Asheville, NC, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Members of the Asheville community, alongside RiverLink, participated in a project aimed at removing invasive plant species from the French Broad River. The initiative focuses on removing Johnson grass and kudzu, while efforts are made to plant beneficial native species such as river cane. Concurrently, the Asheville City Council approved two affordable housing projects, addressing the ongoing housing crisis and highlighting community needs related to sustainability and climate justice.
Asheville Community Volunteers to Remove Invasive Species Along French Broad River as City Approves Affordable Housing Projects
On August 27, 2025, members of a local news team joined forces with the nonprofit RiverLink to remove invasive plant species from the banks of the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina. The group primarily focused on cutting away Johnson grass and kudzu, with supervision from RiverLink’s stewardship coordinator, Elijah Charett. This initiative is part of a broader effort to restore the river ecosystem by reintroducing native plant species.
A significant component of the project is the identification and planting of river cane, a beneficial native plant that plays a crucial role in stabilizing stream banks, filtering pollutants, and preventing debris from reaching the river. In support of this initiative, a $20,000 grant has been secured for the planting of native river cane within Asheville. The overarching goal of these efforts is to combat erosion along the riverbanks and promote ecological health.
At the same time, the Asheville City Council made strides towards addressing the affordable housing crisis in the city by approving two significant housing projects. On February 25, the council voted 7-0 to approve a 126-unit, 100% affordable housing project off Pine Lane, funded partly through a $2.1 million portion of the $3.87 million Housing Trust Fund low-interest loan administered by Minnesota-based Roers Co. This project aims to provide housing that is affordable for individuals earning 60% or less of the area median income (AMI)—approximately $39,240 for a single-person household and $44,880 for a two-person household.
The council also approved a 304-unit development on Sweeten Creek Road with a 5-2 vote. While this project aims to offer additional affordable family-sized units, it will displace 23 existing units. The new development will feature a mix of housing types, including 160 one-bedroom and 120 two-bedroom apartments, as well as 24 three-bedroom townhouses. Amenities set to be included in this development are off-street parking, sidewalks, a clubhouse, a pool, and multiuse buildings.
Concerns regarding the impact on the neighboring community, particularly on Oak Lodge Road, have been raised, including the conditions of private roads. The council has made provisions to construct a fence between the clubhouse and the nearest residential property to alleviate these concerns. Additionally, potential traffic congestion prompted by the new developments has been a hot topic among residents, particularly in light of the N.C. Department of Transportation canceling plans to widen Sweeten Creek Road, which may exacerbate local traffic issues.
Future meetings are scheduled for the City Council to discuss budget priorities, as residents continue to emphasize the need for sustainability and action on climate justice initiatives. Alongside the housing discussions, there has been a growing concern regarding city employees’ wages in relation to the rising costs of living and housing availability in Asheville, spotlighting ongoing community challenges.
FAQ Section
What is the goal of the invasive species removal event in Asheville?
The goal is to remove invasive plants along the French Broad River to restore ecological health and promote the planting of beneficial native species.
What type of housing developments were approved by the Asheville City Council?
The Council approved a 126-unit affordable housing project off Pine Lane and a 304-unit development on Sweeten Creek Road.
Who is funding the Pine Lane affordable housing project?
The Pine Lane project is funded, in part, by a low-interest loan from the Housing Trust Fund and is supported by a grant.
What are the residents’ concerns regarding the new housing developments?
Residents have raised concerns about traffic congestion, the impact on neighboring communities, and the displacement of existing housing units.
How is the Asheville community involved in environmental sustainability?
The community participates in initiatives like the invasive species removal event to enhance environmental quality and advocate for sustainable practices in city planning and housing development.
Key Features of the Developments
| Project Name | Unit Count | Location | Amenities | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Lane | 126 | Pine Lane | Affordable for 60% AMI | $2.1 million low-interest loan |
| Sweeten Creek Road | 304 | Sweeten Creek Road | Clubhouse, pool, multiuse buildings | Undisclosed |
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: RiverLink Tackles Invasive Species
- Mountain X: City Council OKs Two Housing Developments
- Washington Post: Hurricane Helene Forest Damage
- AVL Today: Kudzu History and Impact
- 828 News Now: Program to Help Remove Pear Trees
- Wikipedia: Invasive Species
- Britannica: Invasive Species
- Google Search: Environmental Sustainability in Asheville
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Asheville
- Google News: Asheville Invasive Species
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
