From Staff Reports

After about seven hours of debate, the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment decided to continue the Dec. 11 public hearing to Jan. 23 about a controversial development in West Asheville, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported late that evening.

“Many neighbors are concerned about impacts to traffic, water quality and flooding the proposed 800-unit project off Bear Creek Road could cause,” WLOS noted.

“Project representatives said the plan is sensitive to the community’s needs.”

On Dec. 12, the Asheville Citizen TImes reported that “Maybe the fourth time will be the charm.

“After a marathon seven-and-a-half-hour meeting on Dec. 11, mostly on the proposed 802-unit Crossroads at West Asheville apartment complex, the Board of Adjustment agreed to continue the quasi-judicial hearing on the proposal to January.

“The meeting convened at noon but the official hearing didn’t start until almost 1 p.m. By 7:30 p.m., the board had heard from a slew of experts and nearby residents offering sworn testimony, as well as detailed questioning by both sides’ lawyers. When it became clear the hearing — not to mention public comment and board deliberations — would continue for several more hours, Chairman Martin Moore suggested postponement.

“Even if we’re going at this pace, there’s a good chance we’re going to be here until 1 o’clock in the morning,” Moore was quoted by the ACT as stating.

The ACT added, “Board member George Lycan said the proposal, which also calls for 14,400 square feet of retail space, 50,400 square feet of office space and 64,000 square feet of self-storage, is the biggest project we’ve ever had in this county.

“‘It’s very complex — it’s upwards of half a billion dollars,’” Lycan said. “It’s just too important to rush this and run into heavy fatigue and work until we’re all worn out, and not do it properly for both sides of this issue.”

“So, the Board of Adjustment, which has the final say on the project, will hold a special session at 9 a.m. Jan. 23.