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.

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.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com
View all posts by Letters →

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.

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

Leave a Reply to MG Massey ×

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.