For activists like Victoria Estes, environmental scientists and others, the existential threat of climate change is taking an increasing toll on their mental health and well-being.
Sales from Go Local cards raise nearly $17,000 for ACSF
The first quarter sales of the Go Local card represent a push by residents to support local businesses.
Local artists work to inspire a picturesque America
For over a decade, local artists Scott “Doc” Varn has been searching out sites depicted in the 1870s publication Picturesque America. In more recent years, he’s put together a coalition of artists to reinterpret these sites as a way to draw greater attention the conversation movement.
Community members blast planned homeless camp removal
Asheville has issued removal orders for camps at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Aston Park, along Cherry and Hill streets and at Riverbend Park near the Walmart Supercenter on Bleachery Boulevard in East Asheville.
Council approves $1.6M land purchase to expand Deaverview housing community
Eventually, the city plans to use the land to revamp Deaverview into a “purpose built community,” which, according to the Atlanta-based nonprofit steering the national model, would help local leaders create “greater racial equity, economic mobility and improved health outcomes for families and children.”
Asheville’s new hotel system awards points for sustainable lodging
Asheville, home to more than 8,465 hotel rooms and counting, is providing a pathway for hotel operators to rack up some major brownie points by incorporating sustainable features and practices in plans for new hotel construction.
From CPP: Vaccines critical for farmworkers in WNC
As one of the most vulnerable populations for COVID-19, farmworkers are key candidates for vaccination. Organizations in Western NC counties work to get shots to transient groups.
From CPP: Forest supervisor balances population, budget and environmental concerns
Forest supervisor James Melonas sets priorities for tenure as leader of state’s four national forests.
Asheville Archives: City residents support clubhouse for women, 1917-26
Starting in 1917, the Asheville Club for Women began raising funds to finance a clubhouse. But World War I and the subsequent economic recession derailed the group’s plans.
Council to vote on $1.6M land purchase for affordable housing
At its April 13 meeting, Council will decide whether to purchase 21 acres of land intended for affordable housing using $1.6 million generated from the December sale of city-owned land acquired through urban renewal policies.
Local commerce organizations adapt to pandemic
While much attention has been paid to the struggles of individual businesses that have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic, Asheville’s business organizations, which provide a critical framework for entrepreneurs to network, collaborate and market their wares, have also taken a hit.
New trails are opening up Hickory Nut Gorge
A cooperative effort by Conserving Carolina, state and local governments, other nonprofits and the general public is gradually developing the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail in and around the rugged terrain that lies just beyond Buncombe County’s southeastern border. In late April, a new 2.5-mile trail section is scheduled to open.
Nondiscrimination ordinance rubs some residents the wrong way
A second reading of the amended ordinance could come before the commissioners for a vote at the board’s Tuesday, April 20, meeting.
Independent monitor wants to hear community feedback, concerns
The team at Gibbins Advisors wants to hear every complaint raised about Mission Health — but they can only call noncompliance on concerns directly tied to the 15 core commitments HCA Healthcare agreed to uphold when the hospital conglomerate purchased the Mission system in 2019.
APD staffing shortage reaches critical level
“Whether you’re a private entity or are providing a public service, a 30-35% daily loss of staff is going to have a major impact on operations,” says Asheville Police Chief David Zack. “I think we’d be hard pressed to find another agency who is dealing with as many big challenges as we are.”
Next month to see return of in-person comments at commission meetings
The new plan will include a hybrid model that will allow residents to either call in or attend commission meetings in person. In June, the public comment policy will shift entirely to in-person, eliminating the option for the public to call in to the meetings.
Team-building, trust at core of Asheville City Council retreat
As the sometimes contentious discussions unfolded, members grappled with ambitious priorities for the upcoming year, and, perhaps more importantly, what their working relationships would look like for the next 18 months.
County to vote on $35,000 in cost-sharing for Vance Monument consulting
The county funds represent half of the $70,000 price tag for hiring a consultant to determine what’s next for the location.
Need for seed: Pandemic supply problems see second season
Last spring’s supply problems have persisted this growing season — and have extended to commercial farming operations — as seed companies grapple with coronavirus-induced labor issues and consistently high demand.
Carolina Beer Guy: Brew fest returns with new look
Hi-Wire Brewing’s N.C. Small Batch Beer Festival returns with a different look. Also, new releases, reopenings and expansions.
TDA projects roaring year for Buncombe visitation
At its March 25 regular meeting, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority board unanimously approved a projection that occupancy tax revenue would exceed $27 million for fiscal year 2021-22 — 15% more than projected for the current fiscal year, which ends in June, and 9% more than the year before the pandemic.