2026 Candidate Q & A

Questions from Friends of the Woods (of the Save the Woods campaign)
Last year, UNC Asheville announced a plan to deforest nearly 45 acres of woodland on a section of its campus that sits within the Five Points neighborhood to build a 5,000-seat semi- pro soccer stadium, 300–450 market-rate housing units, 1,400+ parking spaces, and roughly 30,000–50,000 square feet of retail. Friends of the Woods is a grassroots organization of concerned citizens from across Asheville and beyond, formed to oppose this development and fight to protect the woods — among the largest still standing in the city — for future generations. 

1. The movement to save the UNCA woods has broad community support and over 16,500 signatures. What is your position on these citizens’ campaign to save the woods? 

Save the Woods efforts are an example of how strong our community can be when we stand up for each other and protect our ecosystem! I support protecting the UNCA woods to the fullest extent legally possible, using the power of elected office to back community initiatives. Urban forests are not just aesthetic amenities - they are climate infrastructure, stormwater protection, and community space. With significant tree canopy loss after Helene, preserving existing green space should be a priority. I respect the broad community support behind this campaign and believe their concerns deserve serious consideration. 

2. The university has kept its neighbors and local governments at arms-length in its quest to develop the UNCA urban woods , unwilling to work with the community to develop alternative plans. Would you work to persuade the university that local input must be respected? How? 

Yes. While UNCA operates under state authority, the City can and should use its voice and partnership role to encourage meaningful engagement. I would advocate for facilitated dialogue between the university, neighborhood representatives, and environmental experts. Respecting local input builds trust and leads to stronger, more sustainable outcomes. 

3. Asheville has less public park space than peer cities, so the destruction of 45 acres of green space would hit residents particularly hard. What would you do to increase access to the outdoors and green space? 

Asheville should prioritize protecting existing green space while expanding access through land acquisition, the $500k in tree fee-in-lieu funds, conservation partnerships, and better connectivity to current parks. We should also look at creative solutions such as urban forest conservancies and maximizing use of city-owned land for preservation rather than development when possible, and I look forward to the recommendations of the ongoing Urban Forestry Master Plan. 

4. The university argues that it needs to build in order to adapt and grow, while neighbors argue that this is possible without destroying priceless natural resources and amenities. How would you work to navigate the goals and desires of multiple stakeholders in situations like these? 

Growth and preservation do not have to be opposites. I would encourage exploration of alternative development sites, including underutilized or city-owned land, before removing large sections of forest. The area already cleared for the Health Adventure or sports facilities could be room for partnership development and financial security of the university while partnering for permanent conservation of the woods as a shared asset for UNCA and the community. Decisions should weigh long-term environmental value alongside financial goals, and include transparent public engagement before moving forward. 

5. The university’s soccer stadium proposal for the woods is budgeted at $58 million, with $29 million coming from unspecified public funds. Do you support public funds being used on projects the public opposes? As a steward of public funds, how would you balance the needs of the community with the goals of public institutions and private entities? 

Public funds require strong public support and clear public benefit. As a steward of taxpayer dollars, I would be cautious about committing public funding to a project facing broad community opposition. Transparency, measurable benefit, and community alignment must come first. There is a place for soccer to thrive in our community, and it doesn’t have to be the UNCA woods. 

6. The UNCA woods are a vital part of our urban green infrastructure. The 20,000 trees that make up the forest sequester 75.5 tons of carbon and divert 2.2 million gallons of stormwater every year. Their shade measurably lowers temperatures in the city. With up to 40% of our tree canopy damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, how would you protect our existing tree canopy and grow our urban green infrastructure? 

Protecting the remaining canopy is essential, especially after Helene’s damage. I support strengthening tree protection ordinances, investing in replanting efforts, supporting green infrastructure, and integrating canopy goals into land-use decisions. Urban forests are part of our climate resilience strategy and should be treated as critical infrastructure. The Urban Forestry Master Plan is expected to chart a path forward. We are lucky to have so many engaged neighbors with professional experience and community partners to help advise and implement recommendations, including the Tree Preservation Task Force, Fruit & Nut Club, Asheville Greenworks, and Asheville’s own Urban Forestry Commission. 

7. The university stated goals in this proposed development are to gain revenue, increase enrollment, and raise its profile. How would you propose to help the university accomplish its goals while preserving our urban forests and stewarding a positive relationship with the citizens of Asheville? 

The university’s goals of enrollment growth and revenue generation are understandable. However, those goals should not automatically require deforestation. Alternative locations, phased development, or creative partnerships using previously developed land should be explored. Collaboration, not confrontation, leads to better long-term relationships. 

8. There’s money in the bank specifically aimed at buying land to preserve it. Are you willing to get the city on board with putting that cash towards a community urban forest conservancy? 

I would support exploring this option seriously. If funds are designated for land preservation, we should evaluate whether protecting the UNCA woods through a conservancy model is legally and financially viable. Any solution should be grounded in what the City can lawfully do and structured to ensure long-term stewardship. It’s possible a local conservation partner would be faster and more efficient than the City. 

Questions from the Five Points Neighborhood Association

5 Points Neighborhood Association is an organization whose goal is to protect the beauty, safety and stability of our neighborhood. We strive for friendly streets where pedestrians, pets, and bicyclists can safely coexist with vehicles. Five Points Neighborhood Association wants to make Asheville a better place to live by starting at home, in our own urban traditional neighborhood, so close to downtown that we can hear a concert in the street. 

1. Many residents are concerned about the pace and nature of commercial development in Asheville. What steps can Council take to protect the integrity of its in-city neighborhoods in the face of commercial development pressures? 

Council should ensure development aligns with adopted plans and zoning, not happen by exception. That means clear design standards, scale transitions between commercial and residential areas, and infrastructure capacity checks before approval. Growth should strengthen neighborhoods, not overwhelm them. Transparency and early public input are key. I stand with the leadership of the Legacy Neighborhoods Coalition and would look to their recommendations to identify solutions that allow the city to move forward with development strategies in ways that mitigate displacement. 

2. What is your position on the City’s pattern of converting residential housing to business/commercial use? 

We should be cautious about converting residential housing to commercial use when housing supply is already limited. Housing stability must come first. Any conversion should be evaluated carefully for neighborhood impact, community benefits, and long-term housing needs. 

3. What steps can Council take to encourage pedestrian traffic and make it safer? 

Complete Streets Policy and safe design including: investing in safer crossings, traffic-calming, better lighting, and protected bike lanes where appropriate. Prioritize improvements near schools, transit stops, and high-injury corridors. Walkable neighborhoods support safety, local business, and quality of life. 

