The forum, hosted by the Council of Independent Business Owners, gave the candidates the opportunity to stake out their positions on a range of issues central to Buncombe County residents.
Author: Brooke Randle
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NC-11 candidates talk issues, strategy ahead of Election Day
The NC-11 race is heating up as Republican State Sen. Chuck Edwards and Democratic challenger Jasmine Beach-Ferrara head into the fall election.
Council subsidies could bring more than 100 affordable units to Asheville
Asheville City Council unanimously approved two different approaches to support developments aimed at increasing affordable housing.
Council to consider $1 land sale to private developer for affordable housing
Council is considering a public/ private partnership with Charlotte-based developer Laurel Street Residential for the construction of affordable housing in Asheville’s South Slope.
GA short session yields both change and inertia for WNC
From occupancy tax allocations and hemp production to private bar membership, state legislators voted on several measures that are consequential to WNC in their recently concluded short session.
Asheville open space updates approved
The updates, which have been controversial, are meant to encourage the construction of affordable housing by reducing and simplifying building regulations and incentivizing stormwater management.
South Asheville development seeks city tax rebates
The development to be considered for the grant, located at 221 Long Shoals Road in South Asheville, will contain 186 apartments across three four- to five-story buildings.
WTF: Land use incentive grants
Better known as LUIG, the initiative aims to entice developers to include affordable units in their projects by offering property tax rebates. Asheville City Council is next slated to consider such a grant Tuesday, July 26, for a 186-unit development on Long Shoals Road.
Diversion program helps homeless residents erase charges, avoid jail time
The Justice Resource Center’s Unhoused Diversion Program focuses on aspects of homelessness that the criminal justice system rarely addresses, such as poverty, trauma, mental illness and addiction, and targets homeless residents who’ve been charged with nonviolent misdemeanors.
Despite hiccups, Malvern Hills pool reopens to the public
“Pools are one of those places where everybody gathers and are really an essential hub of the community,” says Parks and Recreation Program and Operations Manager Wayne Simmons. “And so not having those amenities, especially during the summer, can really have a negative impact.”
Is the French Broad River safe for swimming?
Nothing sparks an online debate among Asheville-based social media groups faster than a question concerning the cleanliness of the French Broad River.
Down payment assistance lends hand to homebuyers
As residents cope with Asheville’s red-hot housing market and rising mortgage rates, some low- and moderate-income families are turning to local and national down payment assistance programs to overcome one of homebuying’s biggest barriers.
TDA seeks to boost Black Asheville travelers
Leaders at the Explore Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau are looking for new approaches to put the city on the map as a diverse destination by tapping into Asheville’s rich Black history and Black entrepreneurs.
Council approves $217 million Asheville budget
The approved budget more than $30.1 million for the Asheville Police Department, $500,000 for the city’s reparations fund, $108,000 to create an urban forester position and $300,000 to increase full-time employee salaries, among other items.
Council to return to City Hall June 28
More than two years have passed since Asheville City Council last held a regular meeting at the downtown art deco building.
WTF: Business improvement districts
In the latest edition of Xpress’ WTF feature, we explore this sometimes controversial concept of a business improvement district, which promises a steady stream of revenue to fund much-needed services downtown.
Former intern claims unsafe conditions at Buncombe County Jail
Caleb Resnick, a recent Warren Wilson College graduate who served as an intern from last November through this April in the Buncombe County Public Defender’s Office, says he witnessed several instances of mistreatment of detainees and violations of state law during his time at the center, while representatives from the Sheriff’s Office say that the detention center was in compliance with state regulations.
Council considers grant for Hilliard microhousing development
According to planning documents submitted with the city, the units will be no larger than 250 square feet.
Local governments take different approaches to address staffing woes
Xpress took a look at the hardest-hit departments at the city of Asheville and Buncombe County to learn how job openings might be impacting residents and what governments are doing to hire staff amid nationwide recruitment challenges.
Merrimon ‘road diet’ to move forward after Council approval
The plan would reduce the section of the avenue between Midland Road and W.T. Weaver Boulevard from its current four-lane, two-way configuration to one lane in each direction, along with a center turn lane and bicycle lanes.
Council to consider rezoning for Patton Avenue Ingles
During their meeting of Tuesday, May 24, members of Asheville City Council will consider a conditional zoning request that would allow Ingles Markets to construct a grocery store, gas station and other retail space on the 14.45-acre site of a former Kmart.