Asheville’s current short-term rental rules do not allow homestays to offer rooms that contain either a stove, a full-sized refrigerator or a kitchen sink. A new definition of “kitchen,” proposed by local host organization the Homestay Network, would still forbid stoves in homestay dwellings but allow sinks and refrigerators.
Author: Brooke Randle
Showing 316-336 of 377 results
Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair to hold events August 23-25
Press release from Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair: From August 23-25, the third annual Another Carolina Anarchist Bookfair will once again be a convergence point for learning and sharing ideas in anti-authoritarian, anti-capitalist, anti-racist, decolonial organizing. Building on the success of the last two years, we hope to welcome hundreds of people, from the region and beyond, […]
Summertime and the parking’s not easy
“There’s not a simple solution,” says Sage Turner, who chairs both the Downtown Commission and its Parking and Transportation Committee. “The reality is, at peak hours when everyone wants to be downtown, there is just not enough parking.”
Planning and Zoning Commission backs new mixed-use hotel
“I wouldn’t even call this a hotel project. I mean, yes, it is leaning more towards hotel than residential, but we are getting affordable housing downtown,” said commission member Joe Archibald. The project as approved includes 137 hotel rooms and 37 residential units, 11 of which are reserved for low-income households or local artists.
City Attorney Brad Branham on representing Asheville
City Attorney Brad Branham sat down with Xpress to discuss the legal challenges surrounding affordable housing, expanding transit and more.
Tourism Development Authority weighs in on proposed hotel ban
The Tourism Development Authority discusses the proposed hotel moratorium during a July 31 board meeting.
Malaprop’s Bookstore to host Great Smoky Mountains
Press release from the Great Smoky Mountains Association: George Ellison, who authored the new Horace Kephart title Back of Beyond: A Horace Kephart Biography in partnership with librarian and researcher Janet McCue, will be at Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville, N.C., Sunday, August 11, starting at 3 p.m. for a book signing event. An icon of the […]
New playground to be named after slain 12-year-old Derrick Lee Jr.
Asheville City Council member Vijay Kapoor announced the naming of the playground, which will be built as a part of the Asheville Housing Authority’s renovation of Lee Walker Heights. Lee was shot and killed at Lee Walker Heights on July 1, 2018, and his murder remains unsolved.
Asheville City Council plans affordable housing, hotel moratorium discussions
On Friday, Sept. 6, said Council member Julie Mayfield, the city will hold an affordable housing work session to explore options such as tiny homes and housing voucher acceptance for long-term rentals. Mayfield also announced that Council plans to discuss whether the city should temporarily ban new hotels in the city during its Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Asheville City Council to consider $530K loan for Homeward Bound on July 23
Beyond the city’s loan of more than $48,000 for each of the 11 affordable units in West Asheville, which will be deferred for 30 years and accrue no interest, Homeward Bound is also seeking roughly $280,000 in commercial loans and has received $89,153 in federal HOME funding administered by the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium.
Asheville struggles to rein in illegal short-term rentals
Despite relatively restrictive ordinances prohibiting the rental of entire houses for stays of less than 30 days — and a $500-per-day fine for violators — hundreds of illegal rentals still operate throughout the city of Asheville.
All-electric city buses face challenges
Questions linger about the buses’ capability to keep up with their diesel and hybrid counterparts on Asheville’s demanding roads. Issues with the length and battery life of the vehicles have led city officials to delay the planned purchase of three more electric units.
Special session explores state-imposed election districts for Council seats
After much anticipation, Asheville City Attorney Brad Branham presents the city’s legal options — and limitations — of addressing state-imposed district elections to Council during a July 2 work session.
Insurance coverage gap impacts children’s health
Health care advocates say improving children’s well-being requires providing access to health insurance and health care services for their parents. While the majority of Buncombe County’s children from low-income families are covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicaid, many of their parents lack coverage.
News briefs: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium survey, WNC nonprofits receive $900K in awards
The questionnaire will advise the city on which updates and renovations of the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium best serve community needs. Once the survey is completed, Earl Swensson Associates Architects will draft programming and conceptual designs for the building.
Asheville gun crime up 55% since 2016, police say
As of June 23, the Asheville Police Department has responded to 360 gun calls, said Deputy Chief James Baumstark. He noted that the top three locations from which police have received calls are in and around the public housing communities of Pisgah View, Deaverview and Hillcrest apartments.
Flatiron hotel conversion clears Council in 4-3 vote
At Asheville City Council’s June 25 meeting, Council member Julie Mayfield flipped on her previous opposition to the project, joining Mayor Esther Manheimer, Vice Mayor Gwen Wisler and Vijay Kapoor to complete a majority vote that allowed the rezoning of the historic building for hotel use.
Council to hear updated Flatiron proposal, solidify districting work session
Mayor Esther Manheimer will be governing from afar during the June 25 meeting of Asheville City Council.
News Briefs: New police chief, updated Flatiron proposal
Updated Flatiron proposal to return to City Council Developer Philip Woollcott and building owner Russell Thomas will make another appearance in front of Asheville City Council members on Tuesday, June 25, to gain approval for an updated version of the Flatiron Building project. The original plan would have converted the building into an 80-room boutique […]
TDA holds first Community Leadership Council meeting
The first meeting of the Community Leadership Council — convened by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority — provided a new forum for familiar kudos and criticisms of the area’s tourism industry. Nearly 40 invited community members, including elected officials, municipal staffers, nonprofit employees and business folk, accepted the TDA’s request to participate in the […]
Asheville City Council to discuss district elections July 2
Asheville City Council is making moves on state-imposed districts for municipal elections.