HENDERSONVILLE – The Hendersonville City Council on Nov. 7 voted 4-1 to deny a zoning change that would have allowed a two-building, 16-unit condominium project called First Ave Villas to be built on an empty lot at the edge of downtown at 320 1st Ave. W.
Asheville-based ARY Development had presented designs at previous city meetings, but after review by the Planning Board in July, the project was recommended for denial. The company subsequently redesigned it, shrinking it from 18 units to 16 and from four stories to three.
Hendersonville resident Lynne Williams spoke against the project, saying that neighbors were worried about privacy, tree loss and other issues, but that city staff had been “plotting” with the developer to push the project through.
City Manager John Connet objected, saying, “I will not tolerate vague innuendo regarding the professionalism and ethics of our team.”
City Council member Melinda Lowrance expressed concern about gentrification.
“What are the benefits for those already living in this community?” she asked.