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- 11.29.2023 Minutes
- 11.14.2023 Minutes
- 09.19.2023 Minutes
- 07.18.2023 Minutes
- 05.09.2023 Minutes
- 03.14.2023 Minutes
- 01.10.2023 Minutes
11.29.2023
7:00 pm
In Attendance: Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Phil Trunnell, Renate Rikkers, Sarah Hess, Storms Reback, Barber Melton, Shelley McKechnie (via phone) Liz Polfus (via phone) Leslie Morris, Bruce Black, Debbie Francis Guest: Scott Clodfelter
Phil motioned to accept the minutes from November 14, 2023. Bruce seconded and all approved.
Financial Report
Nothing substantial to report but Phil will email a detailed report to all board members in the next few days.
New Sign at Haw Creek Entrance
Sign is installed after great efforts by Storms and his team. The final step is city inspections and all has passed but we are required to remove the old sign. There was discussion on what to do with the old sign since it is part of Haw Creek history.
Greenway Campaign
We are half way to our $10,000 goal with approximately 30 donations. We would like to get full board participation at any level that would be comfortable.
The developer of the 767 New Haw Creek property has offered to make a donation to the campaign. The board discussed this and decided that we would not accept a donation at this time but would revisit at a later date.
Discussion of Community Meeting re: plan for 767 New Haw Creek Road
Approximately 200 people attended the in-person meeting on 11/28 at Evergreen Community Charter School. The overall tenor of the meeting was not favorable to the development. The developer will be asking for conditional zoning (for RS4) for this property from City Council as part of his due diligence before finalizing the purchase of the property.
The board discussed what HCCA’s role will be in guiding the process. Scott also provided updates on HCCA’s social media and the three highest engagements happened in the last month; 2 of 3 related to the development of 767 NHC. All agreed that HCCA should be very proactive and act quickly to maintain a leadership role on this issue.
2. We publish a consolidated statement opposing the development as it stands now.
3. We should outline how this process normally works so folks have reasonable expectations. Keep the messaging simple.
a. It is not realistic to expect this property to remain undeveloped indefinitely.4. Encourage all interested parties to join the association to keep everyone updated and to keep one voice.
b. The HCCA position statement is …
c. We want all concerned citizens to use the power of one voice under the association. The city council will give more credence to this approach.
5. Assemble a subcommittee of key community members as soon as possible.
a. Prospects:
i. Gene Ellison
ii. Anna Harrelson and Tracy Stebbing who have started the webpage about the development on their site Grateful Village. Note that we will ask them to merge their site with HCCA page.
iii. John Noor
iv. Scott Clodfelter
v. Bruce Black (Happy Valley)
vi. Tripp Huxley
vii. Stephanie Kovacs (Happy Valley)
viii. Ashley McClelland (Happy Valley)
ix. Chris Pelly
x. Thomas Wolfe
Immediate Action Steps:
1. Chris will take first pass on drafting our position statement.
a. Once finalized this will be promoted on social and via email blast. This will buy some time until the newsletter is finalized.
2. Chris and Bruce will reach out to the folks on the prospect list for the subcommittee.
3. Liz will develop a framework for new page.
4. Newsletter timing is shooting for early December and this will go to approximately 2,000 homes (via mail).
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25.
11.14.2023
7:00 pm
East Asheville Library
Attending: Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Renate Rikkers, Sarah Hess, Storms Reback,
Barber Melton, Shelley McKechnie, Leslie Morris, Bruce Black, Liz Polfus. Absent: Debbie
Francis, Phil Trunnell
Guests: Dustin Clemons, Project Manager, and Jade Dundas, Capital Projects Director with
the City of Asheville; Meredith Friedheim, City of Asheville; Parker Sloan, Buncombe County
Commissioner; Kevin Jackson, developer of 767 New Haw Creek Rd. property.
Approximately 130 residents.
Sarah motioned to approve the September minutes; Bruce seconded and all approved.
New Haw Creek Road Sidewalk Project – Dustin Clemons provided this update:
-About 1 mile long – originally approved in 2016 with a project cost of $3 million with NCDOT
providing $2 million and the City of Asheville $1 million.
-All easements will be finalized this week; some utilities have already been moved and other
utilities will be relocated during the winter. The final design plans should be ready in the next
month and then NCDOT will issue a construction authorization. With that authorization, the
City can accept bids with an anticipated start in spring 2024 and 1 year completion window.
