Stewart Coleman has done us all a backhanded favor by exposing the deep flaws in the city ‘s development “approval process” (all too aptly named!).  We now know that final approval for horrors like the Staples building and Parkside rests in the hands of non-elected technocrats who bend over backwards to allow every development to proceed.

Hey, Johnny, that’s rather elegantly put!

Nice, gets it in one.

Also, tatuaje, there is a big difference between being against something on an asthetic or even philosophical level, and wanting to use government against it. Some things are just unethical.

Tatuaje, I love how everyone seems to think they know me.

I LOVE Staples, Office Depot, and Best Buy—they have what I need at a good price.

As to Wallymart and the others, yes they outcompete small merchants—been there, got outcompted, went into another business they can’t touch.

Ralph, I’m actually a bit surprised that you’re such a big supporter of Staples.... I thought you, of all people, would be against box stores...You are aware of what these chains do to small, independent entrepreneurs, as well as towns themselves, right? Where’s the Ralph I know and love that hates yankee intruders?!?!?

actually, I created THAT (computer-generated) ... it’s a 21 PAGE! sentence ...

but, of course, much too simple in syntax and too easily understood to be included in the UDO.

Nuvue, I’ve said all along the UDO ain’t worth a pail of warm spit. ;-)

Jeez Ralph, did you get that from the UDO??

WAIT! I HAVE A SOLUTION!

Let’s give City Hall to Staples!!!!

They will then have a beautiful nationally recognized art deco building no one can complain about and be very convenient to all the folks who will be living in Parkside and needed office supplies.

Problem solved. Let’s move on.

Did it violate it though? I thought the whole problem was that it followed the letter, if not the spirit of the regulation.

Finally the sign comes down. The UDO was violated from the getgo by development friendly “we want the tax revenue” city officials and planners. About time a semi-correction occurred. The real fix would be to move the building over to the city planner’s neighborhood.

oh… also, Nick ... Staples’ building does not need a lot of “windows and architectural ornamentation.” What is needs is a huge selection of office supplies and equipment at a good price. THAT is its function. I, for one, do not want to pay extra for facade. Function and efficiency should always trump needless fluffery and foofaw.

The US economy/dollar could completely collapse and the flow from Mexico would continue.  Their economy is a complete disaster.  China’s economy is growing like gangbusters.

Nick, many buildings in Asheville are far uglier. I can live with Staples and they have the best price in town on legal-size paper, which we use a lot of.

Jason, there is nothing more dabgone crotchety and hankering to nip you on the butt than a constipated mutt.

Let them poop.

Good luck guys!  Sounds like your in for another great adventure.  I’ve got a musician buddy in NYC and a old friend in the Denver area if you need some hookups on info or a couch to sleep on.  They would love to help you out if your in their town.

You could start a thread on this website about dogs pooping on the sidewalk and Ralph would come and take the dog’s side just to make people mad.

That’s why I kinda like Ralph.

One other note:

The Windows on the Park will host a public question-and-answer session with members of the conservancy board at 8:30 a.m. on July 10 at their business in the Biltmore Building, 1 N. Pack Square.