“I live in Asheville, and I’m wondering why people care more about the homeless than the police who are deciding to quit because of the people in charge not backing them up, and [people] running around shooting up places?”
Tag: vance monument
Showing 22-42 of 116 results
Harriet Tubman statue comes to Sylva
Western North Carolina is grappling with a controversial part of its history: monuments erected in commemoration of Confederate figures. In May, after months of debate and consideration by a specially appointed task force, Asheville began removing the Vance Monument, an obelisk honoring the late Confederate military officer and former Gov. Zebulon Baird Vance. And in […]
Beyond a monument: Creating change for local Black communities
“This raises the question of what funds are being used for advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and how they can be better allocated all around to create a positive cycle of change.”
Asheville needs less shouting, more listening
“Each segment of the community is yelling at the elected officials to promote its particular point of view, but there’s no structure for helping us all listen to one another across differences, en route to achieving mutually agreeable solutions.”
Letter: See (the new) Rock City
“What a great opportunity for Asheville and the Chamber of Commerce to pronounce Asheville as Rock City, N.C., in competition with Rock City, Tenn.”
Letter: The onslaught against climate change resiliency
“Regarding Charlotte Street development, etc.: Outrageous that Avl taxpayers’ property tax is raised 22% without a plan to preserve trees that lure residents and tourists.”
Letter: Honoring Nina Simone
“Let’s replace that obelisk with a giant microphone in honor of the late, great Nina Simone!”
RIP Vance Monument: A modest proposal revisited
“To maintain civic cohesion, we must convince these souls that despite the failure of their cause, they can return to the fold as legitimate members of this community. Think of it as a kind of reconstruction.”
Monument monument
Vance Monument removal begins
Work started May 17, and demolition of the 123-year-old monument to Zebulon Baird Vance in downtown Asheville is expected to take two weeks to complete, says city spokesperson Polly McDaniel. Costs to take down the structure block by block will reach roughly $114,000, while an additional $25,500 has been allocated for site restoration following the monument’s removal.
Letter: Yes to removing the Vance Monument
“There are other costs that need to be factored in, particularly for those in our community who see the monument, whether named for a historical figure or having a different name, as one that would remain hurtful and even traumatic if it continues to stand.”
Letter: Could Vance Monument’s blocks be repurposed?
“Perhaps with a creative compromise, the past and future can be forged together for healing.”
Letter: Putting the Vance Monument in perspective
“Here’s a thought experiment that might help put things in perspective: Long ago, let’s say 1897, the people of Buncombeville erected a 65-foot statue in the shape of a gigantic fish and dedicated it to ‘Jesus Christ: Savior. Healer. Orator. Rebel. Winemaker.'”
Letter: Could we still fix the obelisk?
“Could it be more affordable and beneficial to use what’s already there and make it work together, rather than tearing it down?”
Letter: An informed discussion on the Vance Monument
“Why haven’t the public comments to the Vance Monument commission been published on a website so we can have an informed discussion?”
County to vote on $35,000 in cost-sharing for Vance Monument consulting
The county funds represent half of the $70,000 price tag for hiring a consultant to determine what’s next for the location.
Council votes to demolish Vance Monument
“I’m looking forward to the day we can have a centerpiece in our city that reflects Asheville today,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. “And I’m proud to be part of the Council that will make this change.”
Council faces cost of Vance Monument removal March 23
Removing Asheville’s Vance Monument will cost between $114,150 and $495,000, according to five bids submitted by North Carolina-based construction and demolition companies.
Letter: Could local Black artists ‘Advance Asheville’?
“Hiding history only tempts us to repeat it.”
Letter: Additions to obelisk could tell a story
“Displaying chains and manacles on the sides of the monument would be a similar thought-provoker. To explain the sight would be to consider our local history of slavery and convict labor.”
Letter: A five-letter word for reconciliation
“My proposal is to rename the shaft of stone on Pack Square as Peace Monument.”