Questions from attendees:
Q: What will be done for pedestrian safety at the point where the sidewalk crosses New Haw
Creek Rd? There will be striping and a push button activated flashing signal.
Q: Will the construction be at all one time or in phases? This is unknown until a contractor is
selected, however, past projects were done in sections. Either way there will be lane closures
and traffic disruption.
Q: Will the City require sidewalks for the development of 767 New Haw Creek? Generally,
yes, that will be required, but that project is in the initial phases.
Q: Will the lowest bidder get the contract or will there be consideration for which contractor
can finish most quickly? There will be timelines built into the contract, so the lowest bidder
does not necessarily mean the slowest completion.
Q: What was the process to design the route of the sidewalk? The city studied the corridor
and would have preferred to not have the sidewalk cross New Haw Creek Rd. but given the
topography, this was the best option for buildability and storm water.
Community Projects and Events
Christina and Frank Maggi summarized the Masters Park kiosk and new path project. HCCA
submitted a grant request and was awarded a $5K Neighborhood Matching Grant from the
City. Over 100 volunteer hours were contributed toward the kiosk installation and related
improvements. The City will be installing a dog poop bag dispenser and trash can.
Liz Polfus presented the Little Free Library at Spruce Hill Apartments, which was installed in
October. The apartment management reports enthusiastic use by the tenants; Friends of East
Ashville Library partnered with the association to provide a supply of books.
Leslie Morris summarized community events: Over 100 attended the June Living with Black
Bears program. The yard sales in May and Sept generated $800 each in revenue for HCCA.
Bruce Black recapped HCCA’s first chili cookoff: 12 chefs and 40 folks in attendance. The
committee is planning to hold our first pie contest in summer 2024.
Storms Reback presented the Heritage Festival, which was sponsored by HCCA, Haw Creek
Commons and Central United Methodist Church. The festival was a free event designed to
nurture a sense of community and featured 3 bands from Haw Creek, food trucks and bouncy
houses. Storms then showed the new sign for the Haw Creek Crockett entrance; the sign will
be installed in the next few weeks with landscaping improvements in the spring.
Membership and Volunteer Opportunities
Christina thanked all the HCCA members in attendance and emphasized that dues enabled
HCCA to complete all the projects mentioned. HCCA is a nonprofit organization.
Haw Creek Park Greenway Campaign
HCCA is excited to introduce the greenway project to provide access to our namesake creek
and to improve the overall walkability of our community. The greenway will start across the
street from Penny Cup/Creekside Taphouse. The necessary land agreements have already
been obtained, a feasibility study is complete, and we have a verbal agreement that the City
will maintain the greenway. The budget is $78,000 and includes all the project components
such as gravel, fencing and a small bridge.
Buncombe County passed a $30 million bond specifically for “Open Spaces.” HCCA will
submit a funding application in early 2024 and the goal is to raise $10,000 from the
community before then to improve the strength of our application. HCCA board members will
host a walking tour on Saturday 11/18 at 10:00am – meet at Penny Cup Coffee.
767 New Haw Creek Development
Kevin Jackson, the developer of 767 NHC attended the meeting to provide a preview of this
project. This was an introductory session to provide a broad overview and there will be an
additional neighborhood meeting as required by the City, date is to be determined.
- Kevin is an Asheville native and has a vested interest in making the community stronger.
- He intends to explore options to convert the flood zone part of the property into a greenway
and is in initial conversations with the City.
- He’s also in discussions with the City regarding the sidewalk along New Haw Creek Road
and ideally this section would connect with the larger sidewalk project.
- The entrance to the new subdivision will be on New Haw Creek Road closer to the ball field.
There is no plan to connect this development to any other existing streets.
- All appropriate erosion and storm water management will be included to protect the creek.
- Landscaping and trees: The City of Asheville wants a landscaping buffer, which will include
some of the existing trees. However, many of the trees in the middle of the property will be
removed; new trees will be planted to meet City canopy regulations.
- Zoning is RS4, which allows up to 108 units but closer to 90-95 units will be built; a mix of
townhomes and single family homes. It’s likely that the townhomes will be built on the smaller
parcel and the houses on the larger tract.
Questions from attendees:
Q: Is there going to be a traffic study done regarding the impact on NHC road? Waiting on the
DOT to determine if it needs to be done. Attendees specifically cited the existing backups
during school drop-offs and pick-ups.
