If a private entity fails to deliver on-time, does that justify government seizure? Agreeing with the president is Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell. The Pack Square Conservancy has announced delays in constructing a visitors’ information center and restrooms for Pack Square Park. Construction of the park, intended to be a world-class attraction, has been plagued by delays. With the latest announcement, Bothwell requested that $500,000 from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority be redirected from the conservancy to the city. And that was just for starters. Bothwell observed the city has a great track record for finishing projects on-time and on-budget.
Representatives of the conservancy claimed the delays were to keep dust out of local restaurants during prime tourist season. Those knowledgeable about finance say transferring control to the city would only introduce more delays. Bothwell, who is running for Congress, engaged in name calling when demanding an audit.