4. Broadway Street’s current four-lane design prioritizes vehicle speed over safety and neighborhood connectivity, leaving pedestrians and bicyclists exposed and underserved. How can Broadway (North from Lexington to Riverside) be redesigned to slow traffic, add safe crossings, and better protect pedestrians and bicyclists? 

Broadway should be evaluated for a “complete streets” approach - potentially reducing lane width, adding protected bike lanes, improved crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and traffic-calming measures. Safety and neighborhood connectivity should be prioritized over speed. 

5. Do you believe that the current noise ordinance adequately protects residential neighborhoods? If not, what changes would you propose? 

If the ordinance is not adequately protecting residential areas, it should be reviewed. The ordinance changes are fairly new and we should review outcomes. Enforcement consistency and clarity matter just as much as the rule itself. Residents deserve peaceful enjoyment of their homes. 

6. How can Council encourage Ingles to be a better corporate citizen, particularly with regard to its unused and underused holdings (Charlotte St, Innsbruck Mall, Merrimon @ Osborne)? 

The City can use zoning tools, incentives, and community engagement to encourage redevelopment of underused properties in ways that benefit neighborhoods - including mixed-use or housing components. I understand they pushed back against Urban Place zoning that would incentivize common-sense, mixed-use development. Collaboration and clear expectations are important, but so is accountability for buying property to block competition then leaving it to fall into disrepair that lowers tax value and increases public sanitation and safety costs. 

7. Boards and Commissions have been “paused” due to staffing concerns. How do you feel about that? Do you think public input, especially from Boards and Commissions is important, and if so, how will you get them reinstated?

 Public input through Boards and Commissions is vital. Pausing them should be temporary and tied to a clear plan for reinstatement. I support restoring them with appropriate staffing support and prioritizing their advisory role in major policy decisions so people can bring their lived and professional experience to the table around issues like affordable housing, urban forestry, transit & multimodal infrastructure, and public art. 

8. Last year, Asheville lost its longstanding Tree City USA status. How do you feel about that? What do you think the City should do about this? 

Losing Tree City status is concerning. Urban canopy is critical infrastructure, especially after Helene’s damage. The City should prioritize meeting the standards again through tree protection policies, replanting efforts, and staffing support for urban forestry. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations in the Urban Forestry Master Plan and support return of regular meetings for the Urban Forestry Commission. 

9. Several years ago, Asheville residents fought hard to save 13 beautifully crafted homes on Charlotte Street that served as affordable housing for 70+ people, most of whom worked in the tourism and service industry, and other needed areas in the city. There is an axiom in sustainability that says: “The greenest building is the one already built.” How do you feel about preserving existing homes for affordable housing? 

Preserving existing housing is often the most sustainable and cost-effective option. Rehabilitation, land banking, and protections for long-term residents should be part of our strategy. Displacement prevention is just as important as new construction, preserves cultural identity, and prevents filling the landfill. 

10. Asheville prides itself on its architecture. Do you think the current movement of 5 Over 1 buildings that are going up all over town and in the county hurts our reputation? 

Density is important, but design matters. Buildings should respect neighborhood context, scale, and architectural character. Growth doesn’t have to mean losing identity, thoughtful design standards can allow housing while preserving Asheville’s aesthetic and reputation.

Friends of the Woods (Save the UNCA Woods)

1. What is your position on the campaign to save the woods?

As a lifelong environmentalist, I will always work to protect our green spaces and the wildlife that depend on them. The UNCA woods are not vacant land. They function as critical green infrastructure, absorbing stormwater, reducing heat, sequestering carbon, and making nature accessible within our city.

The removal of 45 acres of intact urban forest deserves rigorous environmental review, transparent public engagement, and a serious exploration of alternatives. Even where the city does not directly control the land, we still have a responsibility to advocate for long-term environmental resilience out of respect for our neighbors, our city, and future generations. I respect the broad public support behind this campaign, and I believe those voices deserve meaningful consideration, not to be cast aside.

2. Would you work to persuade the university to respect local input? How?

UNC Asheville is a state institution, and City Council does not control its land use decisions. That said, the city still has a role in advocating for transparency, infrastructure coordination, and meaningful community engagement. Council can request formal joint planning sessions, encourage coordinated review of traffic and stormwater impacts, and elevate community concerns through official resolutions and public dialogue. Large projects affect more than one property owner. They affect neighborhoods, infrastructure, and public trust. I would use the platform of Council to push for clearer communication, earlier engagement, and a collaborative process that respects the surrounding community.

3. What would you do to increase access to green space?

UNC Asheville is a state institution, and City Council does not control its land use decisions. At the same time, large-scale development affects more than a single property owner. It affects infrastructure, traffic, stormwater systems, and neighborhood trust. Council can request formal joint planning sessions, encourage coordinated review of environmental and infrastructure impacts, and elevate community concerns through public dialogue and official action when appropriate. I would use the platform of Council to push for earlier engagement, clearer communication, and a more collaborative process that respects the surrounding neighborhood.

4. How would you navigate multiple stakeholders?

These conversations are often framed as growth versus environment, but that is a false choice. The real work is asking harder questions: Is this the only viable location? What is the true environmental cost? What infrastructure upgrades would be required? Are there scaled or phased alternatives? Leadership sometimes means slowing the process down enough to evaluate tradeoffs honestly. Transparency and clarity reduce division. When stakeholders see that alternatives were genuinely considered, even difficult outcomes are easier to understand.

5. Do you support public funds being used on projects the public opposes?

Public funds require public trust. If $29 million in public money is involved, there must be a clearly defined public benefit, transparent cost breakdowns, and measurable return for residents. I would not support public investment in a project without demonstrated community benefit and meaningful engagement. Stewardship of public dollars requires both fiscal discipline and public accountability.

6. How would you protect and grow tree canopy?

After Helene, canopy loss is not theoretical. It is measurable. Tree canopy is part of our stormwater system and our heat mitigation strategy. Losing it increases infrastructure costs later. We should restore Tree City USA standards, strengthen tree protection ordinances where appropriate, fund replanting in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods, and integrate canopy metrics into capital planning so we treat trees as infrastructure rather than decoration.

7. How can UNCA meet its goals without destroying the woods?

The university’s revenue and enrollment goals are real. The question is whether those goals require clearing this particular forest. Alternatives could include redevelopment of underutilized built areas, more efficient parking design, smaller footprint development, or partnerships that shift some growth away from intact forest land. Creative land use planning can align institutional growth with environmental stewardship. It does not have to be one or the other.

8. Would you support using conservation funds for a community urban forest conservancy?

If there are funds specifically designated for land preservation, I am open to evaluating whether this site qualifies. That evaluation would need to consider legal constraints, eligibility requirements, and long-term management funding. Conservation without a sustainable stewardship plan creates future problems. If the legal and financial pieces align, protecting critical urban forest where feasible is absolutely worth serious consideration.

