Letter: A disconcerting downtown experience

Posted on by Letters
Graphic by Lori Deaton

Recently my partner and I enjoyed a rare evening out, which included dinner at Rhubarb and a performance at Diana Wortham Theatre. It was a pleasant evening, so we chose to walk from our home in Montford.

Coming back about 10:30, it was dark, and downtown was a ghost town. It felt dystopian. Clusters of mostly men had gathered in the shadows of every doorway. No one spoke to us or even acknowledged us, but I was glad I wasn’t alone.

In our eight years of living here, it was a new and disconcerting experience. I can’t imagine how a tourist might feel. I was sad and embarrassed for our beautiful city.

— Cherie Morris
Asheville

Editor’s note: This was one of a number of letters about downtown Asheville that came in after a recent Xpress newsletter highlighted three articles covering concerns about public safety and cleanliness downtown. Those stories can be found at avl.mx/chu, avl.mx/chw and avl.mx/cht. To sign up for Xpress’ free newsletter, go to avl.mx/8st.

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2 thoughts on “Letter: A disconcerting downtown experience”

  1. El Gordito

    Clusters of mostly men who didn’t speak to you?? Sounds horrifying! I hope you are okay!

  2. MG Massey

    The number of sex offenders in this sleazy tourist mecca would make any woman not want to venture downtown unless armed

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