“I have noticed a dramatic loss of buskers in this town,” said Lyle Rickards, a leader of the Asheville Buskers Collective, a loose-knit group of some 300 street performers. “This year, I’d say there are 30 buskers in town for the season. Last year, we had 100.”
At a Downtown Commission meeting July 14, Assistant City Manager Rachel Wood said that portions of the 60-day downtown safety and cleanliness pilot have transitioned into ongoing services.
Buskers are visible ambassadors of Asheville’s artistic community, and some downtown businesses say street performances create a convivial atmosphere. But for others who live and work downtown, amplified sound is a daily cacophony.
The AVL Shares Space program expanded business operations onto public sidewalks and parking spaces, loosened minimum parking requirements so that businesses could use their own parking lots for expansion and created temporary curbside pick-up zones in downtown and West Asheville to accommodate increases in takeout sales.
Local buskers chat with Xpress about the current challenges they face in Asheville. From the pandemic to robbery, life as a street artist isn’t always an upbeat song.
Of the various downtown bathroom options available prior to the pandemic, only the city-owned facility at 29 Haywood St. was available 24/7. Since it closed, unsheltered residents have very few options.
With permission from the city, businesses with private parking lots can now convert 50% of their parking area to dining. To expand onto public sidewalks, businesses must be able to maintain 6 feet of clear space for diners and pedestrians.
Most downtown visitors and business folk see the need to fix crumbling sidewalks and improve other infrastructure on and around Haywood Street. But as the project to renovate the area kicks off, the impacts of the construction on retail stores and other downtown denizens remain to be seen.
From the press release: “The final report identifies design recommendations, including adding signage and public art to create a true northern gateway for downtown; sidewalk and crosswalk improvements on Broadway and Woodfin; the creation of Asheville’s first parklet to enhance the pedestrian experience; and activation of Carolina Lane and Chicken Alley to address local feedback […]
The painting over of Biltmore Avenue’s ‘Before I Die’ wall reminds residents that nothing lasts forever.
Press release from the city of Asheville: PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE due to snowcast for original date. Imagine a renewed Haywood Street downtown. Improvements to this major corridor are coming! As part of the bond projects approved by voters in 2016, the City of Asheville is working on pre-construction planning and design for the Haywood […]
Press release from the City of Asheville: Imagine a renewed Haywood Street downtown. Improvements to this major corridor are coming! As part of the bond projects approved by voters in 2016, the City of Asheville is working on pre-construction planning and design for the Haywood Street Streetscape. The project will include sidewalk rehabilitation, street resurfacing, […]
Slated to open on Saturday, Sept. 1., the lot will offer 100 new spaces with 24/7 access at $70 per month. Dana Frankel, downtown development specialist with the city, notes that there is currently interest in over 80 of the 100 available spaces.
As Asheville’s ever-increasing popularity has piqued the interest of big hotel chains and other corporate enterprises, it’s also triggered fears of homogenization and loss of essential character, raising the question: Can Asheville stay weird?
Press release from Asheville Downtown Association: The Asheville Downtown Association today announced the winners of its annual Downtown Holiday Windows Contest. Judge’s scored on creativity, originality, interpretation of theme, use of merchandise and the WOW factor. The theme is “Holiday Magic,” following the theme of the Asheville Holiday Parade. Winners are: Judge’s Favorite: Sensibilities Day […]
Press release from the city of Asheville: Asheville, N.C. — Asheville’s holiday season will sparkle a little brighter this year, accented by some fresh décor. The city of Asheville is pleased to announce that its Winter Lights Downtown partnership with The N.C Arboretum will not only continue for a second year, but also expand. The […]
Press release from UNC Asheville: Leadership Asheville, a program of UNC Asheville, announces the selection of Class 36. With 49 participants from the private and public sectors, the class of 2018 (LA 36) is now beginning its work in collaborative community leadership. Leadership Asheville promotes the development of leadership skills through experiential exercises, site visits, […]
Press Release from the City of Asheville: City of Asheville begins process for pop-up uses on City-owned downtown property Survey launched inviting input on a temporary name too City-owned properties on Haywood Street and Page Avenue downtown, currently vacant, are being prepared to support flexible short-term uses. On May 23, City Council heard an update […]
At the Asheville Downtown Association’s annual State of Downtown luncheon, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Buncombe County Commission Chair Brownie Newman touted lists of major public projects and initiatives that benefit downtown. Meanwhile, urban planning consultant Joe Minicozzi argued that tax revenue data show more municipal investment in downtown is both warranted and needed.
Press release from the city of Asheville: Event will have theme of Love, Light and Community Ready to experience downtown Asheville in a new way? On Feb. 11, the next installment in the Walkable Wall Street series happens. From 4 to 9 p.m. that day, the street will be temporarily closed to cars for a […]
Press release from Asheville Grown Business Alliance: RSVP: http://bit.ly/2kqigRB BRINGING BACK THE LOCAL SOCIAL ASHEVILLE – We’re launching this brave new year off with a celebration of our community and bringing back our beloved Local Socials! Date: Monday, February 13, 2017 Location: Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 Please join us for this FREE event at the […]
