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The notorious Enka ‘bridge to nowhere’ is finally open. Was the nearly decade-long wait worth it? • Asheville Watchdog

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avlwatchdog.org – JOHN BOYLE – 2025-02-17 06:00:00

It’s not often you get a thrill from just driving over a bridge.

But I definitely got a little tingle Wednesday when I cruised over the newly opened span leading into the Enka Commerce Park from Smokey Park Highway.

The excitement came not from wondering if the bridge’s weird, metal-tube wrapped pillars would hold the weight of my pickup (and me), but from actually witnessing it in use, by real vehicles, in motion. After I spent about a decade looking at it, or taking pictures, perhaps you can understand my skepticism.

I’m going to estimate I’ve written about this bridge 5,312 times over the past decade. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but it sure feels like it.

Construction started in 2016, and of course readers asked me about it then, when I was writing Answer Man for the Asheville Citizen Times.

I drove out and took pictures of the construction back then and wrote it up. I interviewed Martin Lewis, a member of Fletcher Partners, which developed the site.

The partners bought the 200-acre site in 2008, right when the Great Recession hit, and while the city of Asheville approved site plans, development was slow to come. In fact, Lewis had a great line when I asked him then about when they hoped to build out the retail part of the project.

“About eight years ago,” he said. “This is going to be an overnight success 10 years in the making when it happens.”

He was joking, but, boy, was he prophetic.

I drove over the bridge Wednesday because the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a spec-warehouse building opening in the park, and because the bridge opened. The EDC pegged the event as a celebration of “a key infrastructure development designed to improve connectivity and facilitate future economic growth.”

Buncombe County’s investments in the bridge, as well as the roads inside the park, the Bob Lewis Sports Park and planning for the Hominy Creek Greenway, total more than $10 million, the EDC noted.

“The newly completed bridge and access roads represent critical infrastructure improvements that will divert commercial freight and truck traffic from nearby Sand Hill Road while addressing traffic congestion and enhancing accessibility for workers, residents, emergency services and local schools,” the EDC’s news release stated.

For the bridge and roads, the NCDOT has contributed about $2.5 million to the project, the federally funded Appalachian Regional Council $3.1 million.

Lewis told me Wednesday that Fletcher Partners also had skin in the game on the bridge.

“The county put $3 million towards it, and then the bridge ended up costing a little bit over $4 million, so Fletcher partners made up the rest,” Lewis said.

I asked him how it felt to see that rascal open.

“It feels great,” he said with a smile.

Plans at one point swirled around big box retail

Back when Fletcher partners bought the property, the plan was for a large retail development, possibly including a Walmart or Lowe’s. Rumors also swirled about Costco going in there, but that never happened, as Asheville is cursed when it comes to landing that big fish. 

A few years back, Amazon was close to locating a hub on the property, although it never was identified, but the deal never happened. So Samet Corp. and Fletcher partners shifted to the current plan of three large warehouse spec buildings that will provide about 600,000-square feet of space for prospects.

It’s also worth noting that Enka Commerce Park already has 15 significant employers in it that support more than 500 jobs.

But let’s get back to the bridge.

Clark Duncan, executive director of the Economic Development Coalition, also had to reference the bridge’s long incubation period.

“This bridge access is going to divert some 250 trailers a week off of Sand Hill Road, and it is already in immediate use,” Duncan said. “I got a special kick over driving over that bridge —  legally — for the first time.”

The new Enka Commerce Park bridge will take about 250 trucks a week off of nearby Sand Hill Road, officials said. // Watchdog photo by John Boyle

Amanda Edwards, chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, also made reference to the bridge and the development timeframe.

“That was a weird feeling today to be able to drive across that to this spectacular industrial building built by the Samet Corporation and the Fletcher Partners,” Edwards said.

Tim Anderson, division engineer for the NCDOT’s Asheville-based Division 13, got the best laugh of the day, after the crowd gathered in the new warehouse gave him a round of applause when he was introduced.