Five Points Neighborhood Association

1. Many residents are concerned about the pace and nature of commercial development in Asheville. What steps can Council take to protect the integrity of its in-city neighborhoods in the face of commercial development pressures?

Council’s role is to create clear, predictable rules and then enforce them consistently. That means maintaining clear zoning boundaries, aligning development intensity with infrastructure capacity, and requiring design standards that fit neighborhood context. We also need to pay close attention to areas at high risk of displacement so growth does not destabilize long-standing communities.

When expectations are clear and infrastructure is considered upfront, neighborhoods are protected and conflict is reduced.

2. What is your position on the City’s pattern of converting residential housing to business/commercial use? 

We have to be very cautious here. Our housing supply is already strained. Converting residential properties into commercial use should be rare and evaluated through the lens of housing stability. In many cases, preserving existing housing stock serves the broader public good more than expanding commercial footprint.

3. What steps can Council take to encourage pedestrian traffic and make it safer?

Safety has to drive design, not vehicle speed. That means traffic calming in residential areas, safer crossings on busy corridors, closing sidewalk gaps, and prioritizing improvements in high-injury zones. These are not cosmetic upgrades. They are public safety investments that support seniors, families, and neighborhood vitality.

4. Broadway Street’s current four-lane design prioritizes vehicle speed over safety and neighborhood connectivity, leaving pedestrians and bicyclists exposed and underserved. How can Broadway (North from Lexington to Riverside) be redesigned to slow traffic, add safe crossings, and better protect pedestrians and bicyclists? 

Broadway, especially north of Lexington, functions more like a highway than a neighborhood street. If we want connectivity and safety, we need to evaluate lane reductions where feasible, add protected bike infrastructure, install median refuges, improve crossings, and upgrade signal timing.

Corridors should connect neighborhoods, not divide them. Any redesign must balance mobility with safety and neighborhood quality of life.

5. Do you believe that the current noise ordinance adequately protects residential neighborhoods? If not, what changes would you propose? 

Livability matters. If residents feel the current ordinance is not adequately protecting neighborhoods, we should review enforcement data and evaluate whether adjustments to decibel limits, hours, or enforcement mechanisms are warranted. Policy should respond to real-world outcomes, not assumptions.

6. How can Council encourage Ingles to be a better corporate citizen, particularly with regard to its unused and underused holdings (Charlotte St, Innsbruck Mall, Merrimon @ Osborne)? 

The city cannot compel private development without changing zoning, but we are not powerless. We can use zoning tools, design standards, incentives, and direct engagement to encourage redevelopment that better serves neighborhoods. Large vacant or underutilized parcels create opportunity costs. Strategic collaboration and clear expectations can move those properties toward productive community use.

7. Boards and Commissions have been “paused” due to staffing concerns. How do you feel about that? Do you think public input, especially from Boards and Commissions is important, and if so, how will you get them reinstated? 

Public input is foundational to good government. Boards and Commissions exist because complex decisions benefit from community expertise and perspective. While staffing challenges may have contributed to the pause, it cannot become the norm.

I support reactivating the Neighborhood Advisory Committee as quickly and responsibly as possible. When residents have structured ways to raise concerns early, we prevent bigger conflicts later. If staffing is the barrier, we should streamline administrative support and clarify scope so boards can operate efficiently. Civic participation should be strengthened, not sidelined.

8. Last year, Asheville lost its longstanding Tree City USA status. How do you feel about that? What do you think the City should do about this? 

Losing Tree City USA status signals that we have work to do. I would support restoring eligibility by recommitting to canopy goals, funding necessary compliance measures, and integrating tree protection into capital planning. Tree canopy is not decorative, it's a part of climate and stormwater infrastructure.

9. Several years ago, Asheville residents fought hard to save 13 beautifully crafted homes on Charlotte Street that served as affordable housing for 70+ people, most of whom worked in the tourism and service industry, and other needed areas in the city. There is an axiom in sustainability that says: “The greenest building is the one already built.” How do you feel about preserving existing homes for affordable housing? 

I strongly believe that preservation is often more sustainable and more affordable than demolition and rebuild. The greenest building is often the one already standing. We should prioritize preserving naturally occurring affordable housing, discourage speculative teardown, and create incentives for rehabilitation. Stability for residents and sustainability for the city go hand in hand.

10. Asheville prides itself on its architecture. Do you think the current movement of 5 Over 1 buildings that are going up all over town and in the county hurts our reputation? 

The issue is not the construction type itself. It is how and where projects are built. Poorly designed or poorly sited buildings can undermine neighborhood character. Thoughtful infill in appropriate locations can increase housing supply without expanding into green space. The standard should be design quality, placement, and integration into the streetscape. Growth should feel intentional, not generic.

Questions from Friends of the Woods (of the Save the Woods campaign)
Last year, UNC Asheville announced a plan to deforest nearly 45 acres of woodland on a section of its campus that sits within the Five Points neighborhood to build a 5,000-seat semi-pro soccer stadium, 300–450 market-rate housing units, 1,400+ parking spaces, and roughly 30,000–50,000 square feet of retail. Friends of the Woods is a grassroots organization of concerned citizens from across Asheville and beyond, formed to oppose this development and fight to protect the woods — among the largest still standing in the city — for future generations. 

1. The movement to save the UNCA woods has broad community support and over 16,500 signatures. What is your position on these citizens’ campaign to save the woods? 

I resolutely support saving these woods and preventing the development of a soccer stadium. I live in the 5 points neighborhood and love those woods, it was one of the inspirations for moving to this neighborhood. Asheville touts itself as a nature-loving city, but there is surprisingly little nature available without having to drive a car. Our leaders need to walk the walk when it comes to ecological sustainability. UNCA’s decision to build a soccer stadium is primarily motivated by profit, at the expense of our people and critters. The noise and light pollution, traffic, and not to mention the eradication of habitats and trees (earth’s lungs) all to enrich the university’s chancellor and board members. I absolutely support saving the UNCA woods. I support making it into a conservation or other such methods to preserve its natural beauty which can benefit so many living beings.

 2. The university has kept its neighbors and local governments at arms-length in its quest to develop the UNCA urban woods , unwilling to work with the community to develop alternative plans. Would you work to persuade the university that local input must be respected? How? 

