The City of Asheville is weighing how to rebuild pedestrian infrastructure in Biltmore Village and is seeking public input on the fate of more than five-dozen trees in the historic district, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene.
The project, which is being funded by a $2.5 million dollar grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, involves striking a balance between protecting the long-term health of the trees and preserving the historic vision of famed planners Frederick Law Olmsted and Richard Morris Hunt, who designed the neighborhood.
City staff walked residents through some of the proposed changes during an event at Standard Pizza Wednesday afternoon.
David Hazzard, interim division manager for urban design and place strategies in the city of Asheville’s Planning Department, said the funding will allow the city to embark on a wide range of repairs and additions, such as brick sidewalks, granite curbing and ADA-compliant ramps, all of which will benefit local businesses…