“I’m really not used to folks clapping for DOT,” Anderson said. “Normally when we come to a meeting like this, there’s a lot of angry people looking at us, wanting to know when we’re going to buy their property or whatever.”

In seriousness, Anderson said it was really a “great day.”

Samet Corp., which is developing spec warehouse buildings in Enka Commerce Park, has committed to preserving the historic Enka clock tower. // Watchdog photo by John Boyle

“I know for a lot of folks around here, it was like, ‘Somebody built a bridge, when are they ever going to do anything with it?” Anderson said. “But this bridge and the roadway is really a story of perseverance and partnership. And for folks who think sometimes government works in silos and we don’t talk to each other, this is proof that that’s not the case.”

The NCDOT had to permit the bridge, and the department had to coordinate with the developers and other federal funders on road construction. Also, the plans for Enka Commerce Park shifted several times.

“I kind of think of it as the old saying about a fighter — you’ve got a plan for your fight until you get punched in the nose, and then the plan goes out the window,” Anderson said. “That’s kind of what this entire project was. It got started, then the economic downturn. There’s a bridge. There’s nothing to go in here. Folks start scrambling, looking for things that can come here and be a vital part of the community.”

In the end, it worked out, and the bridge, roads, and buildings are going to lead to more jobs, a key goal, Anderson pointed out.

Edwards noted that Asheville City Council two years ago approved plans for the spec building and two others to be built. The iconic Enka clock tower will also be preserved.

“These things take vision, they take time, they take investment, and they require strong private- public partnership,” Edwards said, citing the county’s $10 million investment.

Enka’s long industrial history

Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley spoke about the site’s history as a major employer, noting that the American Enka Corp., a rayon manufacturer, first invested in Asheville in 1928. The enormous manufacturing facility spanned much of the current property.

Asheville Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley spoke about the Enka site’s rich heritage as an employment center for Asheville and Buncombe County. // Watchdog photo by John Boyle

“As a native of Asheville, I understand the historic importance of this land to the families of our region,” Mosley said. “The American Enka company once employed as many as 7,000 residents, and the company facilities once spanned some 2,200 acres, including buildings on this very spot that were demolished well over a decade ago.”

On a side note, I still have one of the large bricks from the smokestack that was demolished. Hey, who doesn’t like an industrial souvenir?

Mosley lauded the Enka Commerce Park and the spec buildings as a way to add to the city’s tax base and “to expand and reinvigorate the economic engine of the Enka Commerce Park.”

Josh Drye, development manager with the Samet Corp., said it plans to start the second spec building when the first is 50 to 75 percent leased. That first building is ready for leasing.

Samet also has committed to preserving the clock tower. Drye said the structure is in decent shape, other than minor vandalism.

I wouldn’t look for the actual clocks to be restored to functionality any time soon, though.

“There’s a tremendous amount of money to get the electrical in there — to get it run up to the top — and then get all the clock things working,” Drye said. “We’ve looked at it. I think we got a price for it, but it’s not even considering the electrical aspect. Very expensive.”

I suspect it might take a decade or so.


Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. John Boyle has been covering Asheville and surrounding communities since the 20th century. You can reach him at (828) 337-0941, or via email at jboyle@avlwatchdog.org. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/support-our-publication/. 

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

NIL legislation advances, has exemption for public records laws | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By David Beasley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-30 21:25:00

(The Center Square) – Authorization of sports agents to sign North Carolina’s collegiate athletes for “name, image, and likeness” contracts used in product endorsements is in legislation approved Wednesday by a committee of the state Senate.

Authorize NIL Agency Contracts, known also as Senate Bill 229, is headed to the Rules Committee after gaining favor in the Judiciary Committee. It would likely next get a full floor vote.

Last year the NCAA approved NIL contracts for players.



Sen. Amy S. Galey, R-Alamance




“Athletes can benefit from NIL by endorsing products, signing sponsorship deals, engaging in commercial opportunities and monetizing their social media presence, among other avenues,” the NCAA says on its website. “The NCAA fully supports these opportunities for student-athletes across all three divisions.”

