RiverLink is eager to know what city council candidates are proposing as part of their campaign platform to protect and enhance the French Broad River Watershed. RiverLink developed a survey for the city council candidates. Below are their responses (in alphabetical order). Thank you for your input!

Cecil Bothwell's response:

What is your vision for implementing the Wilma Dykeman Riverway (a regional model consisting of 17 miles of greenways along the Swannanoa and French Broad River)? How would you ensure funding to implement this plan? How/or should the City of Asheville work with the Buncombe and other counties to expand and replicate this plan throughout the watershed? Why or why not?

I have been an enthusiastic supporter of the plan for many years. I would be a strong advocate of using a dedicated bond to fund the Riverway and greenways in the city and rally the people of Asheville to approve such a bond in a referendum. We should certainly work with Buncombe County to extend the system. As for other counties, I would think we could principally lead by example.

Over 25 municipalities in North Carolina require buffers ranging from 30 to 100ft along streams. A new proposal (click and scroll to page 13 to see new proposal) by the City of Asheville calls for changes to Asheville's current 30 ft stream buffers. What do you feel is the right size stream buffers in Asheville?

I will be attending the Planning Board meeting to express my strong opposition to reduction in the buffer width. I don't have a complete understanding of how stream sizes are rated, but I would advocate 100 foot buffers on major streams, 30 feet on the smallest and perhaps a step in between for middle-sized waterways.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

According to the best climate modeling, pending climate change is going to increase the frequency of weather extremes. That makes it imperative that we plan floodplain uses that can endure severe flooding (while doing all we can to protect upslope areas to slow the impact.) Restoring the riverfront to simply let the river be the river is the first, and cheapest step. Opening some areas to access as parks, ball fields and picnic areas allows people to be with the river, and then bike and walking trails help connect the dots. I am a strong advocate of multi-modal transportation options that will help walkers and bikers get to the river. (Also, per the ADC proposal, an elevator on the Smoky Park Bridge to let people and bikes access the riverfront.) I believe that as the riverfront is restored, private investment will provide money to develop residential and business sites facing the river.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

Enforcement of slope protection rules seems to lag way behind the laws themselves. The recent debacle in Kenilworth is a good (bad?) example of lax enforcement. I believe we need to do much more to reduce the use of impermeable parking surfaces, to require developers to impound run-off into recharge basins, to encourage use of rainwater catchment, and to reduce water consumption. (I have advanced a plan that would encourage voluntary conservation. We pretend we have plenty of water, but we continually starve the river during droughts.)

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Clearly so. It sometimes astounds me how much better other river cities have shaped their relationship to the waterway. If we adopt best practices for protecting our tributary streams, enhance the redevelopment potential of riverfront property and show others how great their relationship to the river could be, it sets a strong example.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Water is the new oil. We are entering a period of permanent global drought and have already seen food riots which are, at their base, water riots, in countries around the world. Water is, beyond any question, the most valuable resource on the planet, yet we squander it. (Perhaps because rain is "free.") Our geography creates rain as clouds push up over the mountains, cool and condense, so we are likely to remain one of the wetter areas even as warming shifts the weather and population rockets up. Water is critical to agriculture, and local food is a centerpiece of regional sustainability. In a way, the river doesn't so much contribute to sustainability as offer a barometer on the state of the system. If we practice sustainable agriculture, reduce storm run-off, capture rain and use it once or twice before it rejoins the flow, buffer tributaries, and protect forested steep slopes, the resulting health of the river will be our indicator that we are getting it right.

Robin Cape's response:

What is your vision for implementing the Wilma Dykeman Riverway (a regional model consisting of 17 miles of greenways along the Swannanoa and French Broad River)? How would you ensure funding to implement this plan? How/or should the City of Asheville work with the Buncombe and other counties to expand and replicate this plan throughout the watershed? Why or why not?

The Wilma Dykeman River way is the centerpiece of our community’s river redevelopment and will play an integral part in the future health and economic vibrancy of the whole region. If we look at other communities that have invested in a river related greenway system as part of their community development, we can see the results and outcomes and the positive impact on the surrounding regions. The City of Asheville and Buncombe County are currently establishing a River District Commission that consists of a variety of the stakeholders along the river, including Riverlink, who can work together consciously to direct and guide the redevelopment of the river way. This will offer opportunities for engaging the Wilma Dykeman plan with potential redevelopment options. Funding opportunities exist in the State tax incremental financing program, in partnerships with Department of Transportation

Over 25 municipalities in North Carolina require buffers ranging from 30 to 100ft along streams. A new proposal (click and scroll to page 13 to see new proposal) by the City of Asheville calls for changes to Asheville's current 30 ft stream buffers. What do you feel is the right size stream buffers in Asheville?

