ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
The reward has been increased in two vandalism cases tied to the recently approved Business Improvement District (BID) in downtown Asheville.
Community members concerned about public safety are now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for vandalizing the vehicles of two BID Steering Committee members.
The special BID district, which will collect special property taxes within the downtown zone to use for public safety and cleanliness efforts, garnered support from business groups but faced a lot of vocal opposition from numerous speakers before its approval June 11.
The Asheville Police Department is continuing its investigation and has asked for the public’s help with information about the incidents that would help identify the individuals involved.
$3,000 REWARD OFFERED IN BID VANDALISM CASES
On June 6, 2024, in the days leading up to the final vote on June 11, a member of the BID task force found their vehicle with its tires slashed, an “A” anarchy symbol painted on its hood and the words “NO BID” spray painted on the side.
Following the final vote, a second committee member found their vehicle in their driveway with its tires slashed, the anarchy symbol on the back window and a profane message spray painted on the side.
ANONYMOUS ‘COMMUNIQUE’ TAKES CREDIT FOR BID VANDALISM
Citing concerns for their own safety, some BID backers did not even attend the public meeting where the City Council voted 6-1 to approve the plan.
In an anonymous online “communique” posted Tuesday, June 18, on the alternative Abolition Media site, an unknown person or group took credit for the vandalism and hinted that they have the names and addresses of other adversaries, “along with their state counterparts in local government.”
Anyone with information about the incidents or identification of the individuals involved to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-271-6128.