Asheville Reparations: Members hear final ‘equity audit:’ 108 new recommendations

ASHEVILLE – As the historic Community Reparations Commission works toward its final report, it has a new slate of 108 potential recommendations to consider from Florida-based Carter Development Group, intended to “cease the harm” done by local municipalities against Black residents. A final presentation of the equity audit was heard by the reparations commission March 18, and by Buncombe County commissioners the following evening. The Carter Group’s “high impact” recommendations included designating legacy Black communities as historic districts in response to urban renewal — an attempt to guard against gentrification, though county commissioners questioned if that would be the outcome — and the establishment of a Black Chamber of Commerce. The $174,375 contract cost for the Carter Group’s work was shared between the city and county. The consultant called it the first known audit of its nature funded by a municipal and county government. Extension calls continue Meanwhile, the commission hurdles toward its June deadline. As they do, some members continue to express the need for an extension. “If we are trying to squeeze in more meetings to finish … there is clearly more to be done within these next couple months,” said commission alternate Osondu McPeters. He said there...