Buskers are visible ambassadors of Asheville’s artistic community, and some downtown businesses say street performances create a convivial atmosphere. But for others who live and work downtown, amplified sound is a daily cacophony.
![](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_1751-330x440.jpg)
Buskers are visible ambassadors of Asheville’s artistic community, and some downtown businesses say street performances create a convivial atmosphere. But for others who live and work downtown, amplified sound is a daily cacophony.
“By acknowledging both the positive and the negative, we can create a complete picture that can serve as a solid base from which we can move forward as a community.”
In the latest edition of Xpress’ WTF feature, we explore this sometimes controversial concept of a business improvement district, which promises a steady stream of revenue to fund much-needed services downtown.
“I think the monument should celebrate protest.”
“The final piece in the ‘anywhere USA aesthetic’ has concluded with the dismantling of a time capsule dressed in ancient Egyptian fashion at Pack Square, done with such haste it’s partial and in legal limbo.”
“In order to move forward with a solution, more support must be provided to the homeless in the areas of affordable housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment and pet-friendly shelters.”
“Back in 2001, downtown was not cluttered with tall commercial buildings such as hotels catering to tourists.”
“The problems sound enormous and hopeless, and I’m an optimist. But some cities have found solutions.”
Safety and reducing criminal activity downtown closely followed homelessness among the top concerns. Survey respondents were asked to evaluate downtown in terms of how safe they felt. The average score was 3.5 out of 5 for perceived safety during the daytime, dropping to 1.9 out of 5 at night.
“Signing off on discordant behavior, whether by ignoring it, being apathetic or taking the ‘easy’ way out and just not dealing with it helps no one.”
“Sugar Britches features a range of found, handmade and upcycled clothing and accessories, provided by at least 15 of Asheville’s most talented designers.”
“As with water and air pollution, noise pollution is a recognized public health issue that contributes to increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, depression, stress and hearing loss.”
“I believe that we should leave it as is — that’s part of the charm of downtown Asheville.”
“Downtown did need help, but it didn’t need to be turned into the tourist-oriented, overbuilt, overdeveloped mess that it has become.”
“Asheville’s not weird anymore, and I’m sad about that.”
“Ultimately, favoritism is handed toward developers and bottom lines, while major impacting projects are slipped past under the radar. People don’t get a fair chance to oppose such, let alone win.”
“Isn’t this like telling a family of eight living in a two-room house that you’re persuading a couple of baseball teams to move in with them?”
“The secret was out long ago. So, just how many millions do we need to promote, to advertise this town?”
“I remember when the old passenger rail depot, now a restaurant, had a segregated waiting room.”
“I never had the opportunity to meet John, but Laurey’s and Oscar’s high regard for him as well as his physical standing legacy speak volumes.”