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Duke Energy and the City of Asheville are discussing plans for a new, replacement downtown substation on the east side of Harrah’s Cherokee Civic Center and the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium that is significantly larger than the existing facility across the street at the corner of Rankin and Hiawasee.
The City and Duke signed a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2021 allowing Duke to study, survey and investigate the replacement of the substation.
- One option is to build a new substation by handing Duke Energy a large and unique tract of rare urban forest and 53 public parking spaces to accommodate construction of a new substation at 57 Rankin Avenue.
- A substation at the proposed new location will tower above and harm the prosperity along Lexington Avenue, one of downtown’s most vibrant retail and residential communities.
- Upon the completion of Duke’s investigation, Asheville City Council will vote on a land exchange and real estate terms. Construction is slated to begin in 2023.
This substation project under discussion between Duke Energy and the City of Asheville would alter the unique greenscape and character of Lexington Ave.At risk are 60+ small businesses, 1000+ residents and a 11,000 square foot urban tree canopy.A new substation brings environmental and economic risks to the heart and soul of the neighborhood and to the wellbeing of everyone who lives, works and visits here.
- From an environmental standpoint, the targeted site at 57 Rankin is home to one of downtown’s few remaining urban tree canopies which contributes to a greener Asheville, helps in the fight against climate change and is worthy of protection. A new substation does not support amendments to Asheville’s Unified Development Ordinance unanimously approved by Asheville City Council on September 8, 2021 requiring tree preservation in commercial and residential areas.
- Construction of a new substation also brings economic risks to the Lexington Avenue retail and restaurant corridor, one of downtown Asheville’s most successful commercial districts still reeling from the pandemic and facing unstable economic conditions.
- Plus there’s the loss of 53 public parking spaces that benefit the community who work and live in downtown Asheville.
We must remember that the restoration of Lexington took decades to forge through a dedicated public/private partnership. It’s time to renew that commitment for a green and growing future of Lexington Ave and the greater downtown community.
The City of Asheville needs to uphold their pledge to make downtown project reviews transparent, predictable, and inclusive of community input. We are also telling the City of Asheville and Duke Energy NO LAND SWAP for a substation move.
Duke Energy should use their current site at 72 Rankin to replace or improve the current substation. There’s no reason to move across the street and build at a new location which would hurt historic Lexington Avenue. Duke says it can build a new improved substation to meet future energy demand at its current location. No move is needed!
The greater downtown Asheville community deserves a substation at its current location that’s designed by Duke Energy and the City of Asheville and promotes sustainability; leads to net-zero tree canopy loss; and recognizes the impact on the well-being of everyone who lives, works and visits here.
We’re in talks with Duke Energy and the City of Asheville, but we need your support now. Please sign the petition as there is strength in numbers and we need to show the City and Duke that our coalition is growing and we won’t stand for a new substation. We are actively planning activities to help inform the greater community about the plans the City and Duke are discussing and you can get involved.
The Friends of Lexington Avenue is a coalition of concerned Asheville downtown business owners, residents, advocates, neighbors and friends who want to ensure that 60+ small businesses and 1000+ residents along with the unique greenscape and character of Lexington Avenue are protected. We came together when we heard the news about Duke Energy and the City of Asheville discussing plans for a new substation. Anyone is welcome to get involved.
If you haven’t already, please sign the petition and email the Mayor of Asheville and City council to let them know you oppose the proposed land swap and substation project under discussion.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please contact us here or at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.
