With lodging and sales tax revenues down, the region could face an economic crisis on top of a natural disaster.
Author: Pat Moran
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City Council frees up $4 million to provide grants to residents and businesses
The majority of the funds — $3.4 million — will help residents with rent and down-payment assistance and home repairs. The city will seek nonprofit partners to administer the grants.
Asheville halts plans to dump debris in residential areas
The City of Asheville suspends dumping post-Helene debris, including trees, drywall, computers, televisions, pesticides and paint, in residential areas.
Local couple launch private air force operation to reach rural communities
Since Tropical Storm Helene devastated the region, Taylor Knipp and her fiancé, Adam Smith, have transformed the Harley-Davidson of Asheville dealership in Swannanoa into an ad hoc private air base running daily rescue, reconnaissance and resupply missions to some of the hardest hit areas in Western North Carolina.
Buncombe County Commissioners delay reappraisal deadline
Assessing storm damage and calculating Tropical Storm Helene’s effect on market prices prompts county to postpone property appraisal deadline.
Wellness roundup: Charles George VA Medical Center weathers storm
The Charles George VA Medical Center in east Asheveille has power and a steady water source, enabling it to offer emergency and inpatient care.
Ongoing updates on donation sites in Western North Carolina – Friday, Oct. 4
LOCATIONS: Farmers Market @ 570 Brevard Road Asheville, NC 28806 – MANNA DISTRIBUTION SITE **Please note that donation hours differ from distribution hours** MANNA will be accepting specific food, water, and supply donations from corporations, grocery stores, vendors, and individuals with extra resources to give. Items in need include Shelf-stable food (pop-top cans preferred, not […]
2024 Election Voter Guide: U.S. House 11
The race for U.S. House District 11 might be surprising this year, depending on which voters show up for the Nov. 5 election. Democrat Caleb Rudow is challenging Republican Chuck Edwards in the predominantly Republican district, but if Rudow gets a surge of support in Asheville and other Democratic pockets, he could take the seat. […]
City Council approves new housing mix at former Ramada Inn
After a previous developer went bankrupt, a new plan focuses on supportive housing for veterans and affordable housing.
Council considers affordable housing development at former Ramada Inn
At its Tuesday, Sept. 24 meeting, Asheville City Council will be asked to adopt a resolution that could result in a facility including 50 units of supportive housing for veterans and 63 units of affordable housing at the site of a former Ramada Inn. (Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services intended to help people […]
Buncombe County commissioners fire tax assessor
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners fired its tax assessor R. Keith Miller for a conflict of interest involving buying a South Carolina condominium with an employee under his supervision.
Drivers invited to test out electric vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) from 13 automakers, including Ford, Tesla, Chevrolet, Kia, Hyundai and Nissan will be at the free event, where EV owners will answer questions about the environmentally friendly vehicles and even offer test drives.
Commission to vote on funding for county sports park
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will be asked to approve a budget amendment and accept a $4 million grant from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority at its Tuesday, Sept. 17, meeting. Phase 2 of Buncombe County’s Enka Recreation Destination project includes turfing four fields and lighting three fields; a new playground that complies […]
Council tables zoning amendments pending larger overhaul
City Council tables proposed changes to cottage clusters and “flag” lots ordinances pending an overall affordable housing strategy for the city.
Council to review Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
The presentation highlights achievements, including progress on Council’s six key strategic priorities.
Buncombe considers funding for more low-barrier shelter beds
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reviewed $3.6 million in funding requests that would expand low-barrier homeless shelters, which do not require ID or sobriety, and are open 24/7.
Local candidates see surge from presidential race
With Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket, and former President Donald Trump’s recent rally in Asheville, local candidates and supporters discuss what impact, if any, the national race will have on local campaigns.
Council approves more time for Reparations Commission
Commission will receive city resources until February to continue plans to address harms from systematic racism.
TDA optimistic about fall tourism season
Asheville tourism held steady for the first half of 2024, with numbers expected to rise during leaf season.
Council to hear presentation on completed Merrimon Avenue road diet
The Merrimon Avenue road diet began converting a portion of the roadway from four to three lanes in October 2022. Nearly two years later, and three months after the project’s completion, the N.C. Department of Transportation will present its findings to Asheville City Council.
Green Roundup: ASAP’s Farm Tour spotlights local growers
The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project is gearing up for its annual Farm Tour in September. Also in local green news, a new solar lending program from Sugar Hollow Solar, the West Asheville Garden Stroll spotlights the Horney Heights neighborhood, N.C. Arboretum hosts Monarch Butterfly Day and more.