|
ASHEVILLE — City and county leaders agreed Tuesday to provide much of the
funding needed to buy 30 acres for a park overlooking downtown Asheville from
Beaucatcher Mountain.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City Council voted
unanimously to each provide $575,000 toward the purchase of property owned by
Stan Greenburg.
The site is the largest single tract of
undeveloped land remaining in the city limits. Plans for the property include
hiking trails and overlooks.
Scott Riviere, a volunteer fundraiser for the project, said that high-end
development would go up on the site if the money wasn’t raised to preserve it.
“There is a lot of excitement in the community for this,” he said. “This is a
great legacy for Buncombe County.”
The Trust for Public Land has agreed to provide $375,000 for the land
purchase, while about $600,000 in private donations have been raised, said the
trust’s Maggie Clancy.
She said the trust is seeking another $500,000 in grant money from N.C. state
Parks and Recreation.
“I think it will be a nice centerpiece for years to come,” Commissioner David
Young said.
City Councilwoman Robin Cape said the park would preserve green spaces in the
city.
“You are not going to have to go to a tree museum in Asheville,” she said.
Councilman Carl Mumpower said the city was getting an exceptional value.
The city will gain title to the land and will be responsible for developing
and maintaining the park.
Staff said developing the park would cost at least $325,000, with maintenance
about $5,000 a year for five years.
|
