Press release from the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter: The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter is expanding its base of public policy volunteers in Buncombe and Henderson counties to support the organization’s advocacy efforts locally and nationally. Alzheimer’s Ambassadors are needed in Henderson County to serve as an in-district contact for a targeted member […]
Author: Brooke Randle
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Council, activists at odds on climate emergency resolution
Asheville City Council announced that it would consider on a resolution to declare a climate emergency during its upcoming meeting. But representatives from the Sunrise Movement feel that the vote is being pushed through without proper vetting from activists and city staff.
Council to hear 2020 census update on Nov. 12
Buncombe County had a 76% response rate during the 2010 census, in line with the state average, but Asheville officials will try to raise participation to 80% next year. The city will join Buncombe’s Complete Count Committee to work alongside county government, area schools and universities, nonprofit and faith communities, business leaders and the media to spread information about the count.
Transylvania County Tourism funds environmental conservation
In 2017, the county’s tourism board launched the Transylvania Always initiative, which has since invested thousands of occupancy tax dollars into everything from hiking trail restoration to French Broad River cleanup. “I really don’t know of anywhere else, particularly anywhere else of our small size, that is doing anything similar,” says Clark Lovelace, the TCT’s executive director.
TDA approves $100,000 for Chow Chow festival
Last year, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority contributed $75,000 to Chow Chow through its event development incubator fund. Planning is underway for the festival’s second year, which has a projected budget of $700,000. The event is tentatively scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13, with final dates to be confirmed in November.
Residents weigh tourism positives, negatives in new survey
A survey released from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority reveals a mixture of attitudes concerning tourism from residents.
Blue Ridge Honor Flight celebrates WNC vets
More than 90 military veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War participated in the Sept. 21 flight which allowed them to experience Washington D.C. and the war memorials built in their honor.
New delays expected for transit hours extension
City staff announced that a plan to extend the hours of all bus routes until 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday will likely be delayed until after the start of the next fiscal year during the Oct. 22 meeting of Asheville City Council.
Council to consider revisions to affordable housing incentives Oct. 22
Asheville City Council will consider updating affordable housing incentives; amending the city’s charter to restore at-large elections during its Oct. 22 meeting.
Savvy program promotes women’s leadership
Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos launched a new initiative this year that strives to create “50/50 representation of gender equity” across the management ranks at its properties. According to Leeann Bridges, Harrah’s regional vice president of human resources, Savvy is a resource for professional women to learn skills that help them gain access to leadership positions through […]
Council viewpoints differ on impact of district elections on minority voters
Asheville City Council members clashed over whether a state-imposed district election system would negatively impact black voters during Sept. 24 meeting.
Adventure cats hit WNC streets and trails
From mountain tops to dive bars, WNC adventure cats are heading to places they’ve never been before.
Council members say no to new hotels for one year
Asheville City Council voted to halt hotel approvals for one year and will use the time to examine the impact of hotels on the community and develop new guidelines for hotel approval.
Expecting crowds, Council to meet Sept. 24 at U.S. Cellular Center
Asheville City Council is gearing up for a long night. Six public hearings are scheduled for the body’s regular meeting of Tuesday, Sept, 24 — including discussions of overturning Asheville’s state-imposed district election system, enacting a temporary hotel ban and approving a mixed-use hotel before that ban would go into effect. And if the change […]
Asheville climate strikers join global throng
Joining demonstrators worldwide, hundreds of local teenagers, children and adults walked out of class and work to participate in the Global Climate Strike on Sept. 20. Gathered in front of Asheville City Hall, the activists held a climate protest and “die-in”.
Create 72 Broadway decision delayed
The hotel project hearing is now tentatively scheduled for the same meeting in which Council members will vote on whether to implement a temporary ban on new hotel construction.
APD Chief Chris Bailey resigns; felony charges surface
After less than two months in his position, Chief Chris Bailey has announced his resignation from the Asheville Police Department.
Create 72 Broadway hotel seeks final approval from Council
During the Tuesday, Sept. 10, meeting of Asheville City Council, members will consider conditional zoning that would permit the construction of a mixed-use hotel planned for the north end of downtown, as well as schedule public hearings regarding the implementation of a temporary hotel ban and amending the city’s charter.
The quest for quiet dining
People with hearing difficulties or sensitivities often struggle in Asheville’s busy restaurants and other social settings.
News briefs: City plans Haywood Street improvements; announces affordable housing work session
Council to discuss temporary hotel ban The city’s Planning and Economic Development Committee voted on Aug. 29 to put the question of imposing a temporary moratorium on new hotel construction to the full Council at an upcoming meeting. First proposed by Council member Julie Mayfield, a moratorium could give the city time to develop new […]
P&Z recommends denial of new riverside restaurant
Asheville’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended to deny conditional zoning for Jettie Rae’s, a seafood restaurant proposed along the French Broad River. Asheville City Council will make the final decision on whether the project will receive approval.