Asheville City Council approved many items at last night’s meeting – by way of a 14-item consent agenda – but only one matter was truly debated: the fate of a Starbucks drive-thru.
Those who love picking up macchiatos and matcha lattes from the driver’s seat may be pleased. In a 4-2 vote, council approved zoning changes to allow the future drive-thru at 141 Bear Creek Rd., just off Brevard Rd. and the I-40 highway exit. Kim Roney and Maggie Ulmann voted against the measure, citing pedestrian safety concerns. Sage Turner was absent.
The 6,000-square foot Starbucks will have sidewalks that surround the building and connect the facility to the nearby Marriott hotel. The effort to build this drive-thru first began in 2021, but was initially denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting due to pedestrian safety concerns.
Resident Claudia Nix expressed lingering concerns surrounding pedestrian safety on the project.
“Typically drive-thru restaurants have long cars that are waiting and spewing emissions, which is not appropriate for people who are walking and biking,” Nix said during the public hearing. “This area is planned to be a major corridor to connect our recreational areas: Bent Creek, the WNC Farmers Market and Asheville Greenway system. I think it’s very important that we think about the future and conditions we’re going to be putting people in.”
The coffee shop will also have 48 parking spaces.
New year, new staff members
City Manager Debra Campbell welcomed a slew of new city employees, including Fire Chief Michael Cayse and Diversity of Equity and Inclusion Director Sala Menaya-Merritt. Interim Chief of Police Michael Lamb and Interim Transportation Director Jessica Morriss also received a welcome from the city.
Money moves from the consent agenda
Council greenlighted more than $12 million in infrastructure improvements and contracts in the 14-item consent agenda that passed unanimously. Highlights included:
- $7 million for aesthetic improvements to the corridors that will be impacted by the I-26 widening project. Improvements will include pedestrian and bike lanes, as well as other beautifying measures – this money must be paid to the NC Department of Transportation in 2028.
- $1.9 million to replace lead service lines in the local water system. Up to $1.4 million, or 70%, of project costs will be forgiven by the state. All of the services will be performed in areas deemed underserved.
- $2 million for phase two of upgrades for the Mills River Water Treatment Plant. Construction on the project is expected to start in summer 2024 and efforts will be led by contractor CDM Smith.
- $809,000 to relocate city water lines around Sand Hill Rd. to accommodate the I-26 widening project.
- $115,000 for a year of internal auditing services from Jefferson Wells.
Every second and fourth Tuesday, Asheville City Council meets at the Council Chamber on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza beginning at 5:00 p.m. See the full recording of the January 9 meeting and the action agenda.
