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.