It is still fair to say whatever Biltmore wants Biltmore gets. That is not to disparage Biltmore Farms; rather, it is a wish that everybody else could navigate the law so well. Unfortunately, maintaining a semblance of property rights these days is a very expensive endeavor, accessible only to those who can afford the best of attorneys.

Representative Tim Moffitt introduced a local bill yesterday that would repeal the annexation of Biltmore Lake. Residents kept the promise, “See you in court,” uttered as redshirts left the council chambers the night the Asheville City Council finalized the annexation. A judge voted against the residents, and they appealed. In the meantime, legislation is pending that would put a moratorium on involuntary annexation in the state until the practice is outlawed outright. Moffitt’s bill would provide an alternative fallback position for the residents who do not want to become a part of Asheville.

At the time of this post, 68 persons had commented about the annexation on the Asheville Citizen-Times web site. Several believe the city has misplaced priorities, buying greenways and other things that do not generate revenue, failing to provide adequate city services, and charging tax- and ratepayers too much.