SB229 spells out the information that the agent’s contract with the athlete must include, and requires a warning to the athlete that they could lose their eligibility if they do not notify the school’s athletic director within 72 hours of signing the contract.

“Consult with your institution of higher education prior to entering into any NIL contract,” the says the warning that would be required by the legislation. “Entering into an NIL contract that conflicts with state law or your institution’s policies may have negative consequences such as loss of athletic eligibility. You may cancel this NIL agency contract with 14 days after signing it.”

The legislation also exempts the NIL contracts from being disclosed under the state’s Open Records Act when public universities review them. The state’s two ACC members from the UNC System, Carolina and N.C. State, requested the exemption.

“They are concerned about disclosure of the student-athlete contracts when private universities don’t have to disclose the student-athlete contracts,” Sen. Amy Galey, R-Alamance, told the committee. “I feel very strongly that a state university should not be put at a disadvantage at recruitment or in program management because they have disclosure requirements through state law.”

Duke and Wake Forest are the other ACC members, each a private institution.

The post NIL legislation advances, has exemption for public records laws | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article primarily reports on the legislative development regarding NIL (name, image, and likeness) contracts for collegiate athletes in North Carolina. It presents facts about the bill, committee actions, and includes statements from a state senator without using loaded or emotionally charged language. The piece neutrally covers the issue by explaining both the bill’s purpose and the concerns it addresses, such as eligibility warnings and disclosure exemptions. Overall, the article maintains a factual and informative tone without advocating for or against the legislation, reflecting a centrist, unbiased approach.

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N.C. Treasurer names conservative climate skeptic to state Utilities Commission

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ncnewsline.com – Lisa Sorg – 2025-04-30 15:52:00

SUMMARY: Donald van der Vaart, a former North Carolina environmental secretary and climate skeptic, has been appointed to the North Carolina Utilities Commission by Republican Treasurer Brad Briner. Van der Vaart, who previously supported offshore drilling and fracking, would oversee the state’s transition to renewable energy while regulating utility services. His appointment, which requires approval from the state House and Senate, has drawn opposition from environmental groups. Critics argue that his views contradict clean energy progress. The appointment follows a controversial bill passed by the legislature, granting the treasurer appointment power to the commission.

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The post N.C. Treasurer names conservative climate skeptic to state Utilities Commission appeared first on ncnewsline.com

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‘Crypto-friendly legislation’ clears North Carolina House | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-04-30 14:47:00

(The Center Square) – Called “crypto-friendly legislation” by the leader of the chamber, a proposal on digital assets on Wednesday afternoon passed the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Passage was 71-44 mostly along party lines.

The NC Digital Assets Investments Act, known also as House Bill 92, has investment requirements, caps and management, and clear definitions and standards aimed at making sure only qualified digital assets are included. House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, said the state would potentially join more than a dozen others with “crypto-friendly legislation.”

With him in sponsorship are Reps. Stephen Ross, R-Alamance, Mark Brody, R-Union, and Mike Schietzelt, R-Wake.

Nationally last year, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act – known as FIT21 – passed through the U.S. House in May and in September was parked in the Senate’s Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

Dan Spuller, cochairman of the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative, said the state has proven a leader on digital asset policy. That includes the Money Transmitters Act of 2016, the North Carolina Regulatory Sandbox Act of 2021, and last year’s No Centrl Bank Digital Currency Pmts to State. The latter was strongly opposed by Gov. Roy Cooper, so much so that passage votes of 109-4 in the House and 39-5 in the Senate slipped back to override votes, respectively, of 73-41 and 27-17.

The post ‘Crypto-friendly legislation’ clears North Carolina House | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article presents a factual report on the passage of the NC Digital Assets Investments Act, highlighting the legislative process, party-line votes, and related legislative measures. It does not adopt a clear ideological stance or frame the legislation in a way that suggests bias. Instead, it provides neutral information on the bill, its sponsors, and relevant background on state legislative activity in digital asset policy. The tone and language remain objective, focusing on legislative facts rather than promoting a particular viewpoint.

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