Another done deal

As a downtown Asheville resident who has been involved with issues of development and “infill” projects from the beginning, I want to be clear about what I am for and what I am against.

I am for good paying jobs for working people. I am for increased business for our local merchants. I am for Asheville developing into a world-class small city. Development that fulfills these needs, I applaud.

That said, I want it known I am not for how deals seem to be made and the public included only as window dressing on what seems to be done deals. I am against infill high-rise projects that detract from the charm and beauty of our city — as a specific example, Aloft Hotel — that, rather than add uniqueness and charm, stand as an eye-sore of mediocre design and materials, marring the quaintness of south Biltmore Avenue.

I am against big-money developers believing they can have their way with Asheville by dangling money in front of our city officials. Downtown space has value that is almost incalculable. We are a sellers' market. The city and the people of Asheville deserve better than what has happened with development in the past. Currently, our city property facing the Basilica seems to have been the latest “done deal” that went for too little money to the same developer who built Aloft or, if you prefer, the Neon Sparkler.

Paraphrasing Mayor Bellamy from the Sept. 11 Council hearing/meeting before Council’s final vote concerning the property facing the Basilica, “I don’t like the way this deal was done. Over the years, we did not give the public enough information and voice through the decision process.”  We deserve better.

— Joe Cobble
Asheville

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 Webmaster
Mountain Xpress Webmaster Follow me @MXWebTeam

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.

3 thoughts on “Another done deal

  1. Stephen Lange

    When I first visited Asheville, I didn’t pay any attention to the buildings. I thought the giant cardboard box that dominated the skyline could’ve been spruced up but I wasn’t here for an architecture tour or a business seminar, I came here to work for a professional artist. He wanted help turning a giant space in the RAD into a workable studio. Then I discovered the food, the music and as an avid cyclist, the terrain was literally breathtaking. I have never stayed in a single hotel in Asheville. I live in West Asheville and my studio is in the RAD. My collectors come from all over the east coast, the country and the world. They don’t mention the architecture or the locals much. We talk about art, music, food and how lucky I am to live here. That’s the big picture here. See the mountains past the buildings and realize that this town is too lovely to keep all to ourselves.

  2. indy499

    Hardly. Cities are vibrant, evolving creatures. Good ones have a mix of styles that join the landscape over time. Some styles last ans some don’t.

    The properties that became Aloft and will become the new hotel were decades old eyesores. Glad for the new additions.

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.