Sign The Petition

To: Asheville City Council

As concerned residents of Asheville and advocates for environmental justice, we are reaching out to strongly urge the Council to permanently relocate all debris sorting and processing sites away from residential areas and school zones. In light of recent actions, we thank you for temporarily pausing debris operations near public housing neighborhoods. However, we remain deeply concerned about the long-term risks posed by situating these sites in close proximity to residential areas, such as Deaverview, Roger Farmer Park, and now, Enka Commerce Park—especially given its location near a school.

Hurricane Helene left our community with massive amounts of debris, and we understand the urgency of processing it. However, placing debris processing facilities near neighborhoods and schools raises serious health and environmental concerns. These facilities often handle materials containing toxic chemicals, metals, and other pollutants that can pose severe respiratory risks, particularly for children and families in nearby homes.

We respectfully request the following actions:

  • Permanent Relocation of Debris Sites: We urge the Council to find suitable locations for these facilities that are safely away from residential neighborhoods and school areas.

 

  • Consideration of Alternative Sites: We ask that the City explore non-residential alternatives, such as land owned by entities like the Biltmore Company, which owns large areas of land removed from residential and school zones.

 

  • Implementation of Strict Health and Environmental Protocols: Debris processing in urban-adjacent areas necessitates stringent safety measures to prevent air and water contamination.

 

  • Commitment to Transparency and Community Involvement: Finally, we urge the Council to ensure affected communities—especially in East Asheville, Enka, and other impacted neighborhoods—are regularly updated and involved in planning processes.

    By taking these steps, the Asheville City Council can protect the health of our residents, promote environmental justice, and demonstrate its commitment to responsible community planning.

    With our full support for a safe and healthy Asheville,

    The OURavl team.