The Asheville Blade

Like many in our city, the Blade has struggled in Helene's ongoing aftermath. We're a local journalism co-op of working class trans people. It has not been an easy year. Amid exhaustion, illness, poverty and trauma we've still done important work. Please help us keep doing it.

Negotiations for wages are currently underway at the French Broad Food Co-op in Asheville and workers need your help, especially if you're a member! fbfcworkers.wixsite.com/wages

A reminder: there is no "it's just sports" or "it's just trans youth care." These bans are evil themselves and lay the foundation for further attacks on our lives. Anti-trans Democrats, like congressional candidate Jamie Ager, are collaborating with genocide. There can be no compromise:

“Be loud. Be vocal in your condemnation, especially if you're cis. If you think of yourself as an ally, now's the time to prove it. Put your resources towards on the ground folks that fight fascists rather than spoiled politicians who collaborate with them.”

Perfect summary of #Asheville.

The police, y'all.

This was pretty much a foregone conclusion but, yes, Asheville city council unanimously approved giving Costco the zoning exceptions (more parking, less trees) they sought. So an Asheville Costco is going forward. #avlgov #avlnews

Manheimer after assuring that traffic improvements are in the works says that "we don't have the space" outside of this specific parcel. Mayor does not address concerns about harms to tree canopy. Says Costco is "necessary" to make Asheville more affordable #avlgov

Roney: "What do we want in this location?" Signals that she will vote for it and motions to approve project over the voice of an outraged audience member who Mayor Esther Manheimer scolds. Claims that she helped prevent an Amazon data center from being installed nearby. #avlgov

Next commenter also discussing traffic on Sardis Rd. "If that Costco was there, I wouldn't have made [son's] first homerun" of the season. Says that she is far from the only one. Project is close to four schools. West Asheville has become "concrete version of itself" #avlgov

Next commenter bringing up the horrible traffic already occurring at that intersection (yeah it's terrible). Intersection is already considered to be failing. This project will only make it worse #avlgov

Susan Summerall who was also on the urban forestry commission says that 2 percent of the tree canopy wants to avoid maintaining only equals about 37 trees. Costco has the resources to keep those trees but is refusing to do so. #avlgov

Karen MacNeil, speaking on behalf of the now obliterated Urban Forestry Commission, says project sets a bad precedent allowing developers to skirt tree canopy preservation requirements. #avlgov

Costco's attorney bringing up that WNC residents are taking money to Tennessee to frequent the sacred Costcos. Big loss, big loss Costco would go up on a site that is difficult to use for other developments (because it is heavily polluted). Hmm, might as well put a huge box store there 🤷‍♀️ #avlgov

Councilmember Kim Roney asking about potential for brown field development so that fewer trees are cut down. City attorney Branham says that state laws require intensive remediation when those areas are disturbed. Proposed development to occur on Sand Hill Rd #avlgov

City hall: Massive interstate project displacing Black and Brown communities? Who needs trees. Massive Costco with enormous parking lot (to hold even more cars)? Who needs trees! Also city hall, "Why are storms way worse and our infrastructure way less able to handle wastewater? Whoops!" #avlgov

More about this proposed project bsky.app/profile/avlb... #avlgov

Onto zoning changes potentially allowing for the development of a Costco in West Asheville. #avlgov

Next commenter: "This has been a great experience because we've worked together." Zoning change in Shiloh allowing affordable development approved unanimously #avlgov

Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley says project "leans into anti-displacement," thus implying that she will vote for it. Public comment opens. Norma Baines opens and supports project. #avlgov

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Applicant for the proposed Habitat for Humanity affordable development in the predominantly Black Shiloh neighborhood now presenting. Developer says that solar installations would up costs and "potentially make the neighborhood unsuccessful." #avlgov