11.30.2023

Today’s Forecast

58º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:17 p.m.

Finding the missing middle

See the results of your Missing Middle Housing Study input

The study shared examples of MMH-ready areas all over the city. | Photo by @mnierwienski

Missing Middle Housing (MMH) has been in the local lexicon since the City of Asheville first put the Missing Middle Housing Study on its agenda back in 2022. Conducted by the Department of Planning and Urban Design and the Department of Community and Economic Development, the study is meant to identify housing barriers in the City’s regulations and policies and to make recommendations for improvement.

That’s put in pretty simple terms, but the process has involved six months of research, testing, and calls for public input. Remember the workshops or the renters’ survey back in the summer? Well, this is where they reach the first stage of fruition — with the release of the 155-page draft report.

The basics

Before we dive into what the study is suggesting, let’s review the definition (after all, we haven’t discussed it since August).

Daniel Parolek, founder of Opticos Design, a consultancy firm that’s working with the City, coined the term Missing Middle Housing in 2010. It describes building types that are in the middle of a spectrum between detached single-family homes + mid- and high-rise apartment buildings — like duplexes, townhouses, and courtyard buildings.

They’re typically three stories or less, with multiple units and in walkable neighborhoods. These types of houses do still exist, but they’re called “missing” because the housing models were abandoned and, in some cases, illegal for about 70 years due to zoning regulations.

AVLtoday_missing_middle_housing_example — Displacement risks, like cost + gentrification, were considered.
|
Photo via the City of Asheville

The findings + recommendations

The study found that there are several MMH-ready areas in Asheville — defined as the areas surrounding walkable centers with access to schools, recreation, shopping, services, transit, food, and employment — like downtown and the area around the Haywood Road and Brevard Road intersection.

But current regulations encourage single-family homes significantly more than MMH. Development standards like density maximum (the number of residential units allowed) and minimum lot width prevent many types of MMH, and the City’s parking space requirements prevent all types.

To address the barriers, there are 12 policy recommendations and 22 zoning recommendations. The policy recommendations include reinforcing walkable environments and ensuring that MMH development standards are easy + clear.

More recommendations + a chance for input

Asked

What type of Missing Middle Housing would you like to see in Asheville?

A. Duplexes
B. Multiplexes
C. Townhouses
D. Courtyard buildings

Let us know

Events

Thursday, Nov. 30

Empowerment Collective Conversation | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 6-8:30 p.m. | LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St., Ste. 120, Asheville | Free | The networking and speaking series will highlight the stories of women who have defied the odds — Jennifer Pickering, founder and executive director of LEAF Global Arts, and Tarah Singh, artist and designer, will speak.
Film Screening of “Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes” | Thursday, Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 120 College St., Asheville | Free | Join the epic musical journey of bebop pioneer, virtuoso percussionist and bandleader Max Roach.

Friday, Dec. 1

Student Art & Ceramics Sale | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 2 | Times vary | University of North Carolina at Asheville, 1 University Heights, Asheville | Browse the functional + decorative pottery, prints, and other artwork created by UNC Asheville students — a portion of the proceeds benefit the Department of Art & Art History.
Elf: The Musical | Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St., Asheville | $18-$36.50 | Embrace the spirit of Christmas during the show inspired by the now-classic holiday film.
An Extraordinary Tasting Adventure | Fri., Dec. 1 | 12-5 p.m. | VICARIO Distillery and Farm, 800 Old Jones Rd., Greer, SC | $15.00 | Enjoy a tour and tasting experience of the award winning VICARIO gin and 18 unique liqueurs.*

Saturday, Dec. 2

Winter’s Tide | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville | $0-$25 | The annual gaming expo will feature free gaming, tournaments, a cosplay contest, vendors, and lots of fun for all ages.
Nutcracker at the Library | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville | Free | Enjoy live ballet performances from the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, nutcracker readings, sweet treats, and a chance to meet the ballerinas.

Sunday, Dec. 3

Hearthcrafting for the Holidays | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 2-4 p.m. | Rabbit Hole, 9 State St., Asheville | $53 | Lori Jenkins, owner of Sister of Mother Earth, will lead attendees in an afternoon of blending herbal simmer pots, salts, honeys and vinegars.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Shop

🚲 ~~Black~~ Bike Friday: Score $1,200 off an e-bike for the cyclist on your list

Every Upway e-bike is eligible for a 14-day return and backed by a one-year warranty. | Photos by Upway

Have an active loved one on your shopping list? We’ve got you.

