular trails have closed for storm related repairs, with some expected to take several months to complete.

The primary trail along the Parkway is the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which includes the section accessed via Masters Park in Haw Creek. For those reliant on this route for their hiking fix, the prospect of going months without this popular trail connection can be disheartening.

Some may ask, if we are only hiking why can’t we use the trail? Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Swartout reports that heavy equipment will be working seven days a week to complete repairs as rapidly as possible. Workers may not see you or your pets if you trespass, putting everyone at risk. Closure signs and barriers are there for a reason, to protect you and to allow crews to work efficiently and safely. 

Significant work remains before the Parkway and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail are reopened north of Tunnel Road as both are currently closed to Mt. Mitchell State Park. The goal is reopening this section by fall 2025. It’s imperative that everyone honors the barriers and signs to allow restoration work to proceed swiftly and safely. 

In the meantime, the Parkway and Mountains-to-Sea Trail remain open in Asheville between US-70 on the east side and Hwy 191 on the west side. Also, Warren Wilson College has a trail system that is open to the public and there are open trails at the Arboretum and Bent Creek. 

To learn more about storm damage on the Parkway and the slide near Haw Creek visit Helene Impacts and Recovery - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service).