Reparations commission suggests economic projects for Asheville’s Black community

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — After nearly two years of meetings and discussions, Asheville’s 25-member Community Reparations Commission for the first time is recommending projects they want local leaders to support. The four projects, focused on economic starters for the Black community, are the first in what’s expected to be a series of project recommendations before the commission’s contracted facilitator ends her contract June 1. The four initial projects the Commission is recommending are: CEASE THE HARM AUDIT IDENTIFIES HISTORIC HARMS TO BLACK COMMUNITY IN ASHEVILLE, BUNCOMBE “I’m excited about the center itself, which should operate as a think tank” said commission member Dee Williams. In supporting documents for the center, the commission cited a model project in Portland as an example. “We do have a Black business hub that’s going to be dedicated to entrepreneurs,” said Azalea Renfield, executive director of the Portland’s Williams and Rusell Project. “That Black business hub is going to be three stories high.” Renfield, who recently took over the position, said the hub is estimated to cost $26 million but $9 million still needs to be raised. She said the City of Portland approved $4 million last year but the project has not broken ground....