Asheville City Council preview: building bridges

Posted on by David Forbes

Tomorrow night’s Asheville City Council meeting will revisit two ongoing issues: reopening the Hillcrest pedestrian bridge and possible incentives for the Montford Commons project.

Photo by Jonathan Welch

The death of Anthony Ray Gillmore, killed in June while trying to cross I-240 to reach Hillcrest Apartments, sparked a push to reopen the bridge, closed since 1994 due to concerns about crime. City staff have assembled a report detailing both community input and the costs associated with reopening the bridge, including clearing out brush and increasing security ($178,725 initially, $145,799 annually). Council will discuss the report and may recommend that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (which has final authority on the matter) reopen the bridge.

Council will also revisit a possible incentive package for the Montford Commons project, something that a number of members balked at during the July 27 meeting. A staff report recommends against incentives for the project, citing the city’s tough budget times and the belief that the incentives wouldn’t be strictly necessary for the project to make a profit.

Council will also consider approval of a Discount Tire Store in the Bleachery Boulevard area, appointment of a member to the Tourism Development Authority, and revising the Public Art Board’s powers and responsibilities.

Asheville City Council meets at 5 p.m., Aug. 24, on the second floor of CIty Hall.

— David Forbes, senior news reporter

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2 thoughts on “Asheville City Council preview: building bridges”

  1. dankster

    Open the pedestrian walkway bridge for crying out loud!. money should not be an issue when public safety is of concern (should of already been reopened by now) – especially after a foot bridge for pedestrians use is all ready built & in place just for that reason public safety!!!,all that is needed is the gate to be unlocked so that people may safely get to point A & B.

    Oh oh yeah & what up with the $145,799 annually price tag anyway’s bit HIGH don’t you think,who’s exaggerating that.

  2. T100C-1970

    I imagine the 146K is related to installing lighting and surveillance cams and hiring folks to monitor said cams 24/7 in the hopes of deterring both drug traffic and misguided youth who might decide to verify Newton’s laws by timing the dropping of various rocks, bolts, and other projectiles so as to maximize the probability of impact with the windshields of cars passing below :-(

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