One of the opportunities we have locally is to utilize the visualization modeling applications of the local National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC)to see exactly what these charts propose. I am supportive of utilizing these decision making tools to help us fully understand which buffers are the right size on the properties listed in the charts. It is important that we make information understandable and usable and NEMAC has been developed to assist in value based decision making. From simply looking at a chart it is difficult to assess the value of these proposals. I will be asking staff to provide council with better tools in the decision making process.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

Keeping in mind the overall state and federal laws regulating building within these areas we can encourage mixed used development that is built to withstand a flood event without permanent and lasting damage to the structures and infrastructure. Designing in concert with the possibility of flood occurrences, we can create livable viable community assets that bring more people to that area to live, work, play and be a part of our vital riverfront. The River Redevelopment Commission can focus attention on the necessary policies, funding and support needed to bring the visions for the River to fruition. I support the establishment of the River Redeveloment Commission.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

We need to continually assess the success of the regulations that protect the streams and rivers to ensure their effectiveness. Enforcement of existing rules and regulations is essential and the city has made great strides in enforcing the rules that protect our waterways by increasing the penalties and fees that accrue when violations occur.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Absolutely and Asheville is taking that leadership role by encouraging the formulation of the River District

ReDevelopment Commission to aid and abet the planning and implementation of quality community development, infrastructure and assets along the river.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Water is one of the crucial human needs. We always need to protect and maintain our access to this natural resource. The French Broard River is an exceptional opportunity for our community to build on our reputation as a beautiful city within a wonderful environment. Like many other communities, the river is the natural wonder within our city borders. Protecting it and supporting the development of quality community assets along it will be a major part of our future.

Esther Manheimer's response:

What is your vision for implementing the Wilma Dykeman Riverway (a regional model consisting of 17 miles of greenways along the Swannanoa and French Broad River)? How would you ensure funding to implement this plan? How/or should the City of Asheville work with the Buncombe and other counties to expand and replicate this plan throughout the watershed? Why or why not?

Greenways, whether under the Wilma Dykeman Riverway project or the Greenways Master Plan, should play a prominent role in Asheville’s future. A functional, connected system of greenways throughout Asheville will not only provide practical transportation solutions and enhance the overall health and well-being of our citizenry in the process, but will, additionally, increase property values and generally further enhance Asheville’s already vibrant community. Greenways, walkable urban cooridors, bike paths, and other non-vehicular traffic infrastructure will encourage and foster human to human interaction which will, in turn, create community. Funding options must be analyzed but I do not favor the current pay as you go method of funding and prefer comprehensive funding options. The City and the County should work together to construct a greenways system as there is collective goal to see the areas around our rivers enhanced, revitalized and enjoyed by our citizens.

Over 25 municipalities in North Carolina require buffers ranging from 30 to 100ft along streams. A new proposal (click and scroll to page 13 to see new proposal) by the City of Asheville calls for changes to Asheville's current 30 ft stream buffers. What do you feel is the right size stream buffers in Asheville?

Earlier proposals for Asheville’s stormwater ordinance (which include the mentioned buffer) were confusing making it difficult for the City to enforce and making it difficult for applicants to comply with. Therefore, as a supporter of watercourse protection, whatever setback is adopted, the regulations must be clear for the reasons already stated. I prefer a standard that seeks to regulate projects that disturb land over a certain size (e.g. one-half acre) and simply provide a setback from the top of the bank. Some versions of the proposed ordinance might require an applicant to retain a landscape architect or an engineer just to determine whether the potential applicant is subject to the regulations. I have asked the City to consider adopting the model ordinance provided by the North Carolina Institute of Government as it meets the requirement of adhering to State law while maintaining the necessary clarity.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

The City has already taken great strides in re-envisioning the future uses of our City’s floodplain where it falls in the River District. Certain types of development are appropriate for a floodplain while other types are not. The vision of Asheville’s citizens for the River District is to revitalize the area with appropriate uses such as greenways and parks and a thriving arts community, while sharing space with traditional businesses that rely on the present railway system such as recycling centers. The City’s zoning ordinances and environmental ordinances seek to protect our watercourses while encouraging these appropriate uses of the floodplain.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

The federal government, the State (through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)) and the City all regulate streams and rivers and the lands that surround them. The current regulations are adequate but the enforcement of the same is lacking. As a land use attorney with experience in environmental law, the biggest hurdle to enforcement is jurisdiction. Often the City and the State have differing interpretations as to the jurisdiction of a project allowing for enforcement of thorough regulations to fall between the cracks.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Yes, Asheville must lead the way in setting an example for zoning and regulatory protection of our watercourses while demonstrating that such regulations will not hinder, and, in fact, can encourage, the revitalization and growth of our waterways.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

The word sustainability means many things to many different people, but used in this context, the French Broad River and its watershed help diversify the economy of Buncombe County, which, in turn, helps foster a sustainable community. The River and its watershed does this by providing ample water for our homes and businesses, by providing a geographical location around which to locate greenways, parks, the arts, businesses and otherwise help grow appropriate uses for the River, and provide an attraction near which citizens want to live, work, play and otherwise promote community.

