A Crack in the Dome of the Basilica
This crack in the dome of the Basilica of St. Lawrence is the reason people warn against heavy construction in front of the church.
The crack has been there for several years. The metal object is a crack meter, which is monitored to make sure the crack has not grown.
City Council is considering selling the land in front of the Basilica to the McKibbon Hotel Group, and fresh concerns have arisen about the wisdom of building there. Erecting a high-rise requires earth-shaking heavy equipment, and many people have expressed alarm at the prospect.
Based on letters to City Council, petitions, and letters to the editor, most residents want a park on the city-owned land, not another high-rise.
St. Lawrence Green would put a park where people are: going and coming from the Civic Center, the church, the Grove Arcade, Pack Memorial Library, and two large residential buildings – the Battery Park and the Vanderbilt.
But those who want more corporate presence in Asheville are working hard to make sure the hotel is built instead.
When Council members campaign for office, they promise us that they will work on behalf of the residents, not out-of-state corporations. They promise they will be environmentally friendly.
City Council can make a decision that will benefit Asheville for generations to come – or they can make a decision that will mainly benefit just one corporation. We need a community discussion on the best use of that city-owned space.
Please add your voice by writing to:
PARC, PO Box 4093, Asheville, NC 28805
