Citizens Act To Reclaim Public Park

Members of the Asheville community continue vigil under the Magnolia tree in protest of the Parkland Project.  Photo: Urban News Archives

A groundswell of concern over the sale of public parkland at City County Plaza has brought together a diverse group of Buncombe County residents.

“We recognize the need for immediate action to preserve and protect our public commons from destruction through private development. How can it be that our parkland is sold off piecemeal to a private developer after the public has invested $21 million dollars toward enhancing it,” said Asheville resident Frank Adams. “We demand the return of this parkland with no swap for city property.”

We are calling on
all who value this central park and recognize its importance to the
health of our community to come out until this land is returned to the
people as George Willis Pack bequeathed: “Public Forever!”
Loss of this urban commons has potential for shredding the fabric of
our diverse community, unraveling it at its heart. Generations of
Buncombe County citizens have shared and enjoyed this common ground
through picnics, music, public debate, and cultural events.

It’s
been well stated that “A City that doesn’t care for parks is a city
without a soul.” Members of County government have acknowledged that it
was a serious mistake to sell this land. It was a betrayal of public
trust.

It
would be a far more grievous failure if this land was not returned to
public use. “We first and foremost call upon our elected officials to
act responsibly and with integrity, knowing that they have the power to
correct this error. We trust that they will do so in a timely way,”
stated Arden resident Coleman Smith. “Our government owes its citizens
transparency and due diligence while acting in the public interest.
Correcting this mistake would work to restore confidence in local
government at a time when public trust is at a low point.”

The
group believes action on the part of elected officials would save our
city from the embarrassment of further civil and legal actions. That
failing, and faced with the imminent loss and reduction of our town
commons, a very determined and ongoing citizen effort will reclaim our
land and legacy. This direct action would likely attract widespread
interest throughout the country. “We the people…”