Asheville Costco hearing delayed, but two big housing projects advance

Also, new meters and lane fixes could change daily life in Asheville, and local economists warn of ripple effects from manufacturing layoffs.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 4:31am

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Asheville's long-awaited Costco proposal has been pushed to an April 1 Planning and Zoning hearing, delaying public input. However, commissioners have advanced an 89-unit fully affordable housing project in Emma and a 180-unit Sardis Road apartment complex, both headed to City Council on Feb. 24. Meanwhile, drivers on Merrimon Avenue should soon see clearer lane markings, and Asheville Water Resources has launched a new customer portal with remote meter data and monthly billing on the horizon. Local economists are also warning of ripple effects on Asheville's economy from recent manufacturing layoffs in the region.

Why it matters

The delay in the Costco hearing means the public will have to wait longer to weigh in on the proposal, which has been a point of contention in the community. However, the advancement of the two affordable and market-rate housing projects is a positive sign for the city's efforts to address its housing shortage. The changes to road markings and water billing could also significantly impact daily life for Asheville residents, while the manufacturing layoffs raise concerns about the broader economic health of the region.

The details

Asheville's long-awaited Costco proposal in Enka-Candler has been pushed to an April 1 Planning and Zoning hearing, delaying public input. In better news for housing, commissioners advanced an 89-unit fully affordable project in Emma and a 180-unit Sardis Road apartment complex, both headed to City Council on Feb. 24. Drivers on Merrimon Avenue should soon see clearer lane markings, as NCDOT's Asheville office plans to re-stripe a confusing stretch between Sandon and Lakeshore later this year. Meanwhile, Asheville Water Resources has launched its new WaterSmart customer portal, with remote meter data now available and monthly billing still planned, though locked meter lids mean residents may need their own shutoff valve. Manufacturing layoffs across Western North Carolina are raising alarms for Asheville's economy, with local economists warning of ripple effects on household income and business spending.

  • The Costco hearing has been pushed to an April 1 Planning and Zoning hearing.
  • The 89-unit affordable housing project and 180-unit Sardis Road apartment complex are headed to City Council on Feb. 24.
  • NCDOT's Asheville office plans to re-stripe the confusing stretch of Merrimon Avenue between Sandon and Lakeshore later this year.

The players

Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission

The local government body that will hear the Costco proposal on April 1.

Asheville City Council

The local government body that will consider the 89-unit affordable housing project and 180-unit Sardis Road apartment complex on Feb. 24.

NCDOT Asheville Office

The North Carolina Department of Transportation's local office that plans to re-stripe the confusing stretch of Merrimon Avenue.

Asheville Water Resources

The local government department that has launched the new WaterSmart customer portal and is planning for monthly water billing.

Asheville Chamber of Commerce

The local business organization that has noted manufacturing is a major and high-paying employer in the region.

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What’s next

The judge in the Costco case will decide on April 1 whether to allow the proposal to move forward. Asheville City Council will consider the 89-unit affordable housing project and 180-unit Sardis Road apartment complex on Feb. 24.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing tensions and tradeoffs in Asheville's development, as the city tries to balance new commercial projects like Costco with the pressing need for more affordable and market-rate housing. The changes to road infrastructure and water billing also demonstrate how the city is working to improve daily life for residents, while the manufacturing layoffs raise concerns about the broader economic health of the region.