Q: Will the units be developed according to City of Asheville “affordable” guidelines? This
topic is still under discussion with the City; the development will not be section 8 or similar.
Q: What is price range? Townhomes mid-$300 and up, but still too early for specifics on the
houses.
Q: How will they minimize construction traffic on NHC? The construction vehicles will travel on
NHC road but not impede traffic – they will pull onto the property.
Q: What is the tentative timeline? The approval process is long – at least another 6 months.
Then about 1 year for infrastructure construction.
Q: What size will the lots be? Still working on this as it depends on the landscaping buffer, but
the target will be approximately 8,000 sq. feet.
Q: Will the construction be phased? The site work will be done at one time, housing will likely
be done in phases.
Q: Will there be any consideration to make larger lots to fit better with other adjoining
neighborhoods? The unit count and estimated lot sizes reflect the costs associated of
development.
Q: What happens to the existing houses on the property? They will be demolished.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 pm.
09.19.2023
7:00 pm
East Asheville Library
Attending: Chris Pelly, Christina Maggi, Renate Rikkers, Sarah Hess, Phil Trunnell, Storms Reback, Barber Melton, Shelley McKechnie, Leslie Morris, Bruce Black, Liz Polfus. Absent: Debbie Francis
Barber motioned to approve the July minutes; Liz seconded and all approved.
Financial Report
We had income of $7,515 for the period from 7/1 – 9/19, which includes the $5,000 grant from the Neighborhood Matching Grant program for the kiosk at Masters Park. Expenses were $10,023 with the largest expense for the kiosk at Masters Park at $4,967. The net loss for the period is covered by balances in the checking account.
Committee Reports
Community Outreach
HCCA made $883.75 from the fall yard sale, from vendor spots, bake sale and income from sales of donated items at the HCCA table. The next yard sale will be May 2024.
The Heritage Festival takes place this Saturday 9/23 at Haw Creek Commons with HCCA, Haw Creek Commons, East Campus Church, food trucks, bouncy house, live music. The Association will have a table for bake sales, memberships & information.
Christina motioned that the board approve a $400 budget for the festival in support of the community event; Bruce seconded. All approved.
Chili Cookoff is planned for 10/24 at Haw Creek Commons.
Our next public meeting will be November 14th and the developer of the 767 property will be the guest speaker. Location is the East Asheville Library at 7:00 pm.
Communications & Development
We currently have 173 members, which is a new high. We have 481 contacts in the database (Wild Apricot), which is nearing the 500 maximum of our current subscription level. The next level gives us up to 2,000 contacts and will cost $1,167 to upgrade and will run until Feb 2025.
Christina motion that we upgrade; Phil seconded. All approved
Sidewalk, Greenways & Pedestrian Safety
The project for the pedestrian bridge at Creekside is still in a holding pattern. The entire shopping plaza where Creekside is located has recently been sold; the new owner is interested in continuing the project, but there has been no additional action as of yet.
Regarding the drainage system for the new sidewalk; DOT was fine with an earthen swale but the City of AVL public works has determined that it will be concrete (for ease of maintenance). There was some discussion about how the HCCA should inform the residents and provide the contacts for public input. Storms will draft a communication to be emailed in early October.
Project Updates
Spruce Hill Apartments Little Free Library
The unit is assembled, painted and is ready for installation. We will need 3-4 people to help with installation, Liz will send an email to the board once she has a date from the apartment complex. Friends of East Avl Library will donate books to get the unit stocked.
Masters Park Kiosk & Parking Lot
The kiosk has been delivered. The installation will be planned for early October and we will look at doing a public ceremony once it’s complete. A group is meeting soon to discuss the content for the kiosk.
Arco Rd. Greenway
Shelley has verbal approval from the City that the project has the green light and the components of a Memorandum of Understanding are in place. The committee will be looking for small grant opportunities in advance of applying for a larger grant from Buncombe County in early 2024.
Entrance Sign & Landscaping
The sign should be here by the end of September and at that time, we will owe the balance.
Storms motioned to pay a deposit of $1,050 for the sign production; Christina seconded and the motion was unanimous.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:42 pm.
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.
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.
03.14.2023
Haw Creek Community Association Meeting Minutes
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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?
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 2nd; 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.