by Lucas Thomae, Carolina Public Press November 26, 2024 Without question, Tropical Storm Helene generated historic costs for North Carolina in terms of structural damages, disruptions to government operations and loss of human lives. Calculating just how expensive the storm was — and also figuring out who is footing the bill — is a trickier […]
County commissioners approve expanded emergency housing
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved $1.5 million for rental assistance and expanded emergency housing within the county in response to Tropical Storm Helene.
Winning Hendersonville, Black Mountain candidates discuss post-Helene challenges
Candidates elected to council seats in Hendersonville and Black Mountain Nov. 5 know that Helene recovery will be a priority during their terms.
Asheville lifts boil water notice
“Asheville water customers can safely consume tap water again,” Asheville City Council member Sage Turner posted on Instagram and Facebook.
Council approves $16 million for Helene recovery
The city is expecting all costs to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reviews Helene response and recovery
At its Nov. 7 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners received an update on the county’s Tropical Storm Helene response and recovery process.
Brownie Newman leaves office on the heels of Helene
When Buncombe County Commission Chair Brownie Newman first walked out of his house that Friday morning after the wind died down, he was hopeful the effects of Tropical Storm Helene wouldn’t be that bad. Then he walked one block over to Pearson Drive. This wasn’t the way Newman thought he’d end his 12 years on the county commission.
‘Big week’ ahead for Asheville’s water: Turbidity drops some; curtain installation and upcoming mineral treatment should reduce it more
The curtain installation should take 24 to 36 hours, meaning the mineral application could possibly start by late Tuesday afternoon.
Local governments ask for state, federal help to address Helene aftermath
Local governments throughout Western North Carolina are facing a number of critical needs in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, including temporary housing, infrastructure repair and debris removal.
With stubborn turbidity and concerns about water clarity growing, city amps up testing on the nonpotable water it’s delivering
Water Resources Department spokesperson Clay Chandler spent most of his time at the daily Helene briefing on Wednesday talking about the water testing program, but he said afterward it does not come in response to customer complaints.
City Council frees up $4 million to provide grants to residents and businesses
The majority of the funds — $3.4 million — will help residents with rent and down-payment assistance and home repairs. The city will seek nonprofit partners to administer the grants.
Hot Seat: Race for chair of County Commission heats up
Commissioner Amanda Edwards, ex-Sheriff Van Duncan talk policy differences, ethics and politics as the general election race for the top seat in Buncombe County enters its final month.
Buncombe County Commissioners delay reappraisal deadline
Assessing storm damage and calculating Tropical Storm Helene’s effect on market prices prompts county to postpone property appraisal deadline.
‘Citizen-only voting’ referendum on NC ballot this fall
The General Assembly passed House Bill 1074, which would change the wording of the state constitution to clarify who is allowed to vote in state and local elections, but it requires majority approval from voters.
2024 Election Voter Guide: Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
The 2024 races for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners are unusual for their variety: there is a race for commission chair featuring an incumbent, a commission seat race featuring an incumbent and another commission seat race with two candidates who are new to public office.
City Council approves new housing mix at former Ramada Inn
After a previous developer went bankrupt, a new plan focuses on supportive housing for veterans and affordable housing.
BREAKING: Entire volunteer tax appeals board quits in wake of Tax Assessor firing
Board of Equalization and Review Chair Miriam McKinney wrote two letters to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners warning that all five volunteer members of her board would resign if Tax Assessor Keith Miller was fired.
Council considers affordable housing development at former Ramada Inn
At its Tuesday, Sept. 24 meeting, Asheville City Council will be asked to adopt a resolution that could result in a facility including 50 units of supportive housing for veterans and 63 units of affordable housing at the site of a former Ramada Inn. (Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services intended to help people […]
On the Record: Asheville City Council candidate Roberto ‘Bo’ Hess on the intersectionality of the arts, mental health and local government
In the fifth installment of Xpress’ limited series “On the Record,” Roberto “Bo” Hess discusses his youth, a life-changing event and how his profession as a social worker informs his views on the arts and local politics — all to the soundtrack of Erykah Badu’s 2000 album Mama’s Gun.
Buncombe County commissioners fire tax assessor
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners fired its tax assessor R. Keith Miller for a conflict of interest involving buying a South Carolina condominium with an employee under his supervision.
Commission to vote on funding for county sports park
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will be asked to approve a budget amendment and accept a $4 million grant from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority at its Tuesday, Sept. 17, meeting. Phase 2 of Buncombe County’s Enka Recreation Destination project includes turfing four fields and lighting three fields; a new playground that complies […]