“The whole Interstate 26 Connector project should be both reconsidered and possibly redesigned with probable future flooding put into the mix.”
Letter: Layoffs put WNC’s forests at risk
“While political polarization may have soared to extreme levels over recent years, I hope most of us here in WNC can agree that we want to protect — not develop — our forests.”
Letter: We need smarter school snow-day policies
“While safety is paramount, the current system of blanket school closures is failing our kids and families.”
Letter: Better things to do than babysit trash company
“I know we have been through a lot recently, and I have been very patient, but I’m sick of the half-assery that has become prevalent in our society.”
Letter: Federal budget cuts would impact my family
“I have a large immediate family living within Rep. Chuck Edwards’ District 11. Two of us are on Social Security and Medicare. Cuts to those programs will certainly impact us.”
Letter: Community’s strength shows after Helene
“I saw a real strength in the community of Asheville, and I’m happy that I got to watch people lift each other up in times of crisis rather than tear each other down.”
Letter: Memory of Sylva sighting lives on
“In late March of 1986, my then-wife and I, in Sylva, were witnesses to a massive triangular craft silently moving over us at night, barely 200 feet overhead.”
Letter: City should rezone residential shortcuts
“What cities should do instead is rezone such shortcuts commercially, so that commercial bidders can buy out quiet-loving homeowners, enabling the latter to relocate to quiet areas that are not on important transport routes.”
Letter: 12 Baskets Café is for everyone
“If you care about reducing food waste, building community, breaking down stereotypes and reducing fear — or you just enjoy free food — come share a meal with us!”
Letter: Taking action shows kids that we care
“When children see the adults around them take whatever small steps we can to address climate change and community needs, it helps them feel more secure.”
Letter: I-26 should go under Patton Avenue
“It will be this way for the next 50-100 years, so you ought to choose the best plan now.”
Letter: Spotting hopeful signs of resistance
“I’m writing this to encourage younger adults, parents, teachers, workers, and peace and justice activists to recognize they are not alone in the longing and quest for a better way of life on our planet.”
Letter: Local children need volunteer court advocates
“Currently, there are 326 children in our program in Buncombe County, 37 of whom have no volunteer and therefore no advocate or voice in court.”
Letter: Flyover plan recalls Boston’s Big Dig
“Just sayin’, look at the Boston disaster where they destroyed the city with an overhead highway and finally, at huge cost, had to tear it down because of how horrible it was.”
Letter: Buncombe County Schools can take steps to build trust
“The implementation of such guidelines without broader public engagement can lead to misunderstandings and erode trust between the school administration and the community it serves.”
Letter: Black Mountain needs a full-service gym
“I’ve spoken with many community members who share the same concern — our town lacks a modern, accessible gym that meets the needs of residents of all ages and fitness levels.”
Letter: Don’t delay the I-26 Connector
“Regarding the design change calling for an eight-lane overpass over Patton Avenue, I feel it’s important to let this project move forward without delay.”
Letter: Welcome back, Walmart
“A huge thank-you to the tireless crews who worked day and night to rebuild our neighborhood Walmart on Bleachery Boulevard.”
Letter: Housing ‘policy’: Make it up as you go along
“The Council should identify the areas along urban corridors suitable for development and then find developers to develop. Instead, they let the developers run them around by the nose.”
Letter: Reimagine commercial strips to add housing
“Asheville is going to need thousands of new housing units over the next decade; our commercial corridors are the best place to provide them, but only if the streets are ‘complete’ — safe and appealing for bicycles and pedestrians as well as the car, and safe and convenient for the young and the elderly who can’t or don’t wish to drive.”
Letter: Thoughtful zoning can help small homes fit in
“It is not necessary to face off protection of ‘legacy’ neighborhoods against those seeking to free up buildable lots for more accessible and affordable homes.”
