ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Talks about bringing a Costco Wholesale store to Asheville have resumed weeks after the retailer stepped away from the project over rising costs, according to city officials.
Asheville City Council member Sage Turner said discussions are underway between city leaders, the property owner, the N.C. Department of Transportation and Costco representatives to explore possible solutions.
Turner said several meetings and renegotiations have taken place in recent weeks, including a meeting earlier this week involving land sellers, Costco officials and transportation leaders.
The store would be built in the Enka Commerce Park area west of Asheville. The project stalled last month after Costco cited rising costs tied to infrastructure work and transportation improvements required for the site.
“This project has the potential to bring more competition in groceries, good-paying jobs, increased tax revenue and economic opportunity to our city and region,” council member Bo Hess said in a social media post.
Hess credited community members who contacted city leaders in support of the project and thanked Mayor Esther Manheimer, along with city staff, the state transportation department and Costco officials for continuing to work toward a possible path forward.
When asked about the renewed talks, Dave Messner, Costco’s senior vice president of real estate, declined to comment on the negotiations.
“Our department policy is not to comment,” Messner said in an email. “The situation is fluid, with daily updates. If we provide comments today, they may not be accurate tomorrow.”
Costco has several projects underway across the Southeast, Hess said, and has asked local leaders for patience as discussions continue.
Officials said discussions are ongoing and no timeline has been set for a decision.