ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — City officials have decided not to move forward with a proposal to create a downtown social district, citing concerns about balancing economic recovery efforts with maintaining residents’ quality of life in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
During the Oct. 14 Asheville City Council meeting, members discussed strategies to help local businesses rebound after the storm, including a possible social district that would allow open-container alcohol consumption in designated downtown areas.
Mayor Esther Manheimer said that while revitalizing the local economy remains a top priority, the proposed social district did not meet the city’s broader community goals…