At its Tuesday, Jan. 23 meeting, Asheville City Council is slated to vote on the installation of a prefabricated 24-hour restroom outside of the Rankin Avenue parking garage. Council previously voted to allocate $650,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project in May 2022.
Sheriff’s Office to start new downtown patrols Jan. 26
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved a $56,000 budget amendment 6-0 on Jan. 16 to fund a proposal from Sheriff Quentin Miller to send four deputies downtown between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Buncombe County’s first homeless-program manager discusses goals, misconceptions
Lacy Hoyle spoke about the local priorities for addressing homelessness, how she incorporates the views of those who have different beliefs than she does about its causes and misconceptions about the homeless population.
Council approves Starbucks drive-thru on Brevard Road
Asheville City Council approved a zoning amendment to allow a drive-thru Starbucks on the corner of Brevard Road and South Bear Creek Road at its Jan. 9 meeting. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the amendment at its Dec. 6 meeting.
Civics 101: How to get involved in local government
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to learn more about local government and how you can help steer the ship, both the City of Asheville and Buncombe County applaud, encourage and welcome your interest.
Sheriff’s Office requests funding for downtown patrols
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is seeking funding from the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to add downtown patrols between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. on weekend nights. The requests for either $56,000 or $88,000 is a revised version of a proposal unveiled at a Dec. 5 commissioners meeting, just before Asheville Police Chief David […]
Council to discuss proposed drive-thru on Brevard Road
At its Tuesday, Jan. 9 meeting, Asheville City Council is slated to consider a proposed zoning map amendment that would allow for the development of a Starbucks on the corner of Brevard Road and South Bear Creek Road. The amendment was previously discussed during the Dec. 6 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, where it was unanimously supported.
City plans to shore up buildings, parking structures
After two studies assessed the condition of 82 city-owned buildings and four parking garages, giving Asheville’s buildings an overall ‘C’ grade, local officials are working on a long-term plan to address critical needs. However, the city’s $1 million annual budget for maintaining facilities isn’t going to cut it.
Buncombe considers a pay raise for elections director
The Buncombe County Board of Elections thinks Director of Elections Corinne Duncan deserves a pay raise, but county staff isn’t so sure. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners said they need more time to consider the request for a less than $6,000 raise — about 5% — and put it off until its Jan. 16 meeting.
Year in Review: An ‘Around the region’ special
From Canton to Hendersonville and Woodfin to Brevard, it was a newsworthy year in cities and towns throughout Western North Carolina.
WTF: How a library gets its books
Some parents have made frequent appearances at school board meetings to argue that various books — usually related to sexual health or depicting LGBTQ+ students and families — don’t belong in libraries accessible to children. The latest edition of Xpress’s WTF — “Want the Facts?” — series looks at the policies and procedures that determine how books are chosen for school and county libraries.
Council approves two affordable housing developments
Asheville City Council approved zoning requests for two housing developments at its Dec. 12 meeting, including a 279-unit apartment complex on Lake Julian in Arden and a 281-unit development on Fairview Road in South Asheville.
Council to reconsider Arden development
The Asheville City Council is slated to reconsider a zoning request for a proposed 279-unit apartment complex in Arden at its Tuesday, Dec. 12 meeting. The development was previously discussed at the Nov. 14 Council meeting but was delayed due to concerns regarding family-sized housing and renewable energy.
County Commission approves controversial rezoning request
Despite over an hour of public comment opposed to the proposal, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to rezone 764 acres owned by Biltmore Farms adjacent to the Pratt & Whitney plant.
Reparations Commission discusses proposal for Black education resource campus
A joint recommendation drawn up by education and economic development focus groups from the commission focused primarily on what facilitators called an “education resource campus” to provide a place where Black folks know they could access resources.
State lawmakers shroud open-records requirements
Local officials are still reeling over a little paragraph in the state’s 625-page budget in which lawmakers exempted themselves from public record requirements. Section 27.7 of the 2023 Appropriations Act says that current and former legislators “shall not be required to reveal or to consent to reveal any document, supporting document, drafting request, or information request made or received by that legislator while a legislator.”
TDA approves $100K in funding for 2024 festivals and events
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority unanimously approved a total of $100,000 in funding for 25 local events and festivals at its Nov. 29 board meeting. According to Tiffany Thacker, director of grants for Explore Asheville, the investment in the projects will “enhance local experiences for both residents and visitors.”
Biltmore Farms requests rezoning of more than 760 acres
On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on the rezoning of more than 760 acres of land owned by Biltmore Farms adjacent to the Pratt & Whitney plant.
Buncombe to seek competitive bids for trash service
After existing provider WastePro proposed rate hikes as part of its contract renewal, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 21 to seek alternative providers on the open market.
Fiber internet coming to Buncombe County’s rural communities
High-speed fiber internet is on its way to several rural communities in Buncombe County, thanks to a $3.3 million state grant. Nearly 1,000 households will receive fiber internet service over the next two years, according to Buncombe County Director of Economic Development Tim Love.
Buncombe commissioners consider new contract with WastePro
As part of a potential contract extension, WastePro is proposing an almost $3 increase to $25.16 per month to continue its existing services. Customers currently pay $22.55 monthly.