Buskers are visible ambassadors of Asheville’s artistic community, and some downtown businesses say street performances create a convivial atmosphere. But for others who live and work downtown, amplified sound is a daily cacophony.
WNC explores tiny homes as housing solution
Western North Carolina leaders have been thinking big when it comes to the region’s affordable housing crisis, with Buncombe County alone aiming to create or preserve up to 3,150 affordable units by 2030. But when it comes to actually building those spaces, some in the area are also thinking small.
What’s new in food: Newstock opens brick-and-mortar in River Arts District
Newstock launched at Riverview Station. Also: Rhubarb introduces Tuesday Table; Dilbar brings Indian street food to Biltmore Avenue; and plenty more!
From CPP: Broadband boost planned for 1,000 Buncombe County homes
Rural northern Buncombe County is the first area in the county to see the result of the American Rescue Plan Act’s quest to expand reliable broadband access. Buncombe is one of 81 NC counties that have received state funding to improve internet service.
What’s new in food: Gemelli opens, and Cultura reopens
After several delays, Gemelli launches in the Westgate Regional Shopping Center. Plus: Cultura reopens; The Whale hosts Yacht Rock Zwanze Day; and more!
Buncombe gets update on Tropical Storm Fred recovery
More than a year after the waters have receded, less than half of state funds assigned to help those in need have been allocated for specific work. That’s according to a presentation by the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management slated to come before the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 20.
How local candidates put donations to use
When you donate money to a political campaign, where do your dollars actually go? For local candidates, the answer for the bulk of donations is almost unanimous: mailers.
Green in brief: Woodfin Greenway & Blueway gets $5.9M TDA boost
The funding represents the final amount needed for the $30 million project, which has been under development since 2011. The money will go toward constructing 5 miles of greenway along the French Broad River and Beaverdam Creek, as well as park facilities and a wave feature for whitewater enthusiasts.
From Asheville Watchdog: TDA Expenses for US Open: $70K for travel, food, coozies
On top of the $1.3 million Asheville paid to sponsor the U.S. Open tennis tournament, the public tourism board spent more than $70,000 in expenses that included catering and travel for their staff, board members and guests, nearly $25,000 on Asheville-branded beer coozies, and more than $1,000 on floral arrangements.
Riverfront commission hosts special session on water quality
About 100 people attended the Sept. 8 event — the first of its kind hosted by the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission — at New Belgium Brewing Co. The gathering was prompted by recent reports on the French Broad River’s economic importance and bacterial contamination.
Buncombe considers parking solutions for low-income workers
The county may offer reduced monthly parking passes in its Coxe Avenue parking deck, cutting the monthly cost to rent a space in that garage from $85 to $40 for employees who work within about a mile of Pack Square.
Luxury suites, perks for local VIPs in $1.3M US Open deal
The U.S. Open winds to a close this weekend in New York, and among those attending in the luxury suites at the tennis Grand Slam event will be more than two dozen Buncombe County VIPs – courtesy of the public tourism board and $1.3 million in local tax money.
What’s new in food: HarvestFest debuts, benefiting ASAP
Olivette Riverside Community and Farm hosts a benefit festival for ASAP’s Double SNAP for Food and Vegetables program. Also: MANNA FoodBank’s popular Empty Bowls returns; Nine Mile bottles its salad dressings; and more!
Asheville prepares Municipal Climate Action Plan
According to the city’s website, the plan, being drafted by Winston-Salem-based consultant AECOM for $95,000, “will incorporate all new additions of policies and resolutions while creating a roadmap on how to accomplish adopted goals” for sustainability and climate through 2030.
From Asheville Watchdog: New proposal replaces controversial Bluffs project
The application for what was the site of the highly contentious Bluffs proposal, submitted to Woodfin Aug. 5 by Concept Companies of Gainesville, Fla., proposes a smaller development of 672 multi-family apartments with three clubhouses called “Mountain Village.”
From CPP: Plumbing, truck driving, construction skills get boost from Haywood ARPA funds
Haywood County is currently the only mountain county using federal pandemic relief dollars to support local community colleges.
What’s new in food: Tahini Jar rolls in with vegan Middle Eastern cuisine
Ron Jimenez had a literal eye-opening epiphany. “I woke up one morning a couple years ago with an out-of-the-blue conviction to become a vegetarian,” he recalls. “From that day forward, I stopped eating meat and cut back on all animal products.” Raised in Asheville, Jimenez later relocated to Florida to pursue his culinary education before returning to […]
Public weighs in on hospital applicants
Three hospital systems — AdventHealth, HCA Healthcare/Mission Health and Novant Health — are jousting for the opportunity to build a facility in Western North Carolina. During an Aug. 12 public hearing at A-B Tech, members of the public got to voice their opinions on who should provide the area’s newest hospital beds. Buncombe, Graham, Madison […]
$70M for land conservation, affordable housing up to Buncombe voters
This November, Buncombe County voters will determine if the county pursues up to $70 million in bonds. If approved, $30 million would go toward land conservation and greenways, while $40 million would fund up to 3,100 affordable housing units.
Commissioners vote to create bond oversight committee
The resolution would take effect if either or both of the bond referendums up for November votes were approved. The oversight committee would monitor investments made with up to $70 million in bond money and ensure the funds were being used to meet Buncombe’s goals: conserve 20% of county land and increase affordable housing by up to 3,150 units, both by 2030.
What’s new in food: We Give a Share rebrands as Equal Plates Project
Less than two months after assuming the role as director of We Give a Share, Madi Holtzman nervously approached founding board member Elizabeth Sims with the idea to change the local nonprofit’s name to better reflect its mission to “Make all plates equal.” Sims supported the idea, and in June, Holtzman presented her proposal to the […]