PETITION IN SUPPORT OF AESTHETICALLY PLEASING BRIDGE(S) OVER THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER FOR THE I-26/I-240.

WHEREAS, the I-26/I-240 project will be the largest infrastructure project in the Buncombe County and Asheville areas in this generation, and this project represents the greatest opportunity to enhance the French Broad watershed and help implement the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay which will attract more jobs and economic development throughout the RiverWay area; and

WHEREAS, the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan encourages the economic and environmental restoration of the French Broad River area by creating a unified plan along the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers; and

WHEREAS, the bridges and infrastructure that traverse the river shall be designed to minimize the impact on the experience of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay and the French Broad River; and

WHEREAS, the bridges and infrastructure that traverse the river should be aesthetically pleasing and enhance the experience of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay; and

WHEREAS, the design of the bridges should add beauty to our community, instill local pride, exhibit postcard quality design; and communicate with authenticity the Asheville character and

WHEREAS, the bridge design represents an opportunity to enhance the quality of place by creating a unique destination and icon to our city such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa or Ravenel Charleston; and

WHEREAS, the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan promotes architectural design elements that add beauty and predictability to the French Broad and Swannanoa River corridors; and

WHEREAS, the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan encourages the creation of gateways as one moves into the corridor and an opportunity to increase connection to the river; and

WHEREAS, opportunities exist to design bridges to be icons for the area and reinforce the identity of the French Broad River and the greater Asheville area; and

WHEREAS, the aesthetic goals of the design should be initiated as soon as possible to not slow the process down or cause delay; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I along with RiverLink strongly support all bridges in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay be designed to be uniquely aesthetically pleasing in order to maximize the potential positive impact of these significant structures.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that I along with RiverLink pledge to work with the community to educate and inform the citizens of our state and community about the importance of more pleasing bridge design and assist North Carolina Department of Transportation and the entire community including the city, county and Design Center in the design process.

Signed

Address

Email

Date