A series of public meetings have been announced for the Downtown Master Plan.  The first will take place on Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 pm at the Asheville Civic Center Banquet Hall.   This is the public kick off meeting.  Attendees can expect to hear about the Downtown Master Plan Process, meet the consultant team and then break up into small groups to give input about what they see as issues and opportunities for Downtown Asheville.

The Downtown Master Plan is an initiative proposed by the Asheville Downtown Commission; The Downtown Commission hopes that the plan will help citizens, elected officials, and City and County staff more clearly address the most pressing issues facing downtown today.  The Downtown Master Plan was funded by the Asheville City Council in the 2007-2008 budget and the consultants were selected in early 2008.  

"We're hoping for a good turn-out at our public meetings from all cross-sections of the community," said Project Manager Sasha Vrtunski.  "The quality of this plan, and the ability to implement it are going to be directly related to getting folks from all parts of our community to give input into the plan." 

 Here is a schedule of meetings coming up for May and June:

Public Works Bldg, 161 S. Charlotte Street

Come hear local downtown experts and learn about the history of our downtown, leading up to the present time.

Location: To Be Announced

This session will be an important opportunity to explore specific urban issues such as design and affordability.

Location: To Be Announced

This workshop will be a day of small group work directed towards specific issues.

Location: To Be Announced

The planning team will bring draft vision and goals for community feedback.  The vision and goals will be the basis for the Master Plan.

After the June 12 feedback session, the consultant team will spend a couple of months drafting objectives and strategies to meet the community's vision and goals.    There will be a follow-up public meeting in August or September when the draft plan will be presented for community feedback.   The final plan is expected to be brought to the Asheville City Council in October 2008. 

For more information on the Downtown Master Plan process, email Sasha Vrtunski at svrtunski@ashevillenc.gov or call Ms. Vrtunski at 828-232-4599