This article was originally published in the Asheville Watchdog.
The possibility of Costco setting up shop in Enka Commerce Park has sparked a heated debate in Asheville-Buncombe County. At the heart of the matter is a clash between retail expansion and preserving the area’s last industrial development site. The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) has voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over wages, tax implications, and the future of industrial growth.
According to Clark Duncan, the EDC’s executive director, changing the zoning to accommodate Costco would not align with Asheville’s long-term economic plans. “By every measure — wages, tax base, and land use — the rezoning of Enka Commerce Park for Costco is simply not in Asheville’s best long-term interest,” Duncan expressed in an email to city officials.
Costco has long been eyeing Buncombe County and has already filed an application for a 25-acre site within the park, which will require a zoning amendment approval. This week, Costco representatives are engaging with city officials to discuss the proposal further. Despite the allure of a popular retailer, Duncan argues that such a move won’t help grow local wages or strengthen the city’s fiscal foundation, especially following Tropical Storm Helene’s impact.
Long-term plans like “Living Asheville,” “Buncombe 2025,” and the “Asheville 5×5 Strategic Plan” emphasize the importance of prioritizing workforce, infrastructure, and land use investments to boost household wages and the tax base. Duncan noted that while retail wages are typically lower than manufacturing wages, Asheville’s local manufacturing income is significantly higher, with an average of $82,008 compared to retail’s $43,918, as per Lightcast Data.
Costco’s Employment Benefits
While Costco did not comment on the EDC’s stance, the company did share a fact sheet detailing its competitive wages and robust benefits package. Their average store sales are $260 million annually, and they claim to offer some of the highest wages in the retail industry. U.S. hourly wages for various roles range from $20 to $33.40 per hour, and long-term employees can receive substantial bonus checks.
For those concerned about benefits, Costco provides a comprehensive package that includes medical, dental, vision, and other essential employee benefits. Part-time employees working over 23 hours weekly also qualify for core benefits after six months.
The site in Enka is currently designated for industrial use, with plans for three new industrial buildings. Duncan argues that approving Costco’s construction would contradict years of planning and investment aimed at supporting industrial growth.
Asheville City Council Member Bo Hess, initially against the Costco proposal, has since revised his stance. Feedback from constituents and the need for more local job opportunities influenced his decision. “I work for the people, and I listen to my constituents, and so that’s very important to me,” Hess explained.
Current Zoning Dilemma
Costco’s proposal is navigating through Asheville’s complex zoning process, requiring approvals from both the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Council. Hess, after discussions with Costco, has warmed to the idea, recognizing the community’s demand for a Costco location. He remains optimistic about reaching an agreement that satisfies all parties involved.
The discussion around Costco’s potential arrival raises broader questions about land use in Asheville. Duncan emphasizes the need for a community conversation about the long-term impact of rezoning industrial land for retail purposes. “We’ve not had any discussion about the actual cost to our longtime economic development goals if we offer rezoning to the last graded, fully served and planned industrial park in city limits,” Duncan warns.
Finding a suitable location for Costco in Buncombe County has been a long-standing challenge. Despite years of searching, the ideal site remains elusive due to specific requirements, including proximity to an interstate interchange. Rusty Pulliam, a local real estate expert, notes that the Enka site has been marketed for retail before and believes Costco would generate significant sales tax revenue for the area.
Ultimately, the decision to allow Costco to build in Enka Commerce Park involves weighing the benefits of retail expansion against the strategic goals of maintaining industrial development in Asheville.
