The fate of the controversial stone obelisk in the heart of Asheville is about to undergo more serious public inspection.
Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are now accepting applications from residents to be appointed to help decide the fate of the Vance Monument in Pack Square. It’s named after Zebulon Vance, North Carolina's governor during the Civil War.
The County says in a news release the 12-member Vance Monument Task Force will be asked to participate in planning, gathering community feedback, evaluating options, and finally reaching consensus on the final content for the report. The report will offer a recommendation for the 65-foot monument’s final destiny -- either removing it or the repurposing of the structure.
"It is the intent of the governing boards of the City of Asheville and Buncombe County that the Vance monument be replaced or altered in such a manner, as to honor the local history of African-Americans," the release said.
Application information:
The Buncombe County application process will close on July 7, 2020, the Board will hold interviews the period of July 8 - 19, 2020, and will announce their appointees at the July 21, 2020, regular meeting.
Applications can be filed here or sent to lamar.joyner@buncombecounty.org, or return by mail to Vance Monument Task Force, 200 College St. 3rd Floor, Asheville, NC, 28801. Printed applications are available at 200 College St., third floor.
