ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Efforts are underway to revive a proposed Costco development in the Enka-Candler area after the project was withdrawn from the city of Asheville’s development review process last month.
During a Thursday agenda briefing, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said city officials, state transportation leaders and the property owner have been working to address concerns raised by the retailer in hopes of bringing the project back to the table.
Manheimer said planning staff recently met with representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the seller of the property to review a list of issues Costco identified as barriers to moving forward.
“We’ve assembled responses to all of Costco’s items,” Manheimer said. “We’ve provided a letter, the planning staff provided a letter and DOT will provide information as well — just to try to ask Costco to come back to the table.”
Manheimer said the city has received some positive indications that the company is reconsidering the proposal, though no final decision has been made.
“Everyone just know that we have some good indicators that they’re considering that,” she said. “But obviously nothing’s done until it’s done.”
The proposed store site, located near Sand Hill Road and Smokey Park Highway, faces several development challenges, including significant site preparation requirements.
Manheimer said Costco flagged the need to bring in large amounts of fill material to raise the site and build a retaining wall — issues tied to the property rather than city regulations.
“There are some challenges with that site for whoever’s going to develop it that are really not city issues — they’re really just site development issues,” she said.
Infrastructure improvements are also part of the discussion.
The mayor said the city is working to support a grant application to extend sewer service to the property, a project estimated to cost about $850,000. Because state funding requires a local government to apply, the city or county must submit the request.
Transportation improvements are another factor. Costco anticipates needing upgrades along Sand Hill Road and Smokey Park Highway, and additional improvements near Interstate 40’s Exit 44 could help traffic flow in the rapidly developing corridor.
Manheimer said she has spoken with state legislators about possible funding to complete planned upgrades to the interchange and surrounding road network.
Those improvements would support not only a potential Costco but also other developments planned along Smokey Park Highway, including grocery stores, a medical park and new housing.
The Costco proposal has drawn significant public attention since it was first introduced, with supporters citing economic development and retail expansion for the area.
City leaders said they will continue working with partners to address the issues and determine whether the project can move forward.