From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — UNC Asheville’s controversial stadium plan took a big step forward on July 24, when the UNC System Board of Governors “voted to approve a 99-year land lease of more than 50 acres of university property,” Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on July 25.

“The vote gives UNCA the green light to begin negotiations with a private developer on a proposed $250 million stadium district,” News 13 stated.

“The selected developer, Asheville Stadium District Real Estate Project LLC, is led by a former MLS executive and has been involved with pro stadiums in Ohio and South Carolina.

“UNCA officials say the project could bring housing, retail, and a 5,000-seat soccer stadium to the property.”

The TV station added, “While UNCA’s Endowment Board can now start negotiations with the developer, any final agreement will still need approval from the Board of Governors.”

Meanwhile, Kirk Bradley, a member of the UNC Board of Governors, said, “This is no different than any of the other 17 campuses that we have. So, we aren’t giving anything that they don’t already have. We’re just trying to do our job. It’s a two-step process, and we are going to allow them to move it into a more appropriate entity. In this case, they’ve chosen the endowment.”

Only one governor voted against the July 24 action.

News 13’s “Comment Bubble” that appeared after its story on the UNCA ground lease approval included the following:

• Bunch — “Building the stadium on the 45 acres site is not consistent with the livability and character of the surrounding historic residential neighborhoods. UNCA, build a stadium — just not at the proposed site.”

• CGarren — “Anyone who complains about this project and then attends a game or shops there is complicit. Destroying more of Asheville’s greenspace should be a crime.”

• TiredofIgnorance — “I believe that this property is owned by the UNC system. It is not public property, but UNCA has allowed the space to be enjoyed by the public. While I hate to see any natural space developed, the outrage and entitlement are unfounded.”

• hikertrash — “This is not a stadium district, this is a green space in a residential community. Boo hiss!”

• TheOracle — “Non-instructional, as usual.”