Forced Annexation and Doubled Property Taxes

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9/5/2007
I moved to Asheville 3 years ago and have watched the quality of life evaporate rapidly, especially this last year. Air pollution is terrible! Traffic is horrible, with frequent gridlocks everywhere in this area. BUT, my biggest beef is taxes. I bought my property in Buncombe County, because that is where I thought I could spend the rest of my life on my retirement income. WRONG!!!! North Carolina is one of about 4 states that allow cities to forcibly annex property in the adjoining county. The "progressive" [sic] City Council of Asheville recently forcibly annexed my Buncombe County neighborhood into the City, thus almost doubling my property taxes. Speaking of progressive, I was reminded that Asheville is progressive only in comparision to other small cities in the Southeast, which is damning with faint praise. Bottom Line: Be very careful if you move to this area. The Asheville City Council is ready to pounce on your County property!!
Amy | Asheville, NC