Asheville News

Asheville to demolish structures on Swannanoa River

Jason Sandford May 14, 2009

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Press release here, but I don’t know what “structures along the Swannanoa River” will be demolished. Anyone?

ASHEVILLE – The City of Asheville is proceeding today with a green demolition of structures along the Swannanoa River to reduce flood damage and clear the way for possible future construction of the Swannanoa River Greenway.

Following the floods of 2004 in Asheville and Western North Carolina, the North Carolina state legislature appropriated funds to cities to purchase properties prone to recurring flood damage. Using those funds, city officials worked with qualifying property owners to purchase flood damaged properties along the Swannanoa River located at 501, 531, 571, and 573 Swannanoa River Road.

By removing structural impedances from the floodway, the severity of future flood events can be reduced. The green demolition will include efforts to salvage materials that can be re-used or recycled. The demolition is expected to be completed in less than 90 days.

The newly opened green space can serve as a potential future greenway location connecting the city’s Municipal Golf Course to Riverbend Park. The greenway would follow Swannanoa River Road between Bleachery Boulevard and Fairview Road.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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5 Comments

Jamunca May 19, 2009

Basically, the stuff across from the golf course is coming down. Not the gas stations.

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Ash May 14, 2009

Lena, you’ve got it.

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Lena May 14, 2009

Ash,

Could you possibly email me a copy of that press release?

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Asheville Dweller May 14, 2009

Could only hope they are talking of tearing down the wretched River Arts Building.

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eastender May 14, 2009

Glad to hear about this. My guess is that the structures will be the old shop (forgot the name) that sold lawn mowers and such – it was completely destroyed in the flood & now is a big mess covered with grafitti; the old Riverside Diner; the now-defunct Spirts on the River; and the dilapidated structure beside it – looked like an old vegetable stand. Most of these buildings have been an eyesore, except for Spirits, which closed only in recent months. It’ll be good to see it all cleaned up.

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