Lexington Ave needs your support!
Tell the City of Asheville and Duke Energy NO LAND SWAP. Duke says it can rebuild a new improved substation to meet future energy demand at its current location.
The City of Asheville and Duke Energy are actively discussing a new substation project which would alter the unique greenscape and character of historic Lexington Avenue.
Moving the substation puts over 60 small businesses, over 1000 residents and a valuable 11,000 square foot urban forest canopy at risk. Duke’s nearly 3-story substation would impact 10 city blocks on historic Lexington Avenue, turning tree views into a grim, gray landscape and creating a giant concrete canvas for graffiti. Together we can stop this.
The following side by side comparison to show the current Lexington Avenue urban tree canopy that’s under threat by Duke Energy’s plans for a new substation.
Together we can stop the substation land swap!
Today: Lexington Avenue has a unique urban forest and was awarded ”one of America’s Great Places” by the American Planning Association. The red box shows the approximate full extent of the project. (Looking West from Lexington Ave)
Planned: All of the forest in the above picture would be replaced by a nearly 3 story high wall and screen reaching down to the parking lot (bottom of red box). The top of the wall would be packed with powerlines and transformers.
TV Spots
Check out these TV spots to help stop the land swap and substation move.
Asheville Citizen Times reports that Duke Energy is considering new location for downtown substation
In a story published on January 23, 2024, the Asheville Citizen Times reported that Duke Energy is proposing a new location for its downtown substation. The company is now considering a site located at a city-owned parking lot along Rankin Ave.
Hear from Asheville mayoral candidates Esther Manheimer and Kim Roney, and learn more about their positions on issues affecting our city and downtown. Presented by Black Wall Street AVL Friday, September 23 6:00pm-8:30 pm 8 River Arts Place River Arts District Asheville, NC 28801 Register for the event here: https://bit.ly/3x9SbhP
Hear from the candidates running for three seats on Asheville City Council, and learn more about their positions on issues affecting downtown, including the proposed land swap with Duke Energy for construction of a new electric substation on Rankin Avenue. Hosted by the Buncombe County Democratic Party Thursday, September 22 6:30pm-8:30 pm Buncombe Democrats Headquarters […]
It’s the first candidates forum of the election season, so join Friends of Lexington Avenue to hear from the Mayoral and City Council candidates on key topics affecting Asheville. We have submitted questions to CAN tied to the substation move and lack of community engagement. Write-in question cards will also be available at the event. […]
