New entrance, metal detector coming to Asheville’s City Hall

Photo by Max Cooper

Asheville’s City Hall is currently undergoing a long-awaited renovation, and scaffolding surrounds the historic landmark. But as part of the changes, visitors will soon go through a new entrance, including a metal detector.

The city will shift the entrance to a bronze door to the right of the current entrance. The door leads to the city’s old, and currently unused, snack bar. That space will become the entranceway for people entering City Hall, with a security guard stationed at a metal detector, instead of at a desk in front of the current entrance.

The current entrance will become an exit. The security set-up will be similar to that in the neighboring Buncombe County Courthouse. Right now, visitors to City Hall aren’t searched or scanned in any way, including when entering Asheville City Council’s chambers. The increased security will cost about $20,000.

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One thought on “New entrance, metal detector coming to Asheville’s City Hall

  1. uh-oh

    Please explain why security for government buildings is not standardized. I feel so helpless while in the library.

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