ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — This August, a study by the Urban Land Institute, a panel of national land use and economic development experts, concluded that moving the River Arts District to a new “RAD 2.0” location could prevent future devastation akin to the damage suffered during Hurricane Helene.

Read our story about the ULI survey here.

However, the city of Asheville has clarified that there are no plans in place to follow the ULI recommendation.

“While we appreciate ULI’s recommendations, we need to make sure as we build back that we respect and acknowledge our community and what is important to our community,” said Kim Miller, city communications specialist. “To be clear, the city has made no decision to relocate the RAD, nor have any decisions been made on how to implement the recommendation.”

On Aug. 15, Miller wrote an Asheville Asks article addressing the buzz and concern surrounding the ULI survey.

“These were recommendations only,” Miller stressed in the article. “Decisions about redevelopment or reinvestment in the RAD ultimately rest with these property owners, as well as the larger local community of residents, workers, and civic leaders who collaboratively decide what makes Asheville unique and what we cherish.”

However, while relocating the RAD is not on the agenda, the city has continued to invest time and resources in rebuilding and strengthening the riverside community. The French Broad Riverfront Parks Recovery project, for instance, is a city initiative which will restore public spaces along five miles of the French Broad river, including Carrier Park, French Broad River Park and Amboy Riverfront Park.

For more information about the River Arts District and its artists, visit www.riverartsdistrict.com.

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