by Friends of St. Lawrence Green This historic landmark, the Basilica of St. Lawrence, was built over a hundred years ago by famed architect, Raphael Guastavino. It is one of the architectural wonders in Asheville and tourists from all over the world marvel at its beauty today. Over ten years ago the City bought four parcels of land in front of the Basilica to sell for commercial development. Opposition from residents stopped that development, and a later sale to a hotel chain fell through. Residents have consistently opposed building on that site, suggesting a stand of trees, an organic garden, or a greenway connecting all of the buildings in the area. There's a building boom happening in Asheville and it's important that City Council act now to preserve some of what makes Asheville special. Most of these developments begin by cutting all the trees. We have far fewer trees now than we did even five years ago. We ask Asheville City Council to preserve the City-owned land in front of this rare treasure, to preserve it for public green space, and to vote against the sale of the land for commercial development.