The University of North Carolina Asheville is hitting the pause button on its controversial South Campus development. On August 14, the university announced it would temporarily stop plans to transform 45 acres of forest into a Millennial Campus project that included a stadium, student housing, retail spaces, and more.
So, what changed? A growing wave of public concern and the need for deeper community engagement.
Pause
The original plan called for leasing the land for a $250 million stadium project. It was expected to generate more than $46 million for the university over a 30-year span. But that projection, while impressive, lacked public data to back it up — something critics were quick to point out.
Instead of pushing forward, UNC Asheville is slowing down. The pause will allow time for broader stakeholder feedback and a chance to explore alternative development ideas. The university has made it clear: any new proposal must still match or exceed that $46 million return estimate.
Concerns
The public response to the project was anything but quiet. Many community members raised flags about the long-term environmental and educational impacts of developing the forested land.
Anne Walch, a leading voice in the opposition, has been fighting to conserve the forest for eight months. She welcomed the university’s announcement, calling it a step in the right direction. Still, she made it clear that the conversation is far from over. Walch and others plan to keep advocating for permanent conservation.
“We know it’s not the end of the discussion,” Walch said. “We’ll continue to push for better communication and long-term solutions.”
Commission
To manage the next steps, the university is launching a new Millennial Campus Development Commission. This group will be tasked with gathering public input, reviewing project proposals, evaluating financial impacts, and making recommendations for how and when to proceed.
Their job isn’t just about saying yes or no. They’ll be balancing community needs, university goals, and financial sustainability.
Here’s a breakdown of the commission’s main responsibilities:
| Commission Duties | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Gather Public Input | Hear from students, alumni, neighbors |
| Review Proposals | Explore alternatives to South Campus plan |
| Ensure Financial Viability | Maintain or exceed $46 million projection |
| Recommend Priorities | Help sequence future projects |
Input
UNC Asheville says everyone’s voice matters in this process. Students, alumni, faculty, neighbors, business leaders, and elected officials are all invited to share feedback with the commission. The university is emphasizing transparency and collaboration as it rethinks how best to use the South Campus.
University officials are also urging the public not to take a black-and-white stance. According to the press release, this is not a moment for blanket opposition or assuming all development is bad. Instead, it’s a chance to do things the right way — with clear communication and community-wide support.
Future
Where does the project go from here? That’s still up in the air. The pause is just that — a pause, not a cancellation. The university hasn’t made a final decision, and the commission’s findings will likely shape whatever happens next.
What’s clear is that the voices of the community have been heard. For now, the forest remains untouched, and the conversation continues.
FAQs
Why did UNC Asheville pause the project?
To gather community input and review alternatives.
What was the proposed development?
A stadium, housing, retail, and more on forest land.
How much revenue was projected?
More than $46 million over 30 years.
Who can give input to the commission?
Students, faculty, alumni, and local residents.
Is the project cancelled?
No, it’s paused while alternatives are explored.