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.
It’s no secret that locals and visitors alike fall in love with Western North Carolina largely because of its natural amenities. For some organizations, preserving the region’s environment is of paramount importance, as seen in April when MountainTrue, alongside several other local organizations, proposed a ban on single-use plastic bags in Asheville. The initiative garnered […]
Xpress asked developers, government officials, activists and others to weigh in on how local infrastructure and related issues shaped 2023.
Asheville Police Chief David Zack submitted his resignation on Dec. 15, according to Kim Miller, the city’s communication specialist.
More than 6,200 miles separate Asheville from the deepening war between Israeli and Hamas forces, but that doesn’t mean Western North Carolina residents aren’t affected by the tragedies playing out in Gaza and elsewhere. Whether it’s through family, friends or religious beliefs, the renewed onset of violence has impacted many people here.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
Two projects requiring special-use permits are on the agenda at the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment, including a proposed Level 2 Planned Unit Development on 104.19 acres for a spa resort.
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.
Asheville City Council voted unanimously Nov. 14 to postpone a vote on a proposed 279-unit apartment complex in Arden over concerns around a shortage of family-sized units and lack of renewable energy. The project was unable to get a formal recommendation to Council from the Planning and Zoning Commission at its Oct. 4 meeting; however, the developer asked to continue with the zoning approval process.
Finding affordable housing has become a formidable challenge for many Asheville residents. However, housing vouchers can bring rent down to a manageable amount. In the latest edition of Xpress’ WTF feature – short for “Want the Facts?” – we explore the application process and eligibility requirements for housing vouchers and other forms of housing assistance.
After several reports of visitors feeding and attempting to hold a young bear in recent weeks at the Lane Pinnacle Overlook, officials closed the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 367.6 near the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area to milepost 375.6 at Ox Creek Road until further notice.
The complex is proposed for 2 Butler Road in Arden and is set to include five separate residential buildings. Four would include 45 units each, alongside a central building with an additional 99 units, according to planning documents.
The Asheville Humane Society, in partnership with Buncombe County Animal Shelter, is launching a Community Sheltering Center designed to reunite families with their lost pets and provide support for people who are considering surrendering their pet because of a lack of resources.
Buried deep within North Carolina’s 625-page, $30 billion state budget are provisions that give the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, an oversight committee led by Republicans, the authority to investigate and search any entity that has received state funds for programs or services to state or local government.
City of Asheville The public will be able to provide input on one plan review and one zoning map amendment at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, which will be in person at City Hall’s first-floor North Conference Room at 70 Court Plaza. A meeting of the same body […]
James Mitchell, a former member of the Nine Trey Bloods, discusses his time as a gang member and how he is actively working to combat gang violence in Asheville.
The approved projects include upgrades to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville and an outdoor covered equestrian arena for the WNC Agricultural Center as well as new turf, lighting and a playground for the Enka Recreation Destination.
