Asheville News

Larchmont decision heads to Asheville City Council on Tuesday

Jason Sandford March 22, 2010

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

After weeks of debate, Asheville City Council on Tuesday is set to decide on whether the controversial Larchmont development will move forward. Click on the “Larchmont” tag on this post to see all the past debate on this blog.

Some folks in the north Asheville neighborhood believe the development is out of scale with its surroundings. Supporters of the project say it’s good in-fill development that will serve a need for affordable housing. If I had to guess, I’d say Asheville City Council will approve the project.

Here’s the blurb on the City Council agenda:

Public hearing to consider a conditional zoning request for the project identified as The Larchmont, located at 785 Merrimon Avenue, from Institutional District to Urban Residential District/Conditional Zoning District for the development of a 60-unit apartment complex, with a request for modifications of the design standards for entrance location, front setback and buffer width restrictions.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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4 Comments

Gordon Smith March 22, 2010

Having just been elected on a platform that included increasing density on our urban corridors in order to incentivize affordable housing there, I’m comfortable in trusting the integrity of our democracy and following through with the promises I made on the campaign trail. It would be disingenuous of me to abandon my campaign promises when there are thousands of voters who cast a ballot for me based on the values and vision of my campaign.

It’s my sense that a lot of people in north Asheville believe that we ought to increase density in order to lower our carbon footprints, decrease air pollution, decrease sprawl, increase transit usage, and allow for affordable housing where land prices are higher. Anyone who’s seen MHO properties knows they’re attractive, well-kept, and in demand.

While opponents’ concerns are valid, they do not outweigh the positive implications of the rezoning.

You can read more about my rationale here:

http://scrutinyhooligans.us/2010/03/16/affordable-housing-and-corridor-density/

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beaverlake March 22, 2010

with that many units, where is their outdoor space to play or sit in the sun? Seems there will be nothing left after the building and parking left and the closest park being. . . . .

Really feel sorry for any children that get housed there

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Politics Watcher March 22, 2010

There goes Gordon and Cecil’s support from North Asheville. Will Esther vote against the interests and clear wishes of her constituents? Will the mayor recuse herself because of her previous affiliation with MHO?

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Dismayed No Longer March 22, 2010

It is too bloody big for the site and for the neighborhood!!!!!

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