Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy acknowledged June 5 that the city is responsible for maintainance of a water tank near Patton Mountain Road that many residents have said is an eyeseore.

The announcement came after Bellamy wrote a letter to Gov. Mike Easley last March requesting that the state fix the 40-year-old tank, which is covered in peeling paint.

The tank, which sits outside the gate to the Governorís Western Residence, is on a state-owned easement, but is maintained by the cityís water department.

Bellamy said that after further investigation, she discovered that the city is in charge of its upkeep. The mayor added that the tank will be replaced within two years.