From Staff Reports

The recent unveiling of a proposal to fence in almost half of Pritchard Park — a busy downtown Asheville landmark — has raised concerns that the barrier will exclude the homeless and other frequent park-users.

The triangular-shaped 0.2-acre park serves as a people magnet in the heart of downtown’s commercial, social and tourism district, with events ranging from weekly drum circles to political protests to chess games.

Because the park is so popular, trees and other plantings are constantly being damaged. Littering and inappropriate public behavior — such as public urination — also occur.

As a result, some city officials and others are proposing a solution for the park — to surround trampled areas with a 40-inch high decorative fence around.

To that end, at a City Council meeting on Dec. 13, upgrades costing up to $232,349 were presented to council for future consideration.