As I understand, all of the Burnett property is zone RS-4 which stipulates a density of up to 4 single family units per acre. Because the townhome portion of the development plan exceeds this density, it seems that either a rezoning or variance would have to be granted to construct the townhomes. If this rezoning or variance is not granted and the townhomes are not permitted, the developer’s financial projections would likely not be met. Therefore, if there is a focus on not permitting this portion of the development plan and that is successful, the developer might choose not to proceed.

I have just moved down to Asheville from a small village in upstate NY. Most of my family has settled here. I just purchased a sweet house in Happy Valley with my sister. What we most love about the neighborhood are the beautiful mature trees surrounding us, quiet, friendly neighbors, and so many animals, birds, and bees and butterflies! My sister and I are both avid native gardeners and are committed to responsible land stewardship on our little half acre. The most upsetting part of this development is the imminent clearcutting of mature forest tracts — both the one that connects the land parcel to the Happy Valley neighborhood as well as the tall stands of trees on the ridge above New Haw Creek Rd. Thinking of these tracts of forest being replaced by cramped rows of houses is upsetting and seems so short sighted. Unbroken tracts of trees, shade, and habitat will become more and more valuable to the health of a neighborhood as we get further into the next couple of decades of climate warming and all the associated instability that will result. There are only so many people that can travel and evacuate using a two lane road- this is not a smart development for this neighborhood. Let me know if there is anything I can do to contribute!

I have heard from numerous sources that know this developer well and are quite nervous that he will likely develop the property and then SELL to DR HORTON – America’s Largest Builder of CHEAP GENERIC TRACK HOMES.  This is one of the worst things that could happen to our neighborhood. I will help however I can, and encourage each of my neighbors to do the same.

This 26 acres is a corridor for wildlife, homes would be too close for fire danger, only one way in and out of the valley in case of evacuation, schools and traffic can’t handle the added load that many houses bring, development is not environmentally sound, ancient artifacts will be found in the ground once digging begins, it’s a historic landmark property, cookie cutter cheap builds are an eyesore and will bring in a packed commuter based population and considering how far up the valley this property is, 2 lanes can’t handle that traffic. I think the developer may have also purchased 6 and 8 Alpine Ct so his road can connect up to the quietest / lowest traffic area of Alpine Way.