ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Downtown Asheville is set to see a noticeable increase in police presence as part of a new public safety initiative focused on the city’s business district.
The plan centers on doubling patrols, expanding enforcement and addressing concerns local business owners say are tied to the ongoing homelessness crisis. Owners report frequent issues like vandalism, public intoxication, trespassing, belligerent behavior and suspected drug use—problems they say are impacting safety and daily operations.
The initiative is expected to begin around April 18, with a broader rollout in the following weeks. As part of the effort, officers will increase patrols during the day and overnight. In some cases this summer, trained mental health counselors will respond alongside police…