Ask first, develop later

Posted on by Keith Hearn

Like other attractive cities around the country, Asheville is in a tug of war between those who want to build, build, build and those who want to preserve the wonderful attributes enjoyed by people who live and work in our community.

As the pro-development forces grow stronger and more persuasive, it’s critical that those who make the ultimate decisions—our City Council members—have the willpower to resist the developers’ siren call of “just approve our projects and tax revenue will soar.”

Although overdevelopment has already taken its toll on a lot of Asheville’s character, it’s not too late to step back and ask: What do we want Asheville to look like and feel like in five, 10, 20 years from now?

Do we want more high-rise buildings downtown (a la The Ellington)? Or luxury, gated communities that destroy the countryside, mountainsides and ridgelines? Or do we want more modest development with less environmental impact and homes that many can afford?

Elaine Lite is one City Council candidate who wants to give our community the opportunity to ask those all-important questions while there’s still time to make a difference. And then have our answers faithfully reflected in decisions about our city’s future.

If you’re concerned about the way Asheville is evolving and favor a more sensible, reasoned approach to our future, please join me in voting for Elaine.

— Keith Hearn
Asheville

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One thought on “Ask first, develop later”

  1. travelah

    Keith,
    Big Equity has already won the day. When Asheville is touted as the “Paris of the South” (what knuckleheaded pork belly smoker coined that one?)and is paraded as one of the best places to live in the USA, you have already lost. The homes are already being sold en masse in California, Florida, New Jersey etc and a lot of that excess equity money is coming here. There is another game to play though. It’s called a moratorium on any new development of condominiums, tract developments and slope sights until the county and city can address the tremendous challenges it is going to face in the next decade… water, schools, roads, CRIME … What does Elaine bring to the table?

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