Over 300 constituents gathered at the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech for the latest town hall, featuring Sen. Julie Mayfield (District 49) and Reps. Lindsey Prather (District 115), Brian Turner (District 116) and Eric Ager (District 114).
Author: Brionna Dallara
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School crossing guards share their stories
Two longtime crossing guards share the personal joys of working with kids and their strategies for conducting traffic in the school zone.
Annual State of Downtown event talks BID, grants and plans for generating revenue
After nearly 40 downtown retailers, restaurants and offices closed or relocated in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, business leaders and government officials met at the annual State of Downtown event to discuss ways to revive the central business district.
Council approves zoning code changes to accelerate projects
Asheville City Council approved several changes to the city zoning codes at its March 11 meeting to make it easier, cheaper and faster to build regular and affordable housing along certain major thoroughfares. But it wasn’t without conflict.
HUD rejects City of Asheville’s disaster funds plan because of DEI
The City of Asheville is updating its plan for $225 million in disaster recovery funds after the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rejected it because it included Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) criteria.
YMI Cultural Center starts its next chapter with renovations and new leadership
With its new executive director, Sean Palmer, the YMI Cultural Center seeks to expand its reach — both locally and nationally.
City Council approves two housing developments
Asheville City Council at its Feb. 25 meeting approved, 7-0, an 100% affordable 126-unit housing project off Pine Lane and cleared the way with a 5-2 vote for a 304-unit development on Sweeten Creek Road near the intersection of Long Shoals and Hendersonville roads.
Local creatives capture Tropical Storm Helene through unique lenses
When Tropical Storm Helene hit the region, local photographers and videographers strapped on their equipment as soon as they could to venture into the flooded landscapes. Xpress caught up with some to learn of their stories and ongoing projects.
Asheville City Council maps recovery around fiscal constraints
Asheville City Council had its annual retreat to focus on a post-Tropical Storm Helene recovery plan. As Council members plotted a course, staff laid out a bleak fiscal landscape the city will have to navigate post-Helene.
City Manager Debra Campbell announces retirement
Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell formally announced her retirement to Mayor Esther Manheimer and City Council members in a Feb. 12 letter.
Asheville City Council ousts chair, vice chair of housing authority board
City Council shuffles Housing Authority board and fires chair and vice chair; postpones changes to zoning code regarding cottages and flag lots.
Gym members join forces with trainer to relaunch business
After Tropical Storm Helene devastated the Asheville Training Hub, trainer Eric Simpson set off to find his own space — but he didn’t do it alone.
City Council updates flood code, housing goals
Flood ordinance updates keep the city in compliance with insurance guidelines and staff revisions to the housing plan keep zoning as is in legacy neighborhoods.
City staff outlines rebuilding process at CIBO meeting
Several city staff members and elected officials attended the Jan. 17 meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners (CIBO) to explain the rebuilding process and outline projects to improve the water system.
Asheville City Council approves BID provider, postpones vote on changes to the city’s building code
Asheville City Council had a lot to bite off at its Jan. 14 meeting. Much discussion arose over choosing a manager of a controversial Business Improvement District (BID), post-storm changes to building codes and solutions for those about to lose FEMA housing assistance.
Who will run the BID? City Council to hold public hearing Jan.14
The Asheville City Council will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, and consider a contract to launch the services in the BID, which received final approval in June.
Council members raise concerns over slow distribution of funds for rental assistance
Asheville City Council approved relief grants for housing, businesses and emergency shelter. It also tabled updates to building codes to have more time to explore environmental impacts and the scope of the proposed changes.
Amid despair, local churches find ways to rebuild community and hope
For some religious residents in Western North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene not only left behind a trail of wreckage but also raised questions tied to their faith. Even still, churches across the region pulled together and found strength in their beliefs.
Pop-ups revive holiday spirit for local retailers
Through festive downtown initiatives, Asheville businesses lend support to local shops set adrift by Tropical Storm Helene.
Owners of historic homes face unique challenges of restoring storm-damaged properties
Many residents face the daunting task of cleanup and repair post-Helene, but those with historic houses have an added layer: preserving the area’s past for the future.
County commissioners approve expanded emergency housing
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved $1.5 million for rental assistance and expanded emergency housing within the county in response to Tropical Storm Helene.
