ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The area around State and Hanover streets and Fairfax Avenue is looking a little different these days. Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses, and ‘no trespassing’ signs have been attached to the fronts of those homes.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has acquired several properties in the area — the West Section — as part of the Interstate 26 Connector project.

Some 29 properties from I-40 to Haywood Road have been acquired as of July 30 and are in one of three phases of building removal, NCDOT Communications Officer David Uchiyama said.

The removal process consists of an inspection for asbestos, abatement of any asbestos and demolition of the structure or structures.

“This process usually takes approximately two to three months, depending on the asbestos inspection,” Uchiyama said.

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Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses on Hanover Street. The NCDOT has acquired the homes to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project.
Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses on Hanover Street. The NCDOT has acquired the homes to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project.
Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses on Hanover Street. The NCDOT has acquired the homes to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project.
Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses on Hanover Street. The NCDOT has acquired the homes to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project.
Plywood covers the doors and windows of many of the houses on Hanover Street. The NCDOT has acquired the homes to make way for the Interstate 26 Connector project.

As of July 30, five properties are scheduled to be inspected, 11 properties are waiting to be abated, eight properties are scheduled to be demolished and five properties have been demolished, he said.

“NCDOT is working to accelerate the building removal process as much as possible and is coordinating with the Asheville Police Department to reduce disturbances and illegal activity in the area,” Uchiyama said.

Neighbors said unhoused individuals have been staying in some of the properties.

The Asheville Police Department has received reports of criminal activities in the area of Hanover and State streets and the surrounding communities, APD spokesman Rick Rice said.

But he noted, “quality of life issues in this area have been prevalent for some time.” Rice said officers routinely conduct extra patrols in the area.

“The APD has spoken with NCDOT and requested better security and signage on property and dwellings scheduled for removal. Demolition of these properties would make them less attractive targets, and we recognize and appreciate that NCDOT is trying to expedite that process,” Rice said.

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