The long, drawn-out character of this article artistically reflects the situation. Over two years ago, the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods thumped grievances with local development as campaign issues. One hot topic was the dispute between Reid Thompson and Greenlife grocery store. Thompson, who owns six rental properties on Maxwell Street, did not appreciate the trucks servicing the neighborhood store, the beeping noises and blocked sidewalks. Thompson appealed to the City of Asheville, and over a period of years was able to require Greenlife to sink $100,000 into trying to remedy the situation.

Thompson still was not satisfied. For about two years, one could almost count on Thompson showing up to city council meetings to display new photographs of trucks violating the city’s rules on Maxwell Street. Over a year ago, Councilman Jan Davis remarked that he at first was concerned about Thompson. Thompson called him from time to time to complain, but when Thompson called him at home on Thanksgiving to say the trucks were back, that was over the top.

Greenlife continued to offer concessions, and Thompson continued to press city staff to demand more. Thompson sued the city. Then, he was banned from city property. His case was recently thrown out of court. Some think it is the end of the story, but January 2, Thompson requested records from the city of all dealings it has had with the city’s former planning director, Scott Shuford. Many allege that Shuford quit due to pressure from Thompson.

Thompson supporters say he is being denied his right to petition for redress of grievances. Some say that right is properly pursued through the courts, and not city council and city staff at taxpayer expense. Many wonder why Greenlife couldn’t buy Thompson out. Some use this as proof that property rights can’t exist in municipal situations.