It’s really disheartening to hear that UNCA formed an advisory committee with literally no input from the community. It shows that UNCA is not serious about listening to the community. I was at the Wrap the Woods event in September and was overjoyed at Asheville’s response, people from all over attended to show their support for saving the woods. Saving the Woods is a deeply popular movement among Ashevillians. I have been so inspired by the community, this movement led to a pause in development, while not the end of the job, marks a material improvement. As a City Councilor, transparency and community engagement would be high priority. Leaders making decisions without the input of the people affected is undemocratic and must be rejected. I call on UNCA and city leaders to engage with the public, and make decisions that benefit community members, not just board members. I also think follow-up is important as well because often, decisions have unintended consequences, and it's important to have dialogue and communication with communities to see how policies affect our neighbors. Our leaders can make impacts based on their decisions, but as we’ve seen with the Save the Woods campaign, it was the mass movement of people, united by their desire to preserve nature, that is saving these woods, therefore my role on city council would be to support, uplift, and grow this grassroots movement, because unless our leaders have the political will to adopt new policies, it will be the people that make big changes. 

3. Asheville has less public park space than peer cities, so the destruction of 45 acres of green space would hit residents particularly hard. What would you do to increase access to the outdoors and green space? 

This has been one of my biggest disappointments since moving to Asheville 3 years ago. I moved here from Charlotte after living there for 3 years, and in some respects, Charlotte had better access to nature through nature preserves and the like. Improved public spaces is very important to me and I believe it benefits everyone. It improves our physical and mental health, builds stronger bonds within our communities, improves our ecology by providing habitats for a variety of animals, and improves our disaster resilience. I think perhaps the primary issue is that for decades, decisions have been made by our leaders to make profits over benefitting the vast majority of our citizens and wildlife. I support the city having more publicly-owned places, such as community land trusts, which can be used to create permanently affordable housing, community gardens, public parks, and resilience hubs. I support policies that connect our greenways and improve sidewalks, which increases mobility and reduces our reliance on cars. I support the funding of improved public transportation to improve the ability to reach public/green spaces and to reduce CO2 emissions from cars. I see it as a win-win as improved access to nature and parks will keep people from leaving Asheville, and will boost tourism, both which increase the funding of our city. I believe that the revenue Asheville generates from taxes and tourism should be used to benefit all of Asheville’s citizens/cirtters, not just the wealthy and powerful; improved public spaces is an important piece of the puzzle for this. 

4. The university argues that it needs to build in order to adapt and grow, while neighbors argue that this is possible without destroying priceless natural resources and amenities. How would you work to navigate the goals and desires of multiple stakeholders in situations like these? 

This question taps into a complicated, nationwide issue, the commercialization of public universities. For years, public universities were federally funded and provided higher education to people with lower incomes by providing them with lower tuition. With the defunding of our education systems, and running our universities like businesses, the cost of tuition has skyrocketed to balance the budgets of our universities. More recently, we’ve seen public universities invest heavily in stadiums of all sorts, to generate more income for their universities, as well as significantly increased tuition and fees. We’ve seen more investment in administrative positions opposed to education positions. Additionally, many degrees obtained from universities are not resulting in higher pay for the increasingly financially burdened graduates. I think the university should adapt and grow in their academics, vocational training, and also in their support of their faculty and staff, who make the university run. I believe that the people who work in these institutions know how to grow and evolve the university and these voices should be lifted. I would work with university faculty, staff, student coalitions, locals, and alumni to generate creative ideas for making the university more diverse in what is offered and to make it more appealing to students as well as locals. The goal is to create a win-win situation where the university attracts more students, and faculty, staff, and locals are proud of the development of this university. 

5. The university’s soccer stadium proposal for the woods is budgeted at $58 million, with $29 million coming from unspecified public funds. Do you support public funds being used on projects the public opposes? As a steward of public funds, how would you balance the needs of the community with the goals of public institutions and private entities? 

How public funds are used is the most important part of being on city council. I think for too long, public funds have been used to serve the superrich and powerful, while the average worker is left in the dark. Based on the response from the public, building a stadium is not in the interest of the vast majority of folks, therefore, as a city representative, I strongly disagree with using public funds for unpopular projects, this is the opposite of democracy. The goals of the public institutions should be aligned with the community otherwise there is a disconnect. I believe our communities should come first and our public entities should represent the needs of our communities appropriately. Regarding private entities, the profit motive is often paramount, regardless of its effects on the general population, therefore I think there should be regulations to ensure the interests of the people are protected. 

6. The UNCA woods are a vital part of our urban green infrastructure. The 20,000 trees that make up the forest sequester 75.5 tons of carbon and divert 2.2 million gallons of stormwater every year. Their shade measurably lowers temperatures in the city. With up to 40% of our tree canopy damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, how would you protect our existing tree canopy and grow our urban green infrastructure? 

I agree with this question that it’s not enough just to preserve what little natural areas we have, but that we should significantly be growing other areas as well to benefit our future generations. I think it’s very apt to point out that undeveloped wetlands and natural areas can have tremendous effects in saving lives and mitigating damage during natural disasters. I think conservation easements and community land trusts are excellent ways to permanently and legally protect these areas from the profit incentive and to generate public good for all. Additionally, I would love to see more grassroots movements such as Save the Woods, to protect and grow our tree coverage and wetland coverage to slow/reverse climate change. Additionally, I will use my voice as a representative to increase momentum for these movements for all levels of government including local, state, and federal. 

7. The university's stated goals in this proposed development are to gain revenue, increase enrollment, and raise its profile. How would you propose to help the university accomplish its goals while preserving our urban forests and stewarding a positive relationship with the citizens of Asheville? 

I’m astounded that the university's leadership is still planning to move forward with the stadium after the blowback from the students, faculty, alumni, and community. Moving forward with this project could permanently harm the university’s reputation for years to come. Instead, I would engage the students, faculty, and community to create progressive solutions. UNCA could be a leader in renewable energy and ecological sustainability. This would raise the profile, highlight its commitment to the environment and the greater good, generate income, and provide much needed quality, high-paying jobs for graduates. I see this as a win-win for the university and all those it affects. 

8. There’s money in the bank specifically aimed at buying land to preserve it. Are you willing to get the city on board with putting that cash towards a community urban forest conservancy? 

I’m 100% on board with a forest conservancy or community land trust that permanently protects these woods, and I believe we should not only be protecting what nature we have but growing and improving other areas as well. Improved public spaces and natural areas benefit everyone, improve quality of life, and help our communities form stronger bonds amongst ourselves and with nature. I have a sense of optimism for our people and society, but it requires us to work together, and together we will win. 

Questions from the Five Points Neighborhood Association
5 Points Neighborhood Association is an organization whose goal is to protect the beauty, safety and stability of our neighborhood. We strive for friendly streets where pedestrians, pets, and bicyclists can safely coexist with vehicles. Five Points Neighborhood Association wants to make Asheville a better place to live by starting at home, in our own urban traditional neighborhood, so close to downtown that we can hear a concert in the street. 

1. Many residents are concerned about the pace and nature of commercial development in Asheville. What steps can Council take to protect the integrity of its in-city neighborhoods in the face of commercial development pressures? 

