July Minutes 2014

Meeting called to order at 4PM by President Darren Green
Introduction of new Board Members
All those present signed in and made a self introduction

Reminder that membership dues in the amount of $100 are now payable
Darren asked that current members act as ambassadors in the RAD to encourage others to join. Goal of 10-20 new members to get us to 50-60 total.

Announced re-formation of Marketing Committee. Goals of committee will be improving website, adding mail chimp, mobile website capability and window stickers for RADBA members. Secretary Susan Kaagan will serve as the committee’s liaison to the Exec Board. Members will be Jenny Fares/SMC and Sarah Peichat/MMS.

Announced re-formation of the RADBAT Committee. Main function to be outlining a proposed allocation of funds as we receive requests, and to consider other means of increasing the budget than just membership dues revenue. Treasurer Jenny/Nourish & Flourish will serve as the committee’s liaison to the Exec Board. 2 volunteers are needed to serve on this committee which will meet quarterly. Contact Jenny if you are interested in serving

Joe Ransmeier reported on the 14 Riverside project, which is a part of the larger Riverfront Destination Project. A draft narrative of this project has been written (link to the study will be available on the RADBA website). Steph Munson has reported that the project will require 9 million dollars, 3 million of which is being requested from tourism development funds. The RAD enhancement timeframe would be from April 2015 thru April 2017.
The project includes the development of a visitor information center with public restrooms at 14 Riverside Dr., constructing amenities that promote connection and usage of greenways, bike paths, river access that knit together the RAD and its gateways. Primary goal is to create an experience for visitors that allows for a full days worth of activities to explore.

New Belgium Brewery Update/Susanne Hackett: Foundations and retaining walls are underway, vertical elements will begin appearing in mid-September
Craven St road construction by the City will be underway by late August, beginning with closures from the Haywood to Waynesville section. The distribution site for NBB is in Enka/Candler and will be complete March 2015.
Beer will be brewing by December 2015. You can check for updates anytime at http.//www.newbelgium.com/community/ashevillebrewery.aspx

AVL City Update/Marsha Stickford: Craven St construction will be prolonged and difficult. The City’s website posts updates under its “city projects” page. Once the construction is complete there will be sidewalks on both sides, bike lanes and no blind curves.
Marsha also reiterated that the City is making an increased effort to communicate in a timely way with RADBA to keep information flowing.
The graffiti project allowing for up to $500 assistance in removal runs thru 10/1/14. So far 27 properties have been restored. The City will be producing a video on grafitti to be used as an educational PSA. Interested RAD property owners should contact Marsha.
Lengthy discussion on the now vacant 339 Lyman St buildings. Nearby property owners expressed concern about increased crime activity and fire safety. Marsha requested emails from adjacent owners (Riverview Station) to express concern which will be passed on by Marsha.

Riverlink Update/Karen Cragnolin: Sat/Aug. 9th is the RiverFest and The Anything That Floats Boat Parade. Check the Riverlink website for a full list of events and times. Shuttles and Trolleys will be available to move people from parking areas at 144 Riverside to various venues. The last two River Music concerts are 8/29 and 9/12. Another “The Business of Art” workshop will be hosted on 8/26.
A new boat access point will be available in mid-Sept. at Pierson Bridge.

AVL Police Update: Evan Coward has been promoted and our new liaison is Sean Davis. He will attend RADBA meetings beginning in August. His email address is: sdavis@ashevillenc.gov

Darren announced a new feature of our meetings: Monthly Member Highlight. Each month a member will be selected to give a short presentation about their business and will receive a gift certificate, possibly donated by other member businesses.

New Business: Julia Fossom announced that a new Studio Guide is being designed and produced for next year. RADBA members will have the opportunity to participate as in the past.

Randy Ashley, Gen Mgr of the “Asheville Running Co” announced that they will occupy the former Arts Council space at Pink Dog Creative. A mid-Sept opening is planned

Meeting adjourned at 5PM/Next Meeting/8/26 4PM/FLS Boardroom