Mountain Voices Alliance (MVA) and Asheville PARC (People Advocating Real Conservancy) will co-host "Equitable Solutions: A Better Way To Resolve Land Use & Environmental Disputes" on Wednesday, April 20 from 9 am – 12 noon at the United Way, 50 South French Broad Ave. in downtown Asheville. An evening presentation is also schedule for the same day from 6:30-8:30 pm in the Jubilee! Garden Room at 101 Patton Ave. in downtown Asheville.

The workshop will be presented by Richard Klein of Community & Environmental Defense Services, in Owings Mills, MD. According to Klein, “An Equitable Solution is one which fully resolves citizen concerns while allowing applicants to achieve most of their goals. When combined with other approaches refined by CEDS, such as Support Decision-Makers First and Smart Legal Action, the Equitable Solutions approach triples the likelihood of citizens resolving development-related concerns.”

In addition, Klein feels Equitable Solutions minimizes those lose-lose situations where public officials are asked to chose between what is legally right and that which is popular. Finally, the approach expands the base of public support for innovative policies that yield more growth benefits while enhancing quality of life for both current and future residents. The event will benefit non-profits, city & county planners and staff, elected officials, realtors, builders - both green and traditional, land use attorneys, citizens, and other stakeholders.

“In light of the challenges some neighborhoods have had with specific development projects recently, we felt there was a pressing need to provide the citizens of Asheville and Buncombe County with an opportunity to hear what other communities are doing when faced with similar issues,” said MVA Chair Elaine Lite. “If one person or neighborhood can be helped by Mr. Klein’s presentation, it will have been a successful workshop.”

There is no charge for the workshops, but donations are welcome and appreciated. RSVP requested for the morning session by Friday, April 15. Refreshments will be served.

To register or for more information, e-mail info@mvalliance.net or call 828-255-8537.

Mountain Voices Alliance (www.mvalliance.net) works to preserve and protect the environment, including the natural beauty, abundant resources, quality of life and cultural heritage of our communities. This all-volunteer group actively opposed the Progress Energy oil plant in Woodfin and helps to raise awareness of policies to protect our area from over-development, especially the dangers of building on steep slopes.Read the full article