Residents rally against controversial townhome development plan

Residents of Asheville voiced strong opposition during a recent city council meeting regarding the proposed conditional zoning for a new development project, identified as 767. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on the community, particularly regarding the construction of 35 townhomes.

Cindy Appleby, a local resident, expressed her frustration, stating that the council appears to have already made a decision despite community opposition. She emphasized that while residents are not against development per se, they are opposed to the scale and vision proposed by the developer. Appleby lamented the erosion of hope in the democratic process, noting that many community members feel their voices have gone unheard.

Another resident, Susan Bicknell, echoed these sentiments, highlighting a lack of appealing options in the development plans. She urged the council to impose specific conditions on the approval, particularly to restrict access routes that could exacerbate traffic issues in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The discussions reflect a broader concern among residents about the implications of the development on local infrastructure and community dynamics. As the council deliberates, the voices of the community continue to call for a more thoughtful approach to development that prioritizes the needs and safety of existing residents.