Asheville Council Approves Floodplain Apartment Project
City leaders voted to allow a seven-story, 252-unit complex on a site partially located within the 100-year floodplain.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in City Hall
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Asheville City Council approved a 252-unit, seven-story apartment complex at the intersection of Sweeten Creek Road and London Road. The project site encompasses 2.63 acres, with portions of the property lying within the 100-year floodplain.
Why it matters
The decision highlights a split among city officials regarding the balance between prioritizing private investment and mitigating flood risks. Supporting members emphasized the need for new development, while opposing members expressed concerns about the building's location.
The council authorized the 252-unit complex in a vote that followed an earlier May 2024 approval for a smaller 208-unit plan. The city is currently undertaking a $1.4 million overhaul of its building rules.
The players
Asheville City Council
This local government body serves as the primary legislative authority responsible for land use, zoning, and public policy within the city.
Opticos Design
This urban planning firm is currently under contract to assist the city with comprehensive updates to its building and development regulations.
Esther Manheimer
Serving as the Mayor of Asheville, she cast a supporting vote for the new apartment development project.
Kim Roney
As a member of the City Council, she voted against the apartment complex citing concerns over its impact on the floodplain.
The details
The development will feature two floors dedicated to lobby space and parking, with residential units located above. This project is moving forward even as the city works to revise its Unified Development Ordinance.
Timeline
May 2024: Council previously approved a 208-unit complex at the same site.
September 2026: Council approved a $1.4 million contract with Opticos Design for code revisions.
October 27, 2026: Council voted to approve the current 252-unit apartment project.
End of 2028: Projected completion for the updated Unified Development Ordinance.
Political Context
The approval of this project highlights ongoing tensions between promoting housing density and managing environmental risks in flood-prone areas. Critics argue that such projects bypass necessary environmental safeguards until the city completes its pending revisions to the Unified Development Ordinance.
Residents may see a shift in local land use as the city balances new construction with flood mitigation efforts. Future development rules could change significantly once the ordinance revisions are finalized in 2028.
The takeaway
This vote marks a significant step forward for the development project despite ongoing debates about the site's environmental safety. Residents can track further legislative updates regarding the city's building standards through future council meetings.
Further reading
For more background on local government decisions, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Asheville Citizen Times.
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