ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Abandoned and long-vacant buildings across Asheville could soon face increased scrutiny under a proposed ordinance that would expand the city’s authority to intervene when properties pose health or safety risks.
City leaders say the move is aimed at closing a long-standing gap in local law that has allowed buildings to sit empty for years, as long as they technically met minimum building code standards.
One of the most visible examples sits along Merrimon Avenue, where boarded-up buildings across from Luella’s Bar-B-Que have remained vacant since a car crash in 2005 partially collapsed one of the structures. Nearly 20 years later, neighbors say little has changed…