Happening Now
The City is in the process of finalizing land use agreements prior to constructing the first phase of AVL Unpaved’s natural surface trails. This first phase includes the French Broad River West and the Azalea Park trails. The City has received permission from Duke to construct the French Broad River West trails on Duke-owned property and Azalea park trails on City-owned property.
Bacoate Branch Trail Update
The AVL Unpaved Alliance would like to provide the following update regarding the Bacoate Branch Trails:
“The Bacoate Branch Trail has been removed from the AVL Unpaved project. We respect the concerns and opinions of impacted community members who are adjacent to the forested Bacoate Branch area; therefore, the Alliance will no longer advocate for Asheville City Schools to grant the City of Asheville an easement for trail construction.”
Background
AVL Unpaved is a community-supported initiative, led by Asheville on Bikes, Pisgah Area SORBA, and Connect Buncombe, dedicated to building a network of multi-use natural surface trails connecting Asheville-area residents and visitors connect with the natural environment and the city. Users will be able to access the trail system via greenway, sidewalks, bike lanes, and trailheads. These trails will connect to and expand the city’s existing multimodal transportation network.
AVL Unpaved is one of the many projects planned through the Close the GAP Plan which was adopted at the October 25, 2022 City Council meeting.
AVL Unpaved will provide residents and visitors with the following benefits:
Equity-focused
Equitable access: These trails increase access to nature for everyone. Trails will be developed in Asheville’s natural lands and parks, campuses, and urban areas, and spread equitably across the city.
Increased mobility: The trails will connect to the city’s existing transportation network, increasing mobility options and reducing car dependency. The trail system will connect neighborhoods and commerce (imagine using AVL Unpaved trails to walk or bike from your home to your favorite coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries).
Community-focused
In-town trails: Users can enjoy the trail experience within the city limits! Part of the Asheville Greenway vision is natural surface trails throughout the city.
Improved health and wellness: Trails can play a critical role in physical and mental health.
Increased sense of community: The AVL Unpaved Alliance is a collaborative effort led by community organizations. These natural surface trails will provide new opportunities for community service and programmed activities.
Sustainably-focused
Sustainably designed and built: Asheville Unpaved’s trails will be sustainably designed and built for minimal environmental impact and maximum use.
Fiscal-minded
More trail miles for fewer dollars: Natural surface trails can be constructed for a fraction of the cost of designing and constructing traditional greenways.They can be built prior to constructing paved greenways or utilize lands where greenways would be too costly to build.
Positive economic impact: Natural surface trails are proven to have a positive economic impact, including, spurred business growth and health savings cost. Two case studies in Southern communities have seen a positive economic impact from trails. Information on these studies can be found in the AVL Unpaved Guidebook.
Projects
In 2020, three pilot projects were identified as the first trails the Asheville Unpaved Alliance would fund and build. The first phase includes the French Broad River West and the Azalea Park trails. The Alliance was awarded $188,355 in funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to construct Phase 1 of unpaved trails.
More information regarding AVL Unpaved can be found here.
Timeline
Summer 2022 – AVL Unpaved Alliance established and Letter of Intent entered with the City of Asheville.
Summer 2022 through Spring 2023 – Community engagement meetings public engagement and preparation for alliance-led projects.
Spring & Summer 2024 – City finalizing land use agreements with land managers
Summer 2024 – AVL Unpaved / City of Asheville Use Agreement to City Council for approval
Summer and Fall 2024 – Anticipated Phase 1 trails construction
Fall 2024 – Anticipated Phase 1 trails completion date
Past Updates
February 29 & March 1, 2024 –City staff organized and led project area tours attended by City Council members, members of the Asheville City Schools Board, and project area residents.
October 30, 2023 – City staff organized a meeting with residents of Charles St. and the east side of Clingman Ave. whose properties abutted the proposed trail area to discuss safety and sanitation concerns. APD’s Community Resource Officer attended the meeting to provide additional information and support.
September – November 2023 –The AVL Unpaved Public Survey was open from September 11 – November 11, 2023 to receive community feedback on anticipated trail usage and desired trail attributes.
March – May 2023 – The City of Asheville hosted community meetings with residents and businesses whose properties are adjacent to project areas to share information and receive feedback.
March 24, 2023 – Potential trail hike with East End Valley Street and Oakhurst Representatives
January 2023 – Trail designed to flag trails in Phase 1 to make any design adjustments needed for the typography of the trails.
October 26, 2022 – The AVL Unpaved Alliance received $188,355 in funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to construct Phase 1 of unpaved trails. The trails in Phase 1 include: Bacoate Branch, French Broad River West, and Azalea Park/Highland Brewing.
October 12, 2022 – Neighborhood meetings with East End Valley Street, Oakhurst, and Kenilworth
August 11, 2022 – Neighborhood meetings with East End Valley Street, Oakhurst, and Kenilworth
August 2, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with Oakhurst
June 22, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with Oakhurst
June 2, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with WECAN
June 8, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with East End Valley Street
May 12, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with East End Valley Street
March 10, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with East End Valley Street
March 24, 2023 – Trail hike with East End Valley Street and Oakhurst Representatives
January 2023 – Trail designed to flag trails in Phase 1 to make any design adjustments needed for the typography of the trails.
October 26, 2022 – The AVL Unpaved Alliance received $188,355 in funding from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to construct Phase 1 of unpaved trails. The trails in Phase 1 include: Bacoate Branch, French Broad River West, and Azalea Park.
October 12, 2022 – Neighborhood meetings with East End Valley Street, Oakhurst, and Kenilworth
August 11, 2022 – Neighborhood meetings with East End Valley Street, Oakhurst, and Kenilworth
August 2, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with Oakhurst
June 22, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with Oakhurst
June 2, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with WECAN
June 8, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with East End Valley Street
May 12, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with East End Valley Street
March 10, 2022 – Neighborhood meeting with East End Valley Street
Jun 3, 2024 – The alliance presented at the Asheville City School Board meeting.
Jun 10, 2024 – The alliance presented at the Asheville City School Board meeting.
June 11, 2024 – Bacoate Branch Trail was removed from the AVL Unpaved project.
July 23, 2024 (anticipated date) – Asheville City Council considers the Memorandum of Agreement with the AVL Unpaved Alliance.
Supporting Documents
Map of French Broad River West
Contact Information
Lucy Crown, Transportation Planning Manager
