Problems

• Paved roads all around Asheville are crumbling.
• Asheville needs more and better sidewalks.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Sidewalk Improvement Plan so sidewalk funds are used where they do the most to protect pedestrian safety.
• Poorly designed “traffic calmers” are creating traffic hazards.
• Too many street signs are obscured by tree branches.
• Asheville’s streets were not properly cleared of snow during the past two winters resulting in traffic accidents and disruption to local businesses.

Solutions

• Asheville taxpayers subsidize the Civic Center $750,000 annually. Buncombe County Tourist Development Authority should contribute hotel room tax money to the Civic Center freeing up Asheville tax money for street improvements.
• Since properly installed sidewalks last for 70-90 years, sell 30 year bonds to pay for new sidewalk construction.
• Asheville is not a walkable city. The top priorities for new sidewalks should be main corridors such as Hendersonville Road, Old Leicester Highway, New Haw Creek Road, and Lakeshore Drive.
• Asheville’s Public Works Department schedules sidewalk repairs based on complaints.
• Remove dangerous traffic calmers. Trim back excessive plant growth.
• Trim tree branches and replace broken streetlights ASAP.
• Clear the snow off the streets before car traffic turns it into impassable blocks of ice. Utilize Public Works and Water Resources trucks and personnel for faster snow removal.