Downtown Safety and Cleanliness

IN THIS UPDATE

• The Latest  
• Stay Connected
• Take Action
• Resources  
• Contact Information

The Latest

Downtown Cleanliness Contract Approved

At City Council's December 12, 2023 meeting, a new annual contract in the amount of up to $295,544 was approved for downtown cleanliness services 5 days per week, including litter pick-up, weed control, pressure washing, and regular cleaning of city trash and recycling bins in the central business district. View more information here. 

Downtown Restroom Project Updates

Funded by ARPA, a new restroom facility will be installed in the public space at College Street/Rankin Avenue. Site improvements are being made to the space including additional lighting and landscaping enhancements. Updates were provided at the December 15, 2023 Downtown Commission meeting. View a recording of the update here and find more information on the project page. 

Parking Security Enhancements

City Parking Services is currently working to complete the installation of 13 security cameras within the Harrah's Cherokee Parking Garage. Staff will be testing the camera and software system over the coming weeks to ensure proper function. Next steps include working with IT to plan for camera installation in the remaining City parking garages.

Additionally, on November 14, 2023, City Council authorized staff to move forward with a contract to provide 24/7 security coverage at the City's four downtown parking garages and ten surface parking lots. Parking Services will spend up to $481,834 for the first year of the contract out of their operating budget. 

The new security service is anticipated to roll out by the New Year and will also include on-call security escort services for those parked in the City's garages or parking lots. Contact information will be shared once the new security team starts, but those wanting an escort from a specified location to or from a City garage in the meantime can call parking services staff at 828-778-3216. 

Pritchard Park Brightens up the Holidays

Through a collaboration with the Asheville Downtown Association, and some holiday magic from local company Winter Star, new holiday decorations at Prichard Park are brightening up the area now through January 31, 2024. 

This holiday lighting is made possible by the support of the Trina Mullen Foundation, along with contributions from surrounding businesses. The combined efforts underscore a shared commitment to celebrating the season and fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere in our vibrant city center.

For more information about the holiday lights at Pritchard Park and other seasonal activities in Downtown Asheville, please visit www.ashevilledowntown.org. 

Stay Connected 

Getting Involved to Address Homelessness 

• Emily Ball, the City's Homeless Strategy Division Manager, provided an update to the Downtown Commission at their December 15, 2023 meeting. View a recording of the update here.
• Learn more about the Continuum of Care and consider joining as a member. View more information here. 
• Save the date (Wednesday, January 31, 2024) and consider volunteering for the Annual Point in Time Count. 
• The City Council and County Commission held a Joint Meeting on December 4, 2023 to hear updates on implementation of the NAEH study and chart the course for changing how our community works together on homelessness response (through a Continuum of Care structure) as well as planning for a new emergency shelter. You can view a recording of the meeting here.
• The Homeless Strategy Division continues to offer a monthly education series on homelessness in our community. View more information and register here.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips from APD 

• Be aware of your surroundings. It's important to always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or individuals.
• Park in well-lit areas. When parking your vehicle, choose well-lit areas that are visible to others. This can help deter potential criminals and give you increased visibility and safety.
• Secure your belongings while shopping. Make sure to secure your belongings, such as purses, wallets, and shopping bags. Keep them close to your body or in a secure location to prevent theft.
• Avoid using cash if possible. Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, consider using credit or debit cards for your purchases. If you must use cash, keep it concealed and avoid displaying it openly.
• Shop in groups, if possible. Shop with a friend or family member. Safety in numbers helps to deter criminals.
• Lock your vehicle. Before leaving your vehicle unattended, ensure it is locked and that valuables are out of sight. Thieves can be opportunistic, so taking this simple step can prevent a potential break-in.

Take Action

Report Crime

• Guidance on reporting crime
• Report crimes in-progress to 911
• Report non-emergency public safety concerns to APD's non-emergency line, 828-252-1110
• Anonymously share tips with APD using TIP2APD
• Submit a trespass letter to APD

Report Issues of Concern

• Use the Asheville App or contact the City's Constituent Services Coordinator for service requests including litter issues, lighting outages or maintenance needs

Schedule a Security Survey with APD

• Schedule a security survey by emailing APD's community engagement unit and/or utilize Crime Prevention through Environmental Design strategies

Enhance Security Camera Systems

• Register and upgrade security camera systems with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Real Time Intelligence Center

Organize a Community Clean-Up

• Register to organize a community clean-up through Asheville Greenworks with support from the City of Asheville.

Support Efforts to Address Homelessness

• Find support for issues related to homelessness
• Learn more about homelessness, the City's Homeless Strategy Division and how to join in the community's response to homelessness. 

Resources

Please visit the pages below to learn more and get involved. 

• City of Asheville News
• Virtual Engagement Hub
• Downtown Projects and Initiatives
• Boards and Commissions 
• Neighborhood Resources
• Homelessness Resources
• APD Crime Prevention
• APD Crime Statistics and Trends
   

 Contact Information

Find more information on the downtown safety and cleanliness project page.

Email us at downtownsafety@publicinput.com.