There needs to be a refocus on priorities. For too long, the needs of the many have been sidelined for the desires of the few to become more enriched and powerful. Businesses and enterprises should be benefitting the people as a whole, so I’m in support of increased regulations and progressive taxation, that money should go back into public resources. High priorities for me include increased council transparency and community engagement to reinforce the desires of our communities. Nobody knows what neighborhoods need more than the people who live in them so I’m an advocate for dialogue and involving neighbors in the decision-making process. 

2. What is your position on the City’s pattern of converting residential housing to business/commercial use? 

Asheville already has a housing crisis, made worse by the shrinking availability of housing options. Houses are for living in, not speculation. Housing is a basic human right, and everyone deserves to live with dignity. The city should be focused on meeting the needs of it’s citizens which includes, housing, healthcare, quality employment, and a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connection. Removing potential housing options makes it harder to achieve the basic shelter needs of our citizens. There are other options for businesses that don’t require the use of residential units. 

3. What steps can Council take to encourage pedestrian traffic and make it safer? 

Policies supporting robust public transportation including more frequent bus routes, light rail, rail cars etc, protected bike lanes, reducing speed limits, enhanced crosswalk visibility and frequency. 

4. Broadway Street’s current four-lane design prioritizes vehicle speed over safety and neighborhood connectivity, leaving pedestrians and bicyclists exposed and underserved. How can Broadway (North from Lexington to Riverside) be redesigned to slow traffic, add safe crossings, and better protect pedestrians and bicyclists? 

Protected bike lanes would be my first priority, I drive this road every day, and traffic is light enough to not require 4 lanes, it could be two lanes with protected bike lanes and it wouldn’t slow traffic significantly. Two roundabouts instead of one stoplight would be beneficial, improving traffic flow and reducing overall speed of drivers. Additionally, we could lower the speed limit but the other suggestions implemented first would naturally lower the speed limit. I am always scared to pull out onto Broadway from Hillside because the cars always come quickly and my vision is blocked. I also think improved visibility and frequency of crosswalks with flashing lights could be beneficial. 

5. Do you believe that the current noise ordinance adequately protects residential neighborhoods? If not, what changes would you propose? 

I don’t feel well informed about my neighbors' perspectives. I don’t notice too much noise in our neighborhood, but I’m open to considering neighbors’ point of view. I would certainly be concerned with future development (e.g. soccer stadium) and would really not appreciate all the noise that would bring. If a noise ordinance prevents further commercial development such as a bar/concert/stadium venue in this area, I support it. 

6. How can Council encourage Ingles to be a better corporate citizen, particularly with regard to its unused and underused holdings (Charlotte St, Innsbruck Mall, Merrimon @ Osborne)? 

Oof just the thought of Ingles makes me shake my head. I support increased regulations/taxes/fees because holding these lots to prevent development is highly undemocratic and goes against America’s principles of the so-called “free market.” Asheville deserves more competitive prices for food, a basic human necessity. I’m inspired by Zohran Mamdani’s policy of creating city-owned grocery stores to drive food costs down, additionally the revenue from these places would generate income for the city as opposed to the Ingles family. 

7. Boards and Commissions have been “paused” due to staffing concerns. How do you feel about that? Do you think public input, especially from Boards and Commissions is important, and if so, how will you get them reinstated? 

I strongly believe for the government to effectively run for the people, by the people, input from the public is vital. This is the only way leaders can know what policies are important to the people and how they are being implemented. 

8. Last year, Asheville lost its longstanding Tree City USA status. How do you feel about that? What do you think the City should do about this? 

That’s a tragedy for Asheville and I think is a trend that is hurting Asheville locals and tourism, on which our economy is so dependent. Tree canopies are so important for reducing heat-related deaths, which disproportionately affect children, elderly, and vulnerable populations. Not to mention adverse effects on erosion and natural habitats. I think Asheville should aggressively be replanting new trees, and protecting the ones we have. According to Asheville Watchdog, developer fees have accrued which are for planting trees, so it seems we just need to mobilize and organize people into plantain trees. 

9. Several years ago, Asheville residents fought hard to save 13 beautifully crafted homes on Charlotte Street that served as affordable housing for 70+ people, most of whom worked in the tourism and service industry, and other needed areas in the city. There is an axiom in sustainability that says: “The greenest building is the one already built.” How do you feel about preserving existing homes for affordable housing? 

I 100% agree with this sentiment. It can save a lot of money, time, and resources to use already existing housing. People desperately need housing and each day we delay people suffer. 

10. Asheville prides itself on its architecture. Do you think the current movement of 5 Over 1 buildings that are going up all over town and in the county hurts our reputation? 

The problem with 5 over 1 buildings is they are often used to generate high profits, and are often sold as luxury units. Asheville does have a housing supply issue and high density buildings can house a lot of people with smaller use of land. While architecturally “boring” we do need to house more people. I do think overall they may hurt our reputation but not as much as the higher cost of living/housing compared to peer cities and lack of housing options.

Questions from Friends of the Woods (of the Save the Woods campaign)

Last year, UNC Asheville announced a plan to deforest nearly 45 acres of woodland on a section of its campus that sits within the Five Points neighborhood to build a 5,000-seat semi-pro soccer stadium, 300–450 market-rate housing units, 1,400+ parking spaces, and roughly 30,000–50,000 square feet of retail. Friends of the Woods is a grassroots organization of concerned citizens from across Asheville and beyond, formed to oppose this development and fight to protect the woods — among the largest still standing in the city — for future generations. 

1. The movement to save the UNCA woods has broad community support and over 16,500 signatures. What is your position on these citizens’ campaign to save the woods?

I believe that citizens should be involved in making their voices heard on the issues that are of most importance to them. Our free speech rights are core to our democracy and only when citizens get involved can we get the results that we want. City Council is the only team that represents the citizens in our city and should be involved and accessible to make sure that the issues that are important to the residents get the proper focus. 

2. The university has kept its neighbors and local governments at arms-length in its quest to develop the UNCA urban woods , unwilling to work with the community to develop alternative plans. Would you work to persuade the university that local input must be respected? How?

I think it’s very important that any activism consider very carefully the tactics that it believes will be the most successful in having meaningful input in a project. One has to carefully assess the real pressure points and areas of legal strength, etc before engaging in activism. The University has certain rights as a landowner so it’s important that we consider the strategy that will have the most impact. First and foremost, some form of relationship needs to be established where the university also feels like they are being respected, otherwise forcing local input will be counterproductive. I am in favor of persuading the university of getting input but the overall tactic and end-game needs to be considered carefully in order to get the outcome you want.

3. Asheville has less public park space than peer cities, so the destruction of 45 acres of green space would hit residents particularly hard. What would you do to increase access to the outdoors and green space?

