ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Plans for a new Costco in Asheville are drawing excitement and opposition as city officials and residents weigh potential economic and community impacts.
Councilmember Kim Roney said she met with Costco representatives Wednesday to discuss issues, including wages, sustainability, transportation infrastructure and local economic benefits. The retailer is expected to create about 300 jobs, with starting wages of $21 per hour. Roney said she is advocating for a $23.15-per-hour living wage.
Costco employees are eligible for time-and-a-half pay for Sundays and a bonus structure within 30 days for full-time staff and 60 days for part-timers, Roney said. She also noted the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, union organization and local charitable contributions.
Roney highlighted sustainability plans, including solar power and bulk, non-styrofoam containers for restaurants, as well as affordability measures, such as keeping local grocery and gas costs lower. Infrastructure improvements would include a 10-foot-wide multi-use path connecting the store’s parking lot to the preserved Enka Clock Tower Parklet and support for the Hominy Creek Greenway.
Roney also cited potential economic benefits, noting that 19,000 Costco members in the region currently travel to South Carolina, spending an estimated $20 million annually, which she said could translate into increased local sales tax revenue.
However, the project has faced opposition from the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, which has expressed concerns about potential wage issues, reduced property taxes and the loss of the city’s last remaining industrial development site to retail.
Residents have voiced mixed opinions online. Some, like Linda C. Williams, support the store, citing benefits for small businesses and the community.
“Why don’t they listen to what the people of Asheville and Buncombe County want. What about all of the benefits that small businesses would benefit with Costco being here? We want Costco here,” Williams said.
Others, such as Matt Walter, argued the project prioritizes short-term corporate interests over long-term local economic growth.
“Stop selling out our community to corporations. Start fighting for small business growth and sensible policies to incentive local business growth and investment. You are losing sight of the long term goals for the short term job opportunity. Why are you selling our profits down the river?” Walter wrote.
The proposed Costco is planned for the Enka Commerce Park. The project was reviewed by the city’s Technical Review Committee on Nov. 17 and will next go before the Planning and Zoning Commission in early January.