Upcoming projects include initial steps to expand Deaverview Apartments into a “purpose-built” community and an 80-unit apartment complex for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
Author: Molly Horak
Showing 43-63 of 279 results
Canton’s paper mill seeks new wastewater permit; activists disagree
An online public hearing to review the draft permit, originally scheduled for Jan. 20, was pushed back to mid-April. For environmentalists, the move may be a blessing in disguise.
Cawthorn talks business recovery, COVID-19 relief
At a Jan. 29 meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners, Cawthorn told attendees that his goal is to divert as much federal spending to the region as possible to get residents back to work.
Telehealth popularity soars during pandemic
Telehealth was already on the rise pre-pandemic, but COVID-19 has made it the new normal. Patients are ditching crowded waiting rooms en masse, opting to talk to providers from the privacy of their home.
North Carolina’s COVID-19 vaccine supplies remain limited
“Our biggest problem right now is that millions of people want a shot, but we only have hundreds of thousands of doses,” said Gov. Roy Cooper at a Jan. 27 press conference. “There will be a time when everyone can get one, and we want to make sure everyone can access it as quickly as possible.”
Council considers asking state for elected school board
If Asheville City Council wants to bring any legislation before the state General Assembly this year — including the creation of an elected board for Asheville City Schools or changes to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s room tax allocation — its members need to make those decisions in the coming weeks.
Council to discuss affordable housing plans at Jan. 26 work session
Members will first hear an overview of Asheville’s affordable housing policy and funding options. The second half of the work session is slated for a review of upcoming projects and an update on the status of the city’s Affordable Housing Bond.
North Carolina’s COVID-19 metrics, vaccine rollout gradually improving
As of Jan. 21, more than half a million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been distributed throughout the state, although supplies remain far lower than demand.
Campbell discusses next steps on Asheville street renaming, police budget
As Asheville takes steps to reckon with its long history of systemic racism and economic inequity, local business owners are wondering what impacts the city’s ambitious initiatives will have on them.
Council likely to adopt new rules, definitions for Civil Service Board
Currently, the body reviews promotional criteria for Asheville police and fire staff and hears certain employee grievances. If adopted, the rules would outline a two-part test to determine if a dispute rises to the level of a CSB hearing.
Proposed Enka warehouse up for Jan. 12 Council hearing
Members will hear public comment on a proposed 130,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility in Enka — a plan that previously drew criticism from thousands of community members worried the facility would mean the demise of the 139-foot Enka Clock Tower.
Ryan Bush examines psychology, spirituality and emotion in new book
In his new book, local author Ryan Bush builds on the philosophies of Buddhism and Stoicism to describe a system for rewiring the brain’s response to external events, a method he dubs psychitecture.
Buncombe residents unable to make COVID-19 vaccine appointments as county phone outage continues
According to a press release issued the morning of Jan. 7, county officials are working with Charter Communications to resolve the “vendor-related issue” as quickly as possible. As a temporary workaround, callers are instructed to call the Buncombe Ready team at 828-419-0095.
Buncombe County prepares to start vaccinating adults 75 and older
County health officials will move into phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination process the week of Monday, Jan. 11. But as the vaccine rollout gets underway, residents should prepare for limited availability.
White House Coronavirus Task Force issues new warnings to NC
Anyone under the age of 40 who gathered with someone outside of their household over the Christmas holiday should act as if they became infected with COVID-19, members of the national task force said. Anyone over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions should not enter any indoor setting with people who are not wearing masks.
Top stories of 2020: Molly Horak
Writer Molly Horak reflects on her 2020 reporting.
Buncombe tightens dining restrictions as COVID-19 hospitalizations rise
Asheville residents may have hunkered down for the holidays under a blanket of snow and ice, but across the region, the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. Here’s what you may have missed over the Christmas holiday.
2020 in review: Selling ads in a pandemic
The Xpress advertising team has a unique window into the region’s small-business community. After nine months of local economic turmoil, advertising representatives David Furr, Sara Brecht and Tiff Wagner reflect on the year’s ups and downs.
Congregations grapple with questions of diversity
As congregations across the region grapple with shifting demographics and a year of racial upheaval, multiracial congregations find themselves tackling tough conversations in the way they know best: Worship and fellowship.
Mission COVID-19 patients double as holidays approach
While there’s light at the end of the proverbial COVID-19 tunnel, Western North Carolina residents cannot let down their guard. Over the last week, the percent of positive COVID-19 tests has risen to 7.8% in Buncombe County; the county’s daily COVID-19 case counts now average 100 or higher.
State economic leaders tout diversification for WNC recovery
To position the WNC for future growth, the region must look to emerging markets, customer bases and supply chains, state economic development leaders shared during a round table discussion with local business owners.