Carl Mumpower's response:

What is your vision for implementing the Wilma Dykeman Riverway (a regional model consisting of 17 miles of greenways along the Swannanoa and French Broad River)? How would you ensure funding to implement this plan? How/or should the City of Asheville work with the Buncombe and other counties to expand and replicate this plan throughout the watershed? Why or why not?

I have no resistance to the Riverway - admire the concept. It does not, however, fall on my top ten priority list. Jobs, the economy, our open air drug markets in public housing, street and sidewalk maintenance, keeping taxes low, etc. are higher on the list. I do not believe the plan is realistic to current economic realities locally or nationally.

Over 25 municipalities in North Carolina require buffers ranging from 30 to 100ft along streams. A new proposal (click and scroll to page 13 to see new proposal) by the City of Asheville calls for changes to Asheville's current 30 ft stream buffers. What do you feel is the right size stream buffers in Asheville?

I do not believe in taking people's private property (per the Constitution) without proper compensation. It is my sense that buffers represent a well intended effort thar results in such. I recognize the effort to expand the flexibility of the ordinance, but would not support it for the reason noted. I am in favor of enthusiastic enforcement of environmental abuses over property seizure in any form. 5th Amendment to the Constitution - "...nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation..."

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

Get out of the way and allow the natural forces of a free market economy to do what it does if allowed to work. Participate in those initiatives that are affordable, realistic, and sensitive to personal property rights as well as the common good. I value the potentials of the floodplain.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

We have mostly adequate laws in place, however, enforcement is inconsistent or selective. Laws without enforcement are more about motion that action. Sincere protection requires the latter.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

As a healthy model of what is fair and what works - certainly. As big brother - no.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Water is likely to be the gold of the 21st century. Our watershed can be compared to an individual's vascular system – it is crucial to our longevity. Nontheless, there are other pieces to the puzzle - all of which matter. A vascular system without a brain, heart, and hand is a limited resource. I have an interest in the balanced governance and support of all our region's resources - most especially our people - all our people. Including those that like to watch races down by the river. [;

Thanks for this opportunity,

Carl Mumpower

Asheville City Council

Gordon Smith's response:

What is your vision for implementing the Wilma Dykeman Riverway (a regional model consisting of 17 miles of greenways along the Swannanoa and French Broad River)? How would you ensure funding to implement this plan? How/or should the City of Asheville work with the Buncombe and other counties to expand and replicate this plan throughout the watershed? Why or why not?

The Wilma Dykeman Riverway ought to be the lead project in a comprehensive multimodal transportation network. It will provide an alternate route for cyclists and pedestrians from one end of town to the other. The areas now marked by industrial decay will be ripe for important new development once the Riverway is in place. Locals and tourists alike will be able to enjoy the river in a whole new way. The Wilma Dykeman Riverway embodies a sustainable future in that it addresses economic, environmental, and community needs. The benefits are apparent to people across the political and socioeconomic spectrum.

Whether we utilize TIF Districts, funding from an increased hotel occupancy tax, or a bond referendum, we must create a dedicated stream of money to implement this vital project.

Buncombe County and other decision-making bodies will see the amazing results of our efforts and will come to us as experts on moving projects like this forward.

Over 25 municipalities in North Carolina require buffers ranging from 30 to 100ft along streams. A new proposal (click and scroll to page 13 to see new proposal) by the City of Asheville calls for changes to Asheville's current 30 ft stream buffers. What do you feel is the right size stream buffers in Asheville?

I believe we ought to keep the current ordinance in place. The proposed revisions are too subjective and confusing to be uniformly applied. Further, the current ordinance has had only two requests for variance, both of which were granted. This fact refutes the proposition that the existing ordinance is onerous to property owners.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

Carrier Park is an excellent use of our city’s floodplain. As borne out by the floods of 2004, we must be keenly aware of how impervious surfaces create the conditions for flooding downriver. Our uses of these areas must take into consideration future floods as well as the community need for adequate open space and green space.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

Our current Stormwater ordinance and Steep slope regulations, if uniformly enforced, may provide adequate protection regarding runoff and streamside vegetation. I believe that we need another couple of years with the existing ordinances. At that time we ought to review how successful they have been in protecting our streams and rivers.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Yes. First leading by example, then partnering with regional entities, Asheville can be the hub of a sustainable western North Carolina.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Four sustainable aspects of the French Broad River immediately spring to mind â€"

1) The river is the drinking water for thousands of citizens. It’s quality is vital to their health and well being.

2) Thousands of acres of farmland depend on a healthy French Broad River for irrigating crops.

3) Economic benefits such as boating, rafting, fishing, camping, and their supportive services support businesses and

offer locals and visitors alike opportunities to experience the river.

4) Our communities benefit from the parks and open spaces adjacent to the river.

Thanks to the candidates who responded! The following are the candidates that we did not hear back from:

Jay Neal Jackson

Terry Bellamy (mayoral candidate)

Robert Edwards (mayoral candidate)