Matilda Bliss

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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We'll be here to give you live updates on how those elections transpire next week. In the meantime, locals are speaking up, which will always make #avlgov's machinations more difficult to implement.

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Thanks for following tonight's @avlblade.bsky.social coverage of the Asheville city council meeting. Our trans and working class collective relies on your support. Support us below by subscribing Or send us a one-time donation at paypal.com/AshevilleBlade Much appreciation and have a great night!

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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It sounded for a moment like there was at least one more commenter, but that doesn't in fact appear to be the case. Manheimer adjourns the meeting. For so many reasons, whether it be #avlgov giving more funds to the local police state, scoffing at using funds to keep local bears safe...

...allowing more development in the path of wreckage left by Hurricane Helene, making the ecologically and socially disastrous I-26 connector project more "aesthetic," gutting its bus system, or paving the way for UNCA's woods to get chopped to bits, this #avlgov teeters with elections next week

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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Not a good sign for the incumbent #avlgov electeds, multiple topics have seen multiple speakers during tonight's meeting. People are upset at city hall for many reasons Next commenter comes at city hall w/ a list of concerns including wanting more support for the bears & protection for UNCA's woods

Manheimer addressing the UNCA woods situation. Says that she wants to run the wording of a potential resolution by the UNCA chancellor first before having an #avlgov public hearing. Wow, Asheville's mayor yall. Don't get your hopes up that this council will do anything to protect the woods.

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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Next commenter is "speaking for the trees." UNCA woods are "a place for healing." Tells #avlgov to reread the Lorax by Dr Suess.

Nina Tovish bringing up the river neighboring London Rd development that #avlgov approved just tonight. Is pointing out the parking situation. "I just hope that in future discussions" city hall "looks closer at the traffic patterns" affecting neighboring communities.

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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Next commenter says that she supports the UNCA woods and ends her comment #avlgov

Rachel Cowan is talking about #avlgov's contract with Axon that surveils Asheville residents. Though Flock is done, "we have other systems under our belt to potentially use." Says she doesn't trust the police chief to protect locals' data. "You shouldn't either."

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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Next commenter supporting making Asheville a bear wise community. Is outraged that hunters are luring bears using garbage. Supports more bear-resistant trashcans. "I'm sure there will be many people who are willing to pay for them." "Protecting our bears starts with securing our trash." #avlgov

Next commenter is in a bat hat and talks about daughter having her birthday in the UNCA woods. "If the city takes a big stand for this forest, it's a huge asset." Wants #avlgov to be proactive in making this forest more of a known community asset.

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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Next commenter works for Ingles and is disabled. Asks that #avlgov not gut its bus routes. Residents can't get up hills to social security and MAHEC without bus service. Doesn't want to lose resources and be pushed out on the street. Black community is "being ignored."

Clare Hanrahan talking about interconnected struggles to save forests and bus systems. "What are we going to do?" Climate change is coming #avlgov

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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Another commenter is outraged by #avlgov's refusal to adequately fund its bus system. "You pass an anti-displacement resolution" while "cementing gentrification." "Most people won't ride the bus because they don't want to see poverty."

Next commenter talking about bears. "I want to see humans changing their behavior." Wants a commission created to address issue. [ #Avlgov hates its boards and commissions, so don't count on it]. Says that bear issue & fight UNCA's south woods are interconnected. "We can't keep destroying habitat"

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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Next commenter is first among what is many standing up for the UNCA forest that is in jeopardy of being cut down by UNCA. The school is hoping to build a soccer stadium. Talk about bad choices during the climate emergency #avlgov

Robert Nelson talks about surviving Helene as a homeless person because a bus saved shelter residents. "I am alive today because of the bus service." "This bus service does not have a funding issue. It is instead creating a humanitarian issue." #avlgov

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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I should have clarified. We are onto open public comment. Paul Howell has three people ceding their time for him. Howell discussing the dismal state of Asheville's bus system. Says drivers aren't allowed to to call additional busses to come by to help someone make their connections #avlgov

Howell says he has compassion for drivers navigating city's deprioritized bus system. "Leave these bus routes alone," he says speaking out against #avlgov's plan to end routes to places like MAHEC and the social security office. Also, sadly, has some choice words against homeless locals

Thanks @davidforbes.bsky.social Onto pedestrian considerations happening to make the enormous and disruptive I-26 connector project more "aesthetic." Lipstick on a pig, as always #Avlgov

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"We're cutting down a forest so that more gas guzzling cars can speed through our town. We also approved a development right next to the river after it flooded two years ago. Green capitalism!" Blegh. Council unanimously approves pedestrian "aesthetics" plan for the I-26 project #avlgov

Bobby Skelton criticizing #avlgov for its continued surveillance of locals. "Catch a few criminals along the way for the press release."