I read with interest the Asheville Watchdog article by John Boyle citing Clark Duncan’s opposition to the proposed Costco site in Enka due to the “wages, tax base and land use” issues [“Proposed Costco Location in Enka Opposed by Economic Development Coalition,” Dec. 10]. It seems to me that the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the City Council, have green lighted many construction projects for hotels, which are notoriously low wage payers.
The real issue to me seems to be that a Costco — which is a project that residents have desired for some time — doesn’t do enough for the Tourism Development Authority. I think City Council should do something that locals actually want.
Personally, I don’t shop at Costco, but unless there is another concrete plan or proposal for the site, it makes no sense to deny it. It’s never going to become affordable housing, and no one else has offered to build anything on the site for years. What is Clark Duncan waiting for? Another defense industry manufacturer?…