Asheville City Council on Tuesday will discuss approving the layout for this year’s Bele Chere street party. Here’s the skinny — the festival won’t extend down College Street, will include only four stages, and will use the Asheville Civic Center as a venue, if I’m reading the documents correctly:
The most significant changes to the festival include (1) the elimination of using College Street (between Biltmore Avenue and South Charlotte Street) and other surrounding streets due to the ongoing construction of Pack Square Park, and (2) the addition of the Asheville Civic Center.
Festival staff developed the festival layout and has been approved by representatives from the Asheville Fire Department and the Asheville Police Department. Staff has also spoken with newly impacted members of the downtown community and the initial feedback was very positive.
This action does not comply with the City Council Strategic Operating Plan or other City master plans.
This item was reviewed the by the Bele Chere Advisory Board at its regular meeting on January 28, 2009, and by the Recreation Advisory Board and at its regular meeting on February 9, 2009. Both boards support the action and recommend City Council approve the proposed festival layout.