The ParkSide Conundrum

*The controversial ParkSide project is proposed by one of Asheville's most powerful, richest, and well-connected developers, Stewart Coleman, and his Black Dog Realty organization. Angry accusations and denials of insider, backroom dealings have surfaced. A lawsuit by heirs of Pack Square is currently underway. The Pack Square Conservancy and many grassroots organizations, as well as prominent Asheville citizens, local politicians, and even real estate brokers have denounced Coleman's proposed project that would look directly onto a $21 million dollar investment by the community and government. Click Here>

*Asheville City Council member Carl Mumpower has written to Buncombe County Chairman Nathan Ramsey to express his viewpoint that the Commissioners should not tell the City how to conduct its business about land exchanges. This letter follows a recent resolution by the City Council that states it encourages the Commissioners to work with the City to resolve the Parkside issue. For a recent MountainXpress article about the resolution and citizen reaction, Click Here>

*Asheville PARC (People Advocating Real Conservancy) wants to stop Parkside. PARC has repeatedly called upon concerned citizens to pressure the county and city officials to resolve the issue in a way that preserves the parkland. PARC's June 23, 2008, e-newsletter dubs the current situation as The Parkside Conundrum. For PARC's most recent perspective, Click Here> 

*Gordon Smith of Scrutiny Hooligans remains one of the most outspoken citizens against Coleman's ParkSide project. He has posted many articles and editorials on his blog at www.ScrutinyHooligans.us. He continues to lead the Parkside charge on behalf of outraged citizens who want the parkland -- which Coleman's company purchased under the supervision of Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene -- returned. Click Here>