First of all, we are blessed in Asheville with millions of acres of National Forests and State Parks so that is a blessing that we must ensure gets protected. If there is green space we want to preserve, then it is our duty to get the City involved if it is not something that SAHC or other groups can protect. For example, although it is small, I think the City should purchase 11 Collier Avenue, a small forest with 100 trees. That can easily be funded by selling the pit of despair. I also think our focus regarding downtown should be to make Pack Square park more functional and more green and making it more walkable. It should become more of a “Central Park” type place rather than having so much hardscape. That’s a long-term issue that should be considered. 

4. The university argues that it needs to build in order to adapt and grow, while neighbors argue that this is possible without destroying priceless natural resources and amenities. How would you work to navigate the goals and desires of multiple stakeholders in situations like these? 

I am in favor of more development where we have infrastructure like in downtown, along transit corridors and places that are having issues and need revitalization like Tunnel Road. The City has not done a good job of encouraging development in our vast concrete parking lots where development will have a much lesser impact on our natural environment. When it comes to multiple stakeholders, my experience is that one has to evaluate the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders and try to reach reasonable outcomes based on the reality of the situation by working together in a relationship-based manner. 

5. The university’s soccer stadium proposal for the woods is budgeted at $58 million, with $29 million coming from unspecified public funds. Do you support public funds being used on projects the public opposes? As a steward of public funds, how would you balance the needs of the community with the goals of public institutions and private entities?  

Universities in North Carolina and the education they provide to our citizens are a critical part of our state. So I am in favor of funding our school at all levels of education. The general statement that “the public opposes” is a bit loaded because it assumes that “the public” is a single group and not certain special interests. When is come to the woods near the University, it appears that the neighbors are opposed to that project but I think it is not accurate to say “the public” because the University is an institution that serves the entire state of North Carolina. The second sentence is more accurate when we describe “the local community” and their views on the project. I think since the local community is most impacted that their voice should be taken into account. Regarding City Council, we don’t have a voice in how the school is funded but as representative of the citizens of Asheville, it is important that we be actively involved in anything that affects our community. The buck stops with City Council in Asheville.

6. The UNCA woods are a vital part of our urban green infrastructure. The 20,000 trees that make up the forest sequester 75.5 tons of carbon and divert 2.2 million gallons of stormwater every year. Their shade measurably lowers temperatures in the city. With up to 40% of our tree canopy damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, how would you protect our existing tree canopy and grow our urban green infrastructure?

I think the City should be more actively involved in protecting the urban canopy that we have in the City.

7. The university's stated goals in this proposed development are to gain revenue, increase enrollment, and raise its profile. How would you propose to help the university accomplish its goals while preserving our urban forests and stewarding a positive relationship with the citizens of Asheville?

The current UNCA campus, although nice, seems disconnected from the City of Asheville and also seems to have a lot of wasted land. One would think they would be able to look at ways to meet their goals on the current land they have already developed. It would also be great if they could commit to doing something downtown so that the University would be more connected to our City.

8. There’s money in the bank specifically aimed at buying land to preserve it. Are you willing to get the city on board with putting that cash towards a community urban forest conservancy? 

I am already on board with that. 18 months ago, I already spoke to City Council about selling the pit of despair and using part of the funds to purchase 11 Collier Avenue. I have also spoken to them about being more pragmatic about the development of the Armory. The City should be more strategic about its property portfolio.

Questions from the Five Points Neighborhood Association

5 Points Neighborhood Association is an organization whose goal is to protect the beauty, safety and stability of our neighborhood. We strive for friendly streets where pedestrians, pets, and bicyclists can safely coexist with vehicles. Five Points Neighborhood Association wants to make Asheville a better place to live by starting at home, in our own urban traditional neighborhood, so close to downtown that we can hear a concert in the street.

1. Many residents are concerned about the pace and nature of commercial development in Asheville. What steps can Council take to protect the integrity of its in-city neighborhoods in the face of commercial development pressures?

It’s unclear what particular commercial development the residents are concerned about. I believe we need to have housing built downtown and along transit corridors.

2. What is your position on the City’s pattern of converting residential housing to business/commercial use?

It’s not clear to me which residential housing that the City converted to commercial use? Nevertheless, the City has done a poor job with its zoning and commercial building permit requirements in making it difficult to build commercial space downtown and other commercial areas like Haywood road or McDowell Avenue. Hence, it seems to be putting pressure to convert existing buildings, perhaps. Although most of our zoning is residential so I’m not sure where this is a big problem and 80% of our residential zoning is single-family.

3. What steps can Council take to encourage pedestrian traffic and make it safer?

The City has to do a better job of prioritizing walkability and pedestrian traffic. However, the City has made it incredibly difficult to build housing in walkable areas like downtown, transit corridors and walkable places like Haywood Road. Certain roads like Biltmore and South Charlotte need to be redesigned for safety. 

4. Broadway Street’s current four-lane design prioritizes vehicle speed over safety and neighborhood connectivity, leaving pedestrians and bicyclists exposed and underserved. How can Broadway (North from Lexington to Riverside) be redesigned to slow traffic, add safe crossings, and better protect pedestrians and bicyclists?

I think more funds can be invested in the greenways to make it more connected to all areas of the City. To be honest, I haven’t seen many bicyclists and pedestrians on Broadway since most people use the greenway, which is a wonderful asset to the City.

5. Do you believe that the current noise ordinance adequately protects residential neighborhoods? If not, what changes would you propose? 

Yes, I believe the current noise ordinance protects residents. I’m assuming this question has to do with the theatre in the park? I think plays are probably a better use for that space.

6. How can Council encourage Ingles to be a better corporate citizen, particularly with regard to its unused and underused holdings (Charlotte St, Innsbruck Mall, Merrimon @ Osborne)?

Ingles is currently in a lawsuit against the City because the City rezoned some of their properties so that they are unable to develop new grocery stores there. So, while I understand that Ingles seems to also let properties stay undeveloped, the City also has a large part of the blame for trying to rezone things on paper without property owner discussion. Until the lawsuit is resolved, those properties won’t get developed. 

7. Boards and Commissions have been “paused” due to staffing concerns. How do you feel about that? Do you think public input, especially from Boards and Commissions is important, and if so, how will you get them reinstated?

Board and Commissions are an important part of our City’s approval and communication process. But I also think we have too much staff for the size of our budget. We need to be pragmatic about how we spend our money. We’ve increased our staffing costs by $45 million annually in the past 5 years. That type of growth is unsustainable. Also, imagine what the City could do with $45 million a year if spent on our actual infrastructure.

8. Last year, Asheville lost its longstanding Tree City USA status. How do you feel about that?  What do you think the City should do about this?

