The constant clear-cutting along this [West Asheville] neighborhood’s slope has been horrendous. Two-story row homes, on stilts, are being built so potential buyers can view the mountains surrounding downtown. To ensure this, the developer left only one strand of trees at the bottom of the slope. Hundreds of old-growth trees and animal habitats were obliterated.
There is a sign off Haywood Road, immediately before the Riverview Drive turnoff, stating that West Asheville was founded in the 1700s. These cookie-cutter homes do not blend in with the character of the old, modest homes. Eventually, most of the slope will be destroyed as landowners sell out to greedy developers. This hill stretches from Haywood Road to Amboy, and it includes Grandview Drive. The first seven of these homes being built on Grandview have more than doubled the [previously] existing number.
We voted for [this] City Council because they emphasized smart growth. It is heartbreaking to know that this will not happen here. Every concerned citizen should drive up Riverview Drive to see why we need to protect our slopes! If this is progress, we have little hope for the remaining beauty and nature in this area.
These homes will not benefit any of the local homeowners here. They are not affordable for the average wage earner; the roads are not conducive for this high-impact development; and this has been destructive to our environment. Many of the residents are outraged and have protest signs in their front yards. Shame on our local government for allowing a developer to destroy the integrity of this neighborhood.
— Jeff and Susan Hamilton
Asheville
