ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Council will consider new protections for tenants living in unsafe housing Tuesday, along with a plan to begin mapping out the future of more than 50 acres in the Deaverview neighborhood.
The tenant proposal would make it unlawful for a property owner to collect rent from a tenant living in a dwelling that a city code enforcement officer determines is unfit for human occupancy, unsafe and a threat to life or property. The ordinance also would prohibit an owner from allowing another person to move into such a dwelling.
The proposed protections would cover a range of serious conditions, including inadequate water or hot water, unsafe electrical systems, missing or nonfunctioning smoke detectors, structural problems, missing roofs, blocked or unsafe exits and other life-safety hazards. The proposal was brought forward by the Asheville Area Tenants Union. City staff helped prepare the agenda materials but is not making a recommendation on the ordinance.
If approved, the ordinance would become effective immediately upon adoption.
Council also will consider spending up to $399,800 on a master plan for more than 50 acres of city- and Housing Authority-owned property in Deaverview.
The city owns 21 acres at 65 Ford St. and another 16 acres adjacent to Pisgah View Road. The Housing Authority of the City of Asheville owns about 20 acres at 275 Deaverview Road, where the 160-unit Deaverview Apartments public housing development is located.
The Housing Authority wants to replace the existing Deaverview public housing community, which was built in 1971, while minimizing the number of times current residents have to relocate. The city, HACA and PEAK Academy have agreed to work together on a master plan for the properties.
The plan could include a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, rental and homeownership opportunities, a public school, recreational facilities and community and supportive services. PEAK Academy is interested in developing a community-centered public school on a suitable site.
Tuesday’s vote would be for the planning work, not the redevelopment itself. Any future property transfers or acquisitions, infrastructure work, construction plans and funding agreements would require additional approvals from the City Council, HACA’s board and PEAK Academy’s board.
The master plan is expected to take about 18 months, with community members and other stakeholders involved throughout the process. The planning work will be paid for with federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds awarded to Asheville following Tropical Storm Helene. The city says no General Fund money will be used for the contract.
Other items on Tuesday’s agenda include a $4.2 million budget amendment for additional Helene disaster recovery and response expenses, including a temporary bridge for Gashes Creek. The money will be funded through federal and state emergency management reimbursements.
Council also will consider applying for federal funding for a new Asheville Rides Transit operations and maintenance facility and approving a contract to update the Living Asheville Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, including the Unified Development Ordinance.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chamber at Asheville City Hall.