Letter: Improving dreadful downtown Asheville

Graphic by Lori Deaton

Am I wrong? It looks pretty simple to me. Hire 40% more policemen, pay them a salary so they can live in Asheville and put them where they are needed the most — downtown Asheville.

— Barbara Newman
Asheville

Editor’s note: Most of the letters about downtown Asheville in the March 15 issue came in after a recent Xpress newsletter that highlighted three articles covering concerns about public safety and cleanliness downtown. Those stories can be found at avl.mx/chuavl.mx/chw and avl.mx/cht. To sign up for Xpress’ free newsletter, go to avl.mx/8st.

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2 thoughts on “Letter: Improving dreadful downtown Asheville

  1. indy499

    Ms Newman, because your solution is too obvious. Our keystone kouncil needs to hire some consultants (preferably from out of state), put the recommendations in a binder in a room (probably an entire building by now), hold some absurd charrettes (an asheville special word for a planning meeting) and declare success.

    The closing of the downtown police station was one of the dumber decisions made, and there are so many to choose from. Why would you want to deploy your force where the people are and where the crime is?

  2. WNC

    In mid 2020 San Fran politicians and crazies demand defund the the police.
    March 2023 San Fran politicians begging police to help.

    Mid 2020 Asheville politicians, crazies and weekend rioters demand defund the police
    March 2023 Asheville citizens, business owners (and other Democrats) begging for the police to help.
    Soon local politicians trying to save their power will be doing the same ( while not acknowledging they are the cause)

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