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

Posted on by David Forbes

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.

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

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.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.