“Wouldn’t it be nice if our city saw its master plan as an integral one with environmental stewardship at the center, human sustainability, human mobility and infrastructure coming after? “
Tag: tourism
Showing 85-105 of 161 results
Letter: If artists leave, Asheville loses out
“They are smart to leave for a more affordable area and will continue to be able to sell at galleries around the country, but Asheville has lost out.”
Ad it Up!
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Elitism and scapegoating won’t solve Asheville’s congestion, affordable housing and sprawl
“Housing is in short supply and unaffordable. Rather than take an honest and comprehensive look at the issues, barriers and contributors to the problems, however, we in Asheville have smugly chosen the easy way out.”
Letter: City should do more for its vulnerable citizens
“It does not escape me the amount of money that the city of Asheville funnels into the tourism industry here in Asheville, yet we do not have the money or funding to make the communities where these children live safe or enriching.”
Letter: We can’t kick tourism problems down the road
“Apparently, if locals want answers, they should demand them at the next election, which, I understand has been put off for another year.”
Garden Variety
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Letter: Return lodging tax dollars to city
“My suggestion is that you return at least half of the $23 million to the city for pothole repair, public services and maybe even some wage assistance.”
Letter: Can’t see the mountains for the hotels
“Asheville, we can do better! We are killing the goose that is laying the golden eggs.”
Letter: Lodging tax supports local people
“People who visit Buncombe County spend $2 billion each year on restaurants, attractions, entertainment, recreation, the arts and lodging, creating jobs for 27,000 people in our community.”
Letter: Is this the downtown progress we want?
“I understand that we’re not supposed to stand in the way of progress, but is a downtown that serves tourists at the expense of residents the progress we want? When is enough enough?”
On our minds in 2018: The year in Opinion
Readers, you had a lot to say about local politics and civic goings-on in the region this year. From tourism and development to bears and the county government scandal, here’s a look back at some of the hot topics that sparked your opinions.
Letter: Does Asheville’s Visitor Center reflect diversity?
“I recently walked around the whole area and found only one African-American face, and that was on one brochure, of what seemed like hundreds, for a county assistance agency. What does that say to a black resident or visitor?”
No room for the inn: The Gospel According to Jerry
“The city allowed the builder to go through all the expensive steps required to get total approval from all regulatory agencies, and then several Council members announced their intent to vote against it because, in their great wisdom, they have made the arbitrary decision that Asheville already has too many hotels.”
Letter: Asheville residents need more bang for our bucks
“I really wish Council would adjust their priorities and think of us who pay extra fees for our vehicles ($30), dog licenses ($10), chicken registration ($25) and so much more — the 2018 Fees and Charges Manual is over 120 pages and is an interesting read.”
Backyard to the old drawing board
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Letter: How can hotel tax better support Asheville?
“How can this law change so that maybe the city can receive a higher percentage of hotel tax toward things that matter to maintain the city’s needs or even — ha, ha — go toward affordable workforce housing?”
Letter: Be aware of tourism’s links to gentrification
“Most urgently, gentrification is creating a demand for buildable lots and houses within the city limits that is invading our historic African-American neighborhoods and displacing lifelong residents who have been here for generations.”
Letter: Visitors, Asheville welcomes (and depends on) you
“When you visit a honey-tasting shop, local record store or family farm, know that your support helps us to thrive and live our passions here in Asheville.”
Yes, Adrienne, please come!
“Asheville is the cultural mecca it is due to the spirit of all those who have been here for generations welcoming the rest of us.”
Letter: Will I be welcome in Asheville?
“Am I welcome in your town? Almost daily, I see another jab at ‘the tourists.’ We seem to be the bane of your existence.”