The City should be much more proactive about getting development approved and built where we have infrastructure in place that doesn’t require our trees destroyed. Unfortunately, the City has done the opposite.

9. Several years ago, Asheville residents fought hard to save 13 beautifully crafted homes on Charlotte Street that served as affordable housing for 70+ people, most of whom worked in the tourism and service industry, and other needed areas in the city. There is an axiom in sustainability that says: “The greenest building is the one already built.” How do you feel about preserving existing homes for affordable housing? 

I have spent my 12 years here in Asheville purchasing old buildings and rehabilitating them to be used for our community, whether for art studios like the Refinery or cafes like Wheelhouse. Even my project on Hilliard saves the old 1897 building which I lease to 16 health professionals. So personally, my actions are in alignment with this statement. On the other hand, we live in a country with unquestionable property rights. It’s unfortunate that those homes on Charlotte were destroyed. My understanding is that the proposed multifamily project would house a far greater number of people. The new project would also have generated a significant amount of tax revenue that could pay for more affordable housing and protect other old homes that may be at risk. I think a cooperative approach with the owner to see if they could do a dense project while protecting the homes could have been worked out. However, I was not involved in the project nor the activism against it so it’s difficult for me to opine on exactly what happened there.

10. Asheville prides itself on its architecture. Do you think the current movement of 5 Over 1 buildings that are going up all over town and in the county hurts our reputation? 

We actually don’t have that many 5 over 1 projects within the City of Asheville. Having said that, our building code is quite strict and building apartments is very expensive. And when a City creates an environment of saying “no” you are generally going to get the least creative, least risky project as opposed to the best developments. I think the City should have a more cooperative approach and that would bring in more creative projects.

Questions from Friends of the Woods (of the Save the Woods campaign)

[Asheville, NC, 2/28/2026] 

Last year, UNC Asheville announced a plan to deforest nearly 45 acres of woodland on a section of its campus that sits within the Five Points neighborhood to build a 5,000-seat semi-pro soccer stadium, 300–450 market-rate housing units, 1,400+ parking spaces, and roughly 30,000–50,000 square feet of retail. Friends of the Woods is a grassroots organization of concerned citizens from across Asheville and beyond, formed to oppose this development and fight to protect the woods — among the largest still standing in the city — for future generations. 

1. The movement to save the UNCA woods has broad community support and over 16,500 signatures. What is your position on these citizens’ campaign to save the woods?

I stand with Save the Woods and strongly believe that UNCA should pursue Millennial Campus developments on other plots of land and invest in the woods.  The woods are an educational, environmental, and community asset.  With the sustained community opposition it’s abundantly clear that the current soccer stadium proposal doesn’t serve the university’s, neighborhood’s, or environment’s best interests.

2. The university has kept its neighbors and local governments at arms-length in its quest to develop the UNCA urban woods, unwilling to work with the community to develop alternative plans. Would you work to persuade the university that local input must be respected? How?

I’ve been leading by example on this front.  The Community Visioning Workshop which I helped organize and run last August was an example of the type of community engagement that UNCA should be running.  As a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Urban Land Institute, I know that many local and national professionals would gladly donate their time and expertise to help the university in this process if they would only open the invitation. 

While UNC Asheville is part of the UNC system and not directly governed by the City, it operates within our community and depends on our infrastructure. I would push for a formal city–university working group, facilitated public design charrettes, and a memorandum of understanding that sets expectations for transparency, environmental review, and neighborhood compatibility. My campaign is motivated in part by my experience working with community members.  I hope to empower local neighborhoods and communities in this and other 

3. Asheville has less public park space than peer cities, so the destruction of 45 acres of green space would hit residents particularly hard. What would you do to increase access to the outdoors and green space?

Asheville lags peer cities in park acreage per resident. At council, I will prioritize acquiring small infill parcels for pocket parks, expanding greenway connectivity, and using bond funds and conservation dollars to permanently protect key urban forests and regrow our canopy. The current debacle of the Tree Fee In Lieu fund where half of a million dollars are sitting in a fund without an ordinance that allows the city or our urban forester to spend those funds is symptomatic of leadership that is often more interested in signaling virtue than executing on outcomes. Parks and green spaces are 

4. The university argues that it needs to build in order to adapt and grow, while neighbors argue that this is possible without destroying priceless natural resources and amenities. How would you work to navigate the goals and desires of multiple stakeholders in situations like these? 

It starts with listening and level setting.  The University’s pressures are real and symptomatic of national trends. So are the pressures that everyday neighbors feel from elected and appointed officials who act as if they are unaccountable to the citizenry. Too often we see fully formed proposals presented as done deals without community input. I advocate for collaborative planning processes where financial feasibility, environmental impact, and community benefit are evaluated together. A key aspect of my platform is for Community Benefit Agreements to be a mandatory part of any development applying for a variance or special dispensation from council.  These will make sure that locals are brought in early in the process and developers can be held to account for promises made in the engagement process.  The further benefit is that these agreements can be used as baselines for communities when they face outside pressures.  

5. The university’s soccer stadium proposal for the woods is budgeted at $58 million, with $29 million coming from unspecified public funds. Do you support public funds being used on projects the public opposes? As a steward of public funds, how would you balance the needs of the community with the goals of public institutions and private entities?  

Public dollars require public trust. I cannot support allocating public funds toward the current soccer stadium proposal, especially since this proposal has not provided any economic or environmental impact studies. As a steward of public funds, I would insist on clear public benefit metrics, full transparency about funding sources, and demonstrated community support before committing taxpayer dollars.

6. The UNCA woods are a vital part of our urban green infrastructure. The 20,000 trees that make up the forest sequester 75.5 tons of carbon and divert 2.2 million gallons of stormwater every year. Their shade measurably lowers temperatures in the city. With up to 40% of our tree canopy damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, how would you protect our existing tree canopy and grow our urban green infrastructure?

With up to 40% of canopy damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, preservation must come first. I would strengthen our tree protection ordinance, require replacement ratios that reflect canopy loss, fund post-storm replanting at scale, and prioritize native species. Urban forests reduce heat, manage stormwater, and sequester carbon but right now the City of Asheville has funds sitting in the Fee In Lieu fund, but no plan and no ordinances to allow allocation of those funds. Regrowing our urban canopy is climate policy and fiscal policy at the same time.

7. The university's stated goals in this proposed development are to gain revenue, increase enrollment, and raise its profile. How would you propose to help the university accomplish its goals while preserving our urban forests and stewarding a positive relationship with the citizens of Asheville?

Revenue and enrollment growth do not require deforestation. The university could pursue strategic infill on already disturbed land, partner on mixed-use redevelopment, expand academic programming tied to Asheville’s strengths, and leverage its identity as a sustainability leader. I’ve detailed options for that kind of development in the Community Visioning Workshop Initial Report available at https://www.thislandstudio.com/uncawoods  This initial report is merely a suggestion and there are more ways that the university can partner with the city and the community to accomplish its goals in win win outcomes that connect the university to its city rather than separating it.

