To bring old buildings up to modern-day standards involves architectural assessments, electrical upgrades, plumbing revamps and structural repairs — challenges that many preservationists are now facing, and seeking to fund, as Asheville’s turn-of-the-century landmarks continue into their second hundred years.
“Crucially, there is no requirement that projects financed this way demonstrate any benefit to their host neighborhood, either before, during or after they are completed.”
As Nazareth First Missionary Baptist Church celebrates its 150th anniversary, longtime pastor Rev. Charles E. Mosley, Sr. reflects on changes in the historically African-American East End neighborhood where the church is located.
“Indeed, policies are still in place actively working against the formation of new communities — zoning rules that forbid local shops that could serve as neighborhood hubs, lot size restrictions that might work for the suburbs, but which result in a farcically low population density in a city; a lack of sidewalks that means you may have to take your life in your hands just to go check up on a neighbor.”
“With the completion of 420 apartments, 100 more apartments under construction and whispers of 600 to come, you might imagine that the combination of property speculators, city ‘planning’ staff and Council itself were working to destroy rather than protect the character of our neighborhood.”
Ending alcohol at large festivals in neighborhood parks and a rezoning related to a long-running Kenilworth dispute lead a relatively light agenda for Asheville City Council tomorrow evening.
After a fairly uneventful meeting July 23, Asheville City Council had a brief ruckus at the end, as former Mayor Ken Michalove (pictured) accused the vice mayor, the city manager and a Council member of unethical behavior in granting $2 million to the Asheville Art Museum for renovations. (Photo by Max Cooper)
At a community meeting focusing on the core of the city, Asheville City Council heard from a number of residents, property, and business owners critical of a proposed Business Improvement District downtown. Others had concerns about a possible hotel near the Basilica of St. Lawrence, among other issues.
