Another plea for the Merrimon magnolia

Thank you for printing Dennis Hill's letter regarding the planned removal of a 100-year-old magnolia at the corner of Merrimon Avenue and East Chestnut Street [“Save the Merrimon Magnolia,” Feb. 9 Xpress]. I have lived in Asheville for 35 years, but only recently discovered the magnolia. It is remarkable. I encourage everyone to stop by […]

The talking magnolia

The extensive resistance to building right on top of the disputed magnolia tree in City/County Plaza proves there’s still plenty of vitality in Asheville’s old democratic bones. Many usually apolitical people have joined the fight, saying something like, “This is the last straw.” But the last straw in what? If the magnolia could speak, I […]

The good thing

Early on in my life, someone told me that there was no problem that couldn’t be solved if you asked the right questions. That advice has come to mind when evaluating what to do about the Parkside condominium project. Anytime a subject so controversial and divisive faces the community, I think we are all torn […]

Who’s afraid of the big, bad Witch?

Ever since we led a protest rite against Buncombe County officials’ sale of public parkland graced by a pair of magestic old magnolia trees to developer Stewart Coleman, the über-Republican Carolina Stompers have aimed religiously bigoted attacks at our Coven Oldenwilde—first through a video ridiculing City Council candidate Elaine Lite for participating in the protest, […]