We are Burton Street

Children outside Burton Street School, circa 1925. From the North Carolina Collection, Pack Memorial Library

I'm extremely proud of something my newspaper, along with some intrepid local photographers, has done. We Are Burton Street is a powerful way to put a human face on a neighborhood that's already been cut by roads, fought off the drug trade and now faces another interstate slicing through it. There's photos, video, slide shows and interviews all documenting what's going on.

My own contributions include the interviews with local leaders DeWayne Barton and Vivian Conley featured in the opening slideshow as well as the article highlighting the close-knit, sometimes painful history of this unique area:

In its nearly century-long history, West Asheville’s Burton Street community, now tucked up against Interstate 240, has faced many challenges, including economic hardship, drug activity, a lack of basic services and major road construction.

“The people will rally around and come together,” says longtime resident Vivian Conley. “We’ve had to struggle for everything we’ve gotten.”

The latest challenge this community faces is the planned demolition of a number of houses to make way for the I-26 connector (exactly how many depends on which plan is eventually adopted). Recently, the state Department of Transportation announced yet another construction delay, leaving frustrated residents still in the dark.

“We know that congestion is a problem; we know [an I-26 connector] has to be done,” she says. “But this uncertainty keeps anything from being done. It keeps you in limbo as far as your life is concerned.”

From her house at 91 Burton St., one can hear the sound of cars rushing by on the interstate. Under every plan proposed so far, Conley’s house will be demolished.