You recently reported on our local governmental monetary shortfall [“Bad News Budget: Staff Predicts Big Budget Shortfall,” Nov. 26]. I find it ironic that we also have learned of yet another (the third?) skyscraper proposal that was killed—once again, because the buildings in question were “too tall.” This from a committee that would not raise an eyebrow if another thousand acres of hillside were denuded tomorrow. I fear yet another non-smart development scheme.
Yet, the projected tax revenues from urban business/residential/hotel development would have greatly alleviated the anticipated deficit. Whoever decides the height of buildings should look up more. We can save the hills and provide ample living and working space for our growing population at the same time.
The only really serious requirement of these investors should be that of building “green.” Much of the energy and resource demands can now so easily be free, recycled or drastically reduced.
— Tom Coppola
Asheville
