Asheville’s Master Plan: What Do Local African Americans Want?

The Block in 1958.  Photo: YMI Archives

Many meetings have been held in Asheville that center around Asheville’s Master Plan, a plan to revitalize the downtown area. Several of those meeting have been held to garner the opinions and support of local African Americans community.

Local African Americans feel the Urban Renewal (a.k.a. Master Planning) efforts of the past has served as a loss of economic capital in homes, businesses, and economic welfare, as well as the intellectual capital to manage businesses and assets.

Some local African Americans have expressed a desire to see a more
inclusive and economic minority sustainability collaboration with the
City of Asheville, and lending institutions to bring back viable
minority businesses into downtown, and in the Eagle/Market Street area.
In order to achieve this goal, affordable loans, or CDBG funds need to
be made available.

Members of Asheville’s African American community participating in Master Planning sessions.  – Urban News archives

The Eagle Market Street area was once a thriving business and
residential area which has been stripped of homes and businesses,
people have expressed a wish to see historical landmarks placed there
that would keep the history of the area alive.

There is also interest in seeing more African American firemen,
police, and more color in City Hall. More opportunities and affordable
housing for young educated adults should be made available as well.