8. There’s money in the bank specifically aimed at buying land to preserve it. Are you willing to get the city on board with putting that cash towards a community urban forest conservancy? 

Yes. We should explore deploying all the resources at our diposal for a community urban forest conservancy that protects critical tracts while allowing thoughtful educational and recreational use. That is a forward-looking investment in resilience and quality of life.

Questions from the Five Points Neighborhood Association

5 Points Neighborhood Association is an organization whose goal is to protect the beauty, safety and stability of our neighborhood. We strive for friendly streets where pedestrians, pets, and bicyclists can safely coexist with vehicles. Five Points Neighborhood Association wants to make Asheville a better place to live by starting at home, in our own urban traditional neighborhood, so close to downtown that we can hear a concert in the street.

1. Many residents are concerned about the pace and nature of commercial development in Asheville. What steps can Council take to protect the integrity of its in-city neighborhoods in the face of commercial development pressures?

Our current Unified Development Ordinance was adopted in 1997 and since its inception has been modified nearly 300 times. It is not serving the people of this century’s Asheville.  Just look at your rent check, or tax bill.  We need reforms that make a clear distinction between our neighborhoods and our commercial corridors.  Both need to grow to meet the demand.  For our neighborhoods, we need to adopt missing middle housing which allows for the kind of historic developments and mixed housing of neighborhoods such as Five Points. Along our commercial corridors, we need to scrap the current suburban-leaning zoning districts we currently have and provide flexibility for design professionals.   Our council and development department need to enforce design compatibility standards, require meaningful community engagement and community benefits agreements, and strengthen the impact fees that mean developers pay for the infrastructure improvements needed for their development's success. 

2. What is your position on the City’s pattern of converting residential housing to business/commercial use?

Buildings and the needs of the community change over time. There are cases where conversion can be the right answer and help preserve the character of our city and there are cases where commercializing existing housing only worsens our housing crunch.   

3. What steps can Council take to encourage pedestrian traffic and make it safer?

Invest in sidewalks, traffic calming, protected bike lanes, raised crosswalks, and better lighting. We must design for people first and complete streets, not just vehicles. 

4. Broadway Street’s current four-lane design prioritizes vehicle speed over safety and neighborhood connectivity, leaving pedestrians and bicyclists exposed and underserved. How can Broadway (North from Lexington to Riverside) be redesigned to slow traffic, add safe crossings, and better protect pedestrians and bicyclists?

Broadway should undergo a road diet. We have seen the positive safety outcomes that have come from that work on Merrimon.  We should also remember what a difficult task of communication and collaboration that was, especially with NCDOT being the lead. Center turn lanes, protected bike lanes, signage, markings, street trees, and frequent raised crossings are all tools in the tool box. Curb extensions, parallel parking, and other traffic calming would slow speeds and reconnect the neighborhood fabric across Broadway.

5. Do you believe that the current noise ordinance adequately protects residential neighborhoods? If not, what changes would you propose? 

It needs review. Residents deserve predictable quiet hours and enforceable decibel standards, especially near residential zones. Enforcement must be consistent and transparent.

6. How can Council encourage Ingles to be a better corporate citizen, particularly with regard to its unused and underused holdings (Charlotte St, Innsbruck Mall, Merrimon @ Osborne)?

I am working on an act to allow communities to take a proactive role in addressing derelict properties.  It is called the Community Ownership & Rehabilitation Enablement Act. See attached draft language and my recent Op Ed for more information. This is a long term fix.  In the short term, mobilizing our community is the best way.  On March 11th  I hope you all can attend the inaugural meeting or sign up for the mailing list to participate in the Woolsey Development Improvement Project. a community led project to develop the abandoned buildings at 500 merrimon

Wednesday, 3/11/26

5:30-7pm

@Thrive Coworking, 2nd floor

in the grove Arcade, 1 page ave.

 Link here to website

7. Boards and Commissions have been “paused” due to staffing concerns. How do you feel about that? Do you think public input, especially from Boards and Commissions is important, and if so, how will you get them reinstated?

The work of Boards and Commissions needs to be tied to actual implementable policies.  Otherwise it is a big waste of time for city staff and more importantly the citizens who volunteer their time and expertise for all of us. Asheville has a whole library of studies and proposals. What it needs is collaborative leadership to implement the best of what our community puts forth. 

8. Last year, Asheville lost its longstanding Tree City USA status. How do you feel about that?  What do you think the City should do about this?

That loss is a shame. Reinstating Tree City USA status should be an early goal, paired with finishing writing the fee in lieu tree ordinance, finishing the urban forestry master plan, empowering communities to regrow our canopy and stronger protections for our existing trees.

9. Several years ago, Asheville residents fought hard to save 13 beautifully crafted homes on Charlotte Street that served as affordable housing for 70+ people, most of whom worked in the tourism and service industry, and other needed areas in the city. There is an axiom in sustainability that says: “The greenest building is the one already built.” How do you feel about preserving existing homes for affordable housing? 

I strongly agree with the principle that the greenest building is the one already built. Adaptive reuse and preservation of existing affordable housing stock should be prioritized through incentives, acquisition funds, and community conservatorship.

10. Asheville prides itself on its architecture. Do you think the current movement of 5 Over 1 buildings that are going up all over town and in the county hurts our reputation? 

Let’s not kid ourselves, Asheville’s wonderful and comparatively intact architecture is a by-product of the boom and bust cycles that we’ve historically gone through as a city.  The booms create wonderful buildings and the busts mean no one has the money to tear them down.  Five over ones are a by-product of the current building codes, building technology, and labor costs. As a professional architect that has designed everything from warehouses to luxury hotels, I am firmly aware of how economics and entitlements shape our built environment. 

Asheville City Council doesn’t have much control over macroeconomics and the price of lumber, but we do have control over our zoning.  The big behemoths like the recently completed Wyre building are the outcome of restrictive and inflexible zoning that favors large lot development.  We need to reform our UDO so that there is flexibility for developers, architects and engineers to meet the demand for housing in ways that fit within our existing urban fabric.  That means adopting the Missing Middle Housing Plan, simplifying our zoning districts and overlays, and moving to floor to area ratio restrictions in commercial zoning districts rather than current envelope restrictions that favor suburban sprawl even in our historic urban neighborhoods.  We also need to preserve the architectural heritage that we do have by allowing for community conservatorship of neglected properties and return underutilized city-owned properties like the fire station on Merrimon back to productive use through leases or public private partnerships.

Thank you for reading through my answers.  I look forward to working with you all