ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The former J.C. Penney site at the Asheville Mall, which has been vacant for just over a year, will be vacant no more.
According to a May 27 news release from Buncombe County government, the county will be purchasing the 6.24 acre site for $5 million for a what the county is calling its first standalone Emergency Operations Center. The county said the purchase aligns with its recently-adopted Preparedness Action Plan and Helene Recovery Plan.
“Helene taught us that we needed to improve our infrastructure in order to better respond, manage and maintain government operations following a disaster,” said Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder in the release. “With this purchase, we will be able to facilitate more effective information sharing, resource allocation and fast and efficient deployment of people and equipment in field operations.”…