Give Amazon.com a rest — Western North Carolina is full of small, independent retailers, where the only thing cookie-cutter is the display of, well, cookie cutters.
Business is booming at the region’s independently owned pet shops
As an independent pet retailer, “Business is good,” says Jenna Wilson, who owns Patton Avenue Pet Co.’s three outlets. Other locally owned pet suppliers agree: WNC pet owners want the best for their family members, and they often shop local for high quality pet food, treats, supplies and toys.
No easy fix for affordable housing at CIBO breakfast
“Unless you are using the city and county tools and financing from either the city’s housing trust fund, the county’s affordable housing fund or some kind of funds from a taxpayer project,” real estate developer Kirk Booth told around 40 people at the Council of Independent Business Owners’ Dec. 6 breakfast meeting, “it’s not going to happen.”
CBD business budding across WNC, nation
Are CBD businesses — which are exploding across WNC and elsewhere — laying down the tracks, preparing for an expansion into legal marijuana? The answer depends on whom you ask. Many local CBD entrepreneurs say they’ll continue their focus on the health benefits of CBD, regardless of whether medical or recreational marijuana are legalized in the state.
Promise of snow prompts weekend cancellations. Here’s a list
The impending snowpacolypse — and the promise that hardcore weather prognosticator Jim Cantore will be the in Asheville area this weekend — has locals in a tizzy about the weather.
Strength in numbers: Go Local looks to expand
There is no fee for business owners interested in signing up, says Franzi Charen, founder of Asheville Grown Business Alliance, which produces the card each year. The only requirement is that locally owned, independent shops honor the card with hand-selected special offers.
News in brief: Parking fines to go up in new year
Asheville City Council will hear public comment on two proposed hotel projects and an economic development incentive grant at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11. City parking fines will rise on Feb. 1, 2019.
Transit, zoning will top Edwards’ first regular meeting as commissioner
Amanda Edwards’ first day in the hot seat should be fairly chill.
Asheville shows proposals for affordable housing on city-owned land
The three parcels currently being considered for affordable housing are on South Charlotte Street, where the city currently has its Public Works Garage and Fleet Management facilities; on Biltmore Avenue at the old Matthews Ford site and on Riverside Drive at the “Ice House.” Up to 550 new affordable rental units could be developed.
Local experts explain insurance market changes, urge enrollment before Dec. 15 deadline
Open enrollment for 2019 Affordable Care Act health insurance plans is underway through Saturday, Dec. 15.
News in brief: I-26 connector meeting, Hump Mountain, veterans train service dogs
According to the project website for the planned Interstate 26 Connector project in Asheville, the N.C. Department of Transportation has been meeting with community groups about the roadway since 1989. On Tuesday, Dec. 4, NCDOT will again convene local stakeholders. Also: a major public land acquisition in the Cherokee National Forest, and a new community service option for veterans involved with the criminal justice system.
New facility in Columbus aims to increase number of rural dentists, dental assistants
“Poor dental care leads to poor health and poor dental care is also a social poverty stigma that makes it hard for people to get jobs,” says Dr. Jeff Heck, Mountain Area Health Education Center’s CEO. In line with MAHEC’s mission of increasing access to primary and preventive health care services to people in rural areas, the organization will partner with St. Luke’s Hospital and Isothermal Community College to open a new dental and primary care center in Columbus next spring.
Council to consider formal e-scooter ban at Nov. 27 meeting
City Council will evaluate regulations that specifically target e-scooters at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Duke solar rebate program leads to call for ethics in renewables
As demand for solar energy increases, members of the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association worry that negative word-of-mouth about experiences with renewables could undermine trust in established installers. In August, the trade group developed a “Solar Business Code” establishing fundamental professional standards.
NCDOT gets input on Sweeten Creek expansion
To alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow, the N.C. Department of Transportation is in the early planning stages for widening Sweeten Creek Road from Rock Hill Road to Hendersonville Road.
East Asheville Library expansion moves ahead, board agrees to Michael Greene settlement amount
Despite projections showing it could cost more than initially estimated, the long-awaited renovations to the East Asheville Library, located at 902 Tunnel Road, received unanimous approval on Nov. 20 from the Board of Commissioners.
News in brief: Mission releases annual report, city offices to close for Thanksgiving
City and county government give details of schedule changes surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, while Mission Health releases its 2017 annual report.
Local nonprofits go online to drive real-world change
While organizations continue to use traditional forms of community engagement such as printed mailing lists and media relations, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have widened their scope of donors and support.
Local nonprofits recruit and retain volunteers of the future
As families deal with competing demands, organizations that use volunteers have learned that flexibility is key. By smoothing the process of participation, groups such as the YMCA of Western North Carolina, the Junior League of Asheville and Girl Scouts Carolina Peaks to Piedmont are attracting kids to the habit of giving back.
UPDATED: Vegas developer asks for changes to county law for ridgetop resort
A Vegas-based developer wants to build a resort in the mountains outside Asheville. To do so, he would need commissioners to amend Buncombe County’s zoning ordinance. Staff in the county planning department have recommended that commissioners reject the changes.
News in brief: TDA grants, ACA open enrollment
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority announced its 2018 tourism product development funding grant awards, to the tune of nearly $10 million. Trained staff are standing by to assist with Affordable Care Act enrollment through Saturday, Dec. 15, and residents can learn more about plans to widen Sweeten Creek Road in South Asheville at a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 13.