Tunnel Road is one of Asheville’s most important gateways. It is home to established neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants, local businesses, and essential services, and it is often one of the first parts of our city experienced by visitors.
The corridor is also facing serious public-safety, sanitation, and quality-of-life challenges that affect residents, employees, businesses, visitors, and people experiencing crisis.
The Tunnel Road Corridor Coalition supports meaningful housing, treatment, outreach, and other services for people in need. In order for these services to be considered successful, we believe that responsible management must include consideration of, and responsibility for, impact on the surrounding community.
TRCC is committed to constructive, practical solutions that support vulnerable people while strengthening the corridor for everyone.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We see the Tunnel Road corridor not simply as an area facing challenges, but as one of Asheville’s greatest opportunities.
We envision a corridor that is welcoming, safe, active, and economically healthy—a place where businesses can thrive, residents feel secure, visitors are glad to arrive, and public spaces are attractive and well cared for.
RESPONSIBLE GROWTH & ACCOUNTABILITY
That future can and should include thoughtfully managed services for people who have experienced homelessness. We believe supportive housing can coexist successfully with neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants, and businesses when programs are adequately funded, professionally managed, responsive to their surroundings, and committed to being responsible community partners.
Our concern is not the presence of affordable or supportive housing. It is the absence of effective management, accountability, coordination, and long-term planning.
REINVESTMENT & THE FUTURE
We are also concerned about the growing number of vacant, neglected, and underused commercial properties along the corridor. When prominent buildings and large parcels are left to deteriorate, they weaken surrounding businesses, discourage investment, diminish the visitor experience, and contribute to a cycle of decline.
We want to work proactively with property owners, businesses, residents, service providers, and city leaders to encourage reinvestment, responsible redevelopment, better streetscapes, improved pedestrian safety, successful housing programs, and a stronger mix of businesses and community services.