Information presented throughout this website surrounds the Urban Renewal implementation. Content includes before, during, and after the Urban Renewal era. The Gallery connects the human side…the faces… lives who experienced the Urban Renewal impact. The Gallery 2 shows people on one accord. The “remapping menu” displays parcels and home in the Southside community before, during, and after the implementation.
The Urban Renewal implementation resulted in economic changes, life, and physical disruptions- a community root shock. In an effort to share our stories, this website invites contribution from all community members impacted in Asheville. The website’s contents predominately represent what happened on the Southside of Asheville, NC. My vision is that this website will serve as our voices.
Community Root Shock
There were four thriving and close knit Black communities; Stump Town, East-End, Hill Street, and Southside. I lived in the Southside during a time when community meant unity. Everyone knew each other and no one was hungry or homeless. The children played safely in the streets. Young men and women were taught trades by the Black business owners. There was much respect for one another; and the children were taught at an early age. It was home – until the change began.
The Redevelopment Commission begun the East Riverside Redevelopment Program in 1968. The 407-acre project was a combination of rehabilitation and redevelopment. It also involved improved street and utility systems. This project was the largest project in the southeast. Substandard housing in the Southside (East Riverside) area was replaced unit for unit with federal assistance by the Housing Authority. These units are known as public housing. From 1970 through 2000, Asheville drastically change. In attempt to integrate institutions and improve living conditions in the Black community, the city of Asheville implemented the program of Urban Renewal. Homes, businesses, people, and even the trees were uprooted. Residents were scattered across the city. Some were able to purchase homes and relocated to unwelcomed areas. Most residents were relocated to public housing with the “high-rise” designated specifically for the elderly. Other residents relocated to other cities and states.
Sadly, along with some deteriorating structures and in the name of progress, the Black citizens of Asheville lost beloved neighborhoods, schools, black-owned homes, businesses, and a strong sense of community. Where homes once stood, the current lay of the land is filled with empty lots. Many community members question what happened to the $1 lots that were not sold back to community members, as promised. How many remain? How many were sold to developers?