A healthy crowd turned out to mingle with local and regional elected officials at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s 14th annual elected officials reception.
Summertime and the parking’s not easy
“There’s not a simple solution,” says Sage Turner, who chairs both the Downtown Commission and its Parking and Transportation Committee. “The reality is, at peak hours when everyone wants to be downtown, there is just not enough parking.”
Step Right Up
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Yes we Can(ton)
Canton is a mill town — and that’s just fine with residents, who embrace its industrial smells and sights as part of the town’s heritage and identity. As new transplants move in, drawn by Canton’s lower housing prices and ample vacant downtown commercial space, longtime residents seem optimistic the town can both welcome growth and maintain its authentic appeal.
DA releases statement on Hickman plea, sentencing and restorative justice
Buncombe County District Attorney provided a statement via Twitter on the Aug. 9 guilty plea of former Asheville Police Officer Christopher Hickman in the Aug. 25, 2017, beating of Asheville resident Johnnie Rush.
Dogwood Health Trust shares six-month update
While the trust’s professional leadership remains under consideration, board chair Janice Brumit confirms that its board has filled out its inaugural complement of 14 members from WNC. After the nonprofit hires its inaugural CEO and finishes its strategic plan later this year, she estimates that other organizations will be able to apply for its grants starting in the spring of 2020 and receive money the following fall.
Buncombe County plans for 2020 census
In a presentation at the Aug. 6 pre-meeting of the Board of Commissioners, Director of Intergovernmental Projects Tim Love said that the county misses out on roughly $1,600 of federal funding annually for every resident who goes uncounted. Buncombe is aiming to increase its census participation by roughly 10,000 residents over the 2010 effort and reach an 80% participation rate.
The Unkindest Cut
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Electric vehicle infrastructure expands in WNC
Although nearly 100 public charging stations are currently installed within 15 kilometers (9 miles) of Asheville, many more are on the way. Governments, businesses and private individuals are all stepping up their efforts to electrify the way WNC gets around, with major pushes including Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 80 and Duke Energy’s ET Pilot.
Not-So-High Horse
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
City Attorney Brad Branham on representing Asheville
City Attorney Brad Branham sat down with Xpress to discuss the legal challenges surrounding affordable housing, expanding transit and more.
Tourism Development Authority weighs in on proposed hotel ban
The Tourism Development Authority discusses the proposed hotel moratorium during a July 31 board meeting.
Asheville and Buncombe County seek breastfeeding-friendly designation
Local elected officials say they want Asheville and Buncombe County to be considered a breastfeeding-friendly community to boost lifelong health for residents, but does that intention line up with today’s reality for nursing moms?
McHenry, Buncombe residents clash at Riceville town hall
The 10th Congressional District representative’s constituents challenged him on issues including climate policy, Israel-U.S. relations and the behavior of President Donald Trump at his annual Buncombe County town hall on July 31 at the Riceville Community Center.
Middle schoolers research city’s African American past, present
Students participating in the Middle School Magic program at Asheville Middle School presented the results of their three-week exploration of the city’s African American history on July 25.
Left Out
Local historians uncover Asheville’s hidden past
On Wednesday, July 31, the North Carolina Room will host the official launch party, celebrating the publication of Hidden History of Asheville.
Biz briefs: Asheville Chamber honored, GE Aviation to expand locally
In the first quarter of 2019, the Asheville area saw an average of 5,400 new jobs compared to the same period the previous year, with gains in manufacturing, professional and business services and construction.
Open for Business
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
New playground to be named after slain 12-year-old Derrick Lee Jr.
Asheville City Council member Vijay Kapoor announced the naming of the playground, which will be built as a part of the Asheville Housing Authority’s renovation of Lee Walker Heights. Lee was shot and killed at Lee Walker Heights on July 1, 2018, and his murder remains unsolved.
Buncombe sheriff launches listening sessions in Black Mountain
At the Black Mountain Public Library on July 23, Sheriff Quentin Miller spoke to roughly 35 people in the first of five planned listening sessions meant to build relationships with community members around public safety. Topics included compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers, school resource officers and transparency in the Sheriff’s Office.