The COVID-19 pandemic prompted more people to focus on their health, and the city’s many natural products stores rose to the occasion.
Buncombe commissioners tweak homeowner grant eligibility
Mobile-home owners can now receive the grants, while those who own multiple dwellings or receive other tax reductions will no longer be eligible. Those with “liquid resources” (cash or financial assets that could be converted to cash within a week) of more than $60,000 will also be disqualified, a change from the terms recommended by county staff.
Opening soon-ish: New restaurants face ongoing obstacles and delays
For many first-time and established restaurateurs, the current market and supply chain issues continue to create ongoing challenges for new projects. For some local chefs, the result has meant pushing back start dates, while depending ever more on the ambiguous promise of “Opening Soon.”
WNC labor organizing is on the upswing
As the minutes ticked past 5 p.m. on June 1, a crowd of about 50 Moog employees and their supporters gathered in the outdoor area of nearby Archetype Brewing North with banners and signs. The occasion: the launch of a campaign for Moog workers to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 238.
Biz briefs: Opportunity Appalachia to support two Old Fort businesses
The collaboration of national investment entities and Appalachian-based economic development organizations announced plans to support the Catawba Vale Community Center and Grier Lodging Project in the McDowell County town.
From CPP: Objections to proposed plan for WNC national forests delay process
The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed land management plan for the Pisgah and Nantahala forests has drawn thousands of objections, leading to an extension of time to review concerns. The Forest Service chief now calls the plan revision process, which took more than a decade, unsustainable.
Buncombe board set for June 21 budget vote
The final fiscal year 2022-2023 budget ordinance, which includes over $398 million in general fund spending, calls for the same $81.9 million allocation to Buncombe County Schools proposed June 7.
Council approves grant for downtown microhousing
Of 80 microhousing units, 16 would be designated as affordable for people earning at or below 80% of the area median income. However, developer David Moritz confirmed that market-price rent for all of the project’s units would be about $1,000 including utilities, meaning that the city-subsidized units would not immediately be cheaper for their tenants.
From CPP: Why small NC mountain city is taking on nation’s largest hospital system
Brevard officials hope other Western North Carolina local governments will join the city’s lawsuit alleging monopolistic practices by HCA Healthcare. None have, but none say they have ruled it out.
From CPP: How can we save NC forests?
On June 7, Carolina Public Press held a free and open virtual event with a panel of experts to discuss threats to the future of public forests in the state, including climate change. A recording of the event is linked to this story.
Local, statewide nonprofits jump-start biotech sector in WNC
Local life science companies recently received a significant boost through the NC Bioneer Venture Challenge, sponsored by the N.C. Biotechnology Center and supported by nonprofit partners such as WNC-based Venture Asheville and Hatch Innovation Hub.
Buncombe school staff urge commissioners to increase pay
“We still have to work other jobs to make ends meet,” said Melanie Allen, a 26-year veteran of BCS’ technology department. “We’re struggling. We feel like nobody cares. Morale is low. We have watched other counties and agencies enable steps and raises. We’re keep thinking we’re next, that we’ll be able to make it. Then nothing happens.”
Ten things to know about Asheville’s proposed budget
Asheville City Council will hold a hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2022-23 budget during its 5 p.m. regular meeting Tuesday, June 14. In anticipation of that hearing, Xpress has pulled 10 noteworthy takeaways from the 112-page document.
Green in brief: MountainTrue turns 2022 Bioblitz into friendly competition
“By expanding the blitz to four counties and making a game of it, we hope to be able to engage more people and find more species,” said MountainTrue Public Lands Biologist Josh Kelly. “We might even find some that have never been recorded in our region.”
AdventHealth, HCA and Novant Health to apply for hospital beds
Three hospitals plan to file applications to build a new 67-bed hospital in Western North Carolina.
What’s new in food: Botanical Bones earns big treat
Botanical Bones receives a $50,000 grant for its expanding dog treat business. Also: North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum launches its traveling exhibit; Brews & Bears celebrates its latest gathering; and more!
Planning and Zoning Commission recommends plan for Asheville greenways, sidewalks
As presented by Lucy Crown, the city’s greenways program planner, Close the GAP combines a proposed map of greenway and pedestrian networks with updates to city policies and design standards. Asheville City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal in July.
From CPP: A good problem to have: Managing the ARPA windfall in a small NC county
Madison County’s ARPA manager says his job could wind down soon based on most uses of ARPA funds, but using them for broadband complicates things.
Buncombe board to vote on support for Mission competitor
A letter drafted by Chair Brownie Newman and scheduled for a June 7 vote of approval by the full Board of Commissioners urges state regulators to favor nonprofit health care systems over HCA Healthcare, which owns Mission, when considering applications to build new hospital capacity.
Buncombe’s Comprehensive Plan 2043 enters third phase
When complete, the document will be a nonbinding, advisory blueprint of where residents and county officials want the county to be in 2043 and will outline the goals, objectives and policies needed to achieve that vision.
N.C. may inch closer to legalizing medical marijuana
Supporters of medical marijuana and the local hemp industry want to see the state allow the use of cannabis as a treatment option for debilitating medical conditions. But there are disagreements with Senate Bill 711 as written.