ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council is expected to tackle several major issues Tuesday evening, including a proposed moratorium on new data centers, millions of dollars in Tropical Storm Helene recovery projects, support for a statewide bicycle safety measure and a plan to create 42 affordable homeownership units on city-owned land.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall.
Data center moratorium heads to public hearing
One of the night’s most anticipated items is a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on new data center development within Asheville.
The temporary pause would give city officials time to study zoning, infrastructure and environmental impacts associated with large-scale data centers before considering future projects. Residents will have an opportunity to speak during the hearing, and public interest in the proposal has been high in recent weeks.
More than $14 million slated for Helene recovery projects
Council is expected to approve a series of contracts and budget amendments totaling more than $14 million for engineering and design work tied to Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts.
The projects include repairs to landslides that damaged city infrastructure, roadway and sidewalk reconstruction, and other storm-related improvements. Funding comes primarily from federal and state disaster recovery sources.
Among the largest allocations are:
- $6.13 million for landslide recovery engineering services.
- $4.46 million for a second landslide recovery project.
- $3.1 million for roadway and sidewalk repair design.
- $404,265 for an additional landslide recovery project.
Council will also consider a $4.58 million contract amendment for recovery management services related to Helene.
Council to support bicycle safety legislation
Council members are expected to vote on a resolution supporting the Leonard Antonelli and Jacob Hill Bicycle Safety Zone Act of 2025, known as “Lennie’s Law.”
The legislation would create enhanced protections for cyclists by establishing bicycle safety zones and increasing penalties for drivers who violate traffic laws in those areas.
The resolution does not create local regulations but formally expresses Asheville’s support for the proposed state legislation.
Affordable homeownership project proposed at Oak Hill Drive
In one of the night’s most significant housing items, council will consider a development agreement with 29 Oak Hill LLC to build 42 affordable townhomes for sale on city-owned property at 29 Oak Hill Drive.
The proposal includes:
- Sale of city-owned land for the project.
- A $1.6 million allocation from Asheville’s Affordable Housing Bond funds.
- Construction financing assistance.
- Down payment assistance for qualified buyers.
City leaders have increasingly focused on expanding homeownership opportunities as housing costs continue to rise across Asheville and Buncombe County.
CDBG-DR funding shift aimed at home repairs
Council will also revisit a substantial amendment to Asheville’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Action Plan.
The proposal would shift $19.2 million in federal recovery funding to expand the city’s single-family home repair program, increasing that program’s budget to $22.2 million.
Under the amendment:
- The affordable multifamily housing construction budget would decrease to $18.8 million.
- Infrastructure funding would be adjusted to $115 million.
- Additional resources would be directed toward helping homeowners repair storm-damaged properties.
A public hearing on the amendment was held June 9, and no additional public comment will be accepted Tuesday.
Other notable agenda items
Council is also scheduled to:
- Proclaim July as Asheville Parks and Recreation Month.
- Consider rezoning property on Deaverview Road to allow higher-density residential development.
- Approve contracts related to municipal building restoration work.
- Authorize alcohol permits for several upcoming events, including the Independence Day Block Party, Blue Ridge Pride Festival and Asheville Veganfest.
- Review appointments to numerous city and regional boards and commissions.
The meeting can be attended in person or viewed on the city’s YouTube page. Public comment on matters not otherwise listed on the agenda will be accepted near the end of the meeting.