Asheville News

Residents of a north Asheville neighborhood upset about proposal to build apartment complex on old Naval Reserve Center property

Jason Sandford February 18, 2010

Jason Sandford

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

I’ve received a few notes from folks upset about a proposal to build an apartment complex, known as the Larchmont housing complex.

The plan, as far as I understand it, is to build an apartment building on the former Naval Reserve Center property in north Asheville. The center, which used to hold a commanding spot above Merrimon Avenue, was torn down a couple of years ago (see above photo.) The plan is to have it now be home to a three-story apartment building, and some folks in the established neighborhood nearby are none too happy.

WLOS has this blurb:

Residents in North Asheville oppose a plan to build affordable homes near Merrimon Avenue. They say the proposed 3 story complex and 60 one bedroom apartments doesn’t fit the neighborhood and would have a lasting negative impact. Mountain Housing Opportunities has proposed the development and takes its plans to city zoning and planning officials March 3rd.

What do you think? Would you favor a big new apartment complex being built next to an established neighborhood because higher-density growth is the way to go, or would you oppose it because of the added traffic, noise, light, etc.?

Jason Sandford

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

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6 Comments

Pam Ruatto March 7, 2010

Having been up to this site, and lived a few blocks away from it for eight years, I’m surprised that this spot has to be rezoned for a housing development. Perhaps it’s the size of the proposed building, because this is otherwise clearly a mixed-use neighborhood. If the scale/density/traffic issue can be worked out, this could be a good spot for affordable housing.

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Matt Morrissey March 4, 2010

I believe we have some supporters attempting to change the subject here. We are talking about the rezoning of this property.
I was at the meeting last night and witnessed their posturing, we all need to be careful not to lose our focus. These guys have done their homework and will stop at nothing to prey on our knee jerk responses.
At the end of the day MHO is just a developer trying to bleed money from our city at the lowest cost and highest return on their investment.

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Dismayed No Longer February 21, 2010

It’s not my neighborhood but I believe "Cupset" makes some good points.

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Cupset February 20, 2010

Thanks as always Ashvegas for providing a great forum for the latest news etc.

In regards to the development prospect here… how about focusing first on rejuvenating rundown areas? This proposal would blight the skyline, exacerbate traffic problems, lower the property values of surrounding homes, and line the pockets of those already bought off by the developers shenanigans.
Yes, there should be affordable housing, yes there should be opportunities for all.. but who benefits from stuffing 60 units into a postage stamp area, not to mention the parking illusion?
Many thanks to those against this project and all those campaigning hard to stop it.

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native north ashevillian February 19, 2010

WLOS’s coverage was flat wrong. The petition specifically states that signers are opposed to the zoning change and size of the project. Affordable housing is not the issue.

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Celo February 19, 2010

Once again WLOS overstates the case. Yes, some residents are concerned, but not all of them. The primary issue is the height of the building. Most residents feel they could live with a two-story structure and are working with MHO to revise the blueprints.

Also, it’s not exactly a ritzy hood. There are several houses in the neighborhood that have been vacant (or falling down) for years. Wouldn’t it be great if MHO could put lower income families in some of those homes?

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