Brevard Road’s Drive-Thru Proposal in Council Debate
TL/DR –
The Asheville City Council is set to consider a proposed zoning map amendment that would permit the development of a Starbucks on the corner of Brevard and S. Bear Creek roads. The property was initially rezoned to prohibit drive-thru facilities, but Bear Creek Holdings LLC has proposed a revised site plan that includes measures to increase pedestrian safety. The Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously recommended approval of the zoning map amendment to the City Council.
Asheville Council to Discuss Proposed Starbucks Development
Asheville City Council will consider a proposed zoning map amendment for a new Starbucks on Brevard and S. Bear Creek roads at their meeting on Jan. 9. This proposal received unanimous support at the Dec. 6 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
The site, positioned at 141 and 147 S. Bear Creek Road, was rezoned in 2018 for the construction of the TownePlace Suites Asheville West by Marriott, with a prohibition on drive-thru facilities, promoting a pedestrian-friendly setting.
A previous 2021 request to lift this drive-thru ban was denied due to pedestrian safety concerns. However, Bear Creek Holdings LLC, the applicant, now proposes a revised plan aiming to enhance pedestrian safety, incorporating improvements like a high-visibility crosswalk and a sidewalk connecting the hotel and Starbucks.
The Planning and Zoning Commission, after reviewing the new plan, unanimously recommended City Council approval for the zoning map amendment.
City Council Meeting Details and Public Participation
The consent agenda for the meeting includes 14 items, with three resolutions of note:
- A resolution to contract audit program services with Jefferson Wells for one year, with potential for two additional renewals.
- A resolution to authorize additional construction work with the N.C. Department of Transportation for the Interstate 26 Connector project.
- A resolution to accept a $2 million Lead Service Line Replacement Grant from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to replace lead or galvanized pipes.
The meeting will be held at City Hall and broadcasted live on Charter/Spectrum Channel 193 and Asheville’s YouTube channel. The public can listen live by calling 855-925-2801, meeting code 3567. To comment, attendees must sign up at the door; remote live comments will not be accepted. Pre-recorded comments can be made to the same number, and written comments should be sent to AshevilleCityCouncilJan92024@publicinput.com before 9 a.m. on Jan. 9. General comments can be sent to AshevilleNCCouncil@AshevilleNC.gov at any time.
The entire meeting agenda can be found here.
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