Put workforce housing by the park

Posted on by Jonathan Scott

After attending a news conference held Thursday by opponents of the Parkside condominiums, it occurred to me that there’s an easy way for developer Stewart Coleman to come out of this mess as a hero—or at least salvage a shred of respectability. Considering the miniscule amount he paid for the land and the Hayes-Hopson building, he could renovate the historic landmark into workforce housing and still make millions. Considering the building’s ideal location near government buildings and the fire and police stations, a renovated Hayes-Hopson would be perfect for affordable apartments and for-sale condos for municipal employees.

If Coleman won’t do it, the city and county should take back the property under eminent domain and seek proposals from developers who will.

— Jonathan Scott
Asheville

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