“I feel like if this situation isn’t seriously addressed, it will have a long-term negative effect on Asheville and its many businesses that rely on tourism.”
New Stories
Letter: A disconcerting downtown experience
“Clusters of mostly men had gathered in the shadows of every doorway. No one spoke to us or even acknowledged us, but I was glad I wasn’t alone.”
Letter: Asheville’s sad descent
“It has become a place where local people cannot afford to live and many of us no longer want to visit.”
Letter: Downtown problems need city, county attention
“I have felt a creepy vibe when I have gone downtown because of the difficulty of finding parking and the homeless folks camped out on sidewalks.”
Council to consider South Slope Vision Plan
Some projects outlined in the plan include a gateway to reconnect McCormick Field and Memorial Stadium with downtown, public art installations and commemoration of the neighborhood’s African American history. The plan does not include specific funding commitments for capital projects or investments.
Asheville’s drag community unites amid protests
Divine and Dahmit Janet discuss the difficulties facing the modern drag scene.
Local shelter provides a place for creativity and hope
Art, says JoeRob, has saved him from drug addiction and has offered him a deeper sense of purpose in life. Through the Restored Dreams Project, he’s hoping to extend that message to others facing adverse experiences.
Buncombe board backs up to $5M for McCormick Field upgrades
The Asheville Tourists are rounding third on a funding deal to stay in town after the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners agreed March 21 to pitch in up to $5 million over 20 years for upgrades to city-owned McCormick Field.
From Asheville Watchdog: Down Town, Part 4 — The Responders
For Part 4, Watchdog reporters shadowed the first-responders on the front lines of dealing with the recent rise in homelessness, substance abuse and addiction, and untreated mental health issues.
VIDEO PREMIERE: ‘Redeemer’ by The Silver Doors
The Asheville-based Appalachian desert rock band filmed the video for their debut single at Drop of Sun Studios.
Schools address student anxiety over mass shootings
Technologically-connected students and their peers can be exposed to any tragic occurrence at any time, so a mass shooting at a faraway school can create terror and panic all the same.
Asheville music venues reflect on the impact of 2020’s lockdown
Three years after the initial shutdown, Xpress catches up with local music venues about the state of the scene, how individual spaces weathered the storm and what the future looks like for musicians and concertgoers alike.
Q&A: A little foreshadowing from the new Buncombe County library director
New Buncombe County library director Jason Hyatt talks about changing roles for libraries and why he kissed a pig.
Green in brief: Asheville unveils draft Municipal Climate Action Plan
Nearly a year after its original timeline, Asheville’s government is preparing to ratify a Municipal Climate Action Plan. The city’s Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment unanimously recommended adoption of the plan Feb. 21. City Council is expected to approve it at its meeting Tuesday, March 28. As previously reported by Xpress, the […]