Upway delivers rigorously inspected, certified, and 99% pre-assembled e-bikes from top brands (think: Specialized, Aventon, and Super73) directly to your doorstep — so your favorite person can get rolling right after unwrapping.

E-bikes are typically more expensive than bicycles, but you can score yours for up to $1,200 off.

(Order before Wednesday, Dec. 20 and use code TREE for free express shipping.)

Shop Upway e-bikes

News Notes

Cause

As the nights stay chilly, local organizations are looking for Code Purple volunteers. Code Purple is an effort between these organizations and Asheville and Buncombe County shelters to offer emergency shelter when the temperature drops to or below freezing. Volunteers can offer transportation, help with intake and supervision, and more. (WLOS)

Arts

ArtsAVL has announced the nine recipients of the first-ever City of Asheville Event Support Grant. The grant is awarded to cultural and arts-related nonprofit events and will provide funds for some event-related fees from the City. Recipients include the YMI Cultural Center for the Goombay Festival + Arts2People for the Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival.

Edu

School’s in session. Yesterday, Wednesday, Nov. 29, the UNC Board of Governors named Kimberly van Noort the ninth Chancellor of UNC Asheville. Van Noort is a French literature scholar with extensive administrative experience and has served as interim chancellor of UNC Asheville since the beginning of this year.

Shop

Break out the shopping bags. The Big Crafty is coming to Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville this weekend, Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 — but in case you miss it (or just want more makers in your life), there will be more to come at The Little Crafty later this month.

Ranked

Regina’s has been selected for USA Today’s Top 20 Best New Restaurants in the Country. The spot was chosen by a panel of judges and industry experts, but where it falls on the Top 20 list will be up to you — you can cast your vote for your favorite new restaurant once a day from now until Monday, Dec. 25.

Drink

You’ve got another chance to sip the season with a local winter brew — this time brewing coffee and beer. Highland Brewing teamed up with Dynamite Roasting for Nutz & Voltz, a porter with coffee and toasted coconut. You can grab a glass at the release dance party on Friday, Dec. 8 or a coffee-beer-donut pairing event on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Regional

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has lifted its campfire ban, as a result of precipitation and cooler temperatures. Fire danger is still high, though, and campfires should be kept small and fully attended + extinguished. They must be only in designated areas.

Seasonal

Tickets for the NC Arboretum’s 10th annual Winter Lights showcase are now on sale. See the spectacular open-air walk-through light show — made from over one million lights — now through Sunday, Dec. 31. See the highlights from last year’s show.*

Featured Deal

Last call for this exclusive deal: Score 50% off everything online at Harlestons — the Golf Digest/Golfweek/Golf Channel-featured premium men’s apparel brand — with code BF50. (We especially love their performance polos.) Bonus: Free shipping on $125+ and easy returns, always.*

Environment

Buncombe County lifting open burning ban

Buncombe County to lift open burning ban

Extreme caution is still advised amidst drought conditions. | Photo via US Forest Service

Buncombe County just announced that the open burning ban that became effective Monday, Nov. 6 will be lifted today, Thursday, Nov. 30 at 8 a.m.

Buncombe County Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton says that “while drought conditions have not changed, the forecasted weather pattern will not be favorable for fire spread and development.” County officials stated weather conditions are improving, with the forecast predicting moisture, humidity levels at or above 50%, and calm winds.

Since WNC counties are continuing to experience moderate to severe drought conditions, Tipton advises residents to be extremely cautious if burning and stresses that fires should always be monitored until completely extinguished.

Outdoor fire safety is key — to keep the environment and yourself safe, the County encourages you to protect your home against the dangers of wildfire by mowing your lawn, removing any debris from the roof and gutters, and clearing the perimeter of your home from flammable materials. Find more information on outdoor fire safety from the NC Forest Service.

State of Emergency canceled last week

The Buy

The Buy 11.30.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

That thing for your bathroom you’ve always thought about but never actually gone for. Yeah, that one.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

If you’re a purveyor of late-night cuisine, you’ll be excited to hear about Cultura’s December Cease and Desist pop-up — simply titled Cook-N (interpret that in whatever non-trademarked way that you will). It’s been some time since I’ve done a two-in-the-morning run to that particular unnamed fast food joint, but I’m still eager to try the chefs’ take on hot dogs, burgers, and chili.

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