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 […]
Council tables zoning amendments pending larger overhaul
City Council tables proposed changes to cottage clusters and “flag” lots ordinances pending an overall affordable housing strategy for the city.
City manager addresses employee-compensation complaints
A group of Black women City of Asheville employees were lauded during the Sept. 10 Council meeting, after they raised concerns over hiring and compensation practices. The City of Asheville says it’s taking steps to address the concerns.
Council to review Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
The presentation highlights achievements, including progress on Council’s six key strategic priorities.
Buncombe considers funding for more low-barrier shelter beds
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reviewed $3.6 million in funding requests that would expand low-barrier homeless shelters, which do not require ID or sobriety, and are open 24/7.
Residents weigh in on the future of transportation in WNC
The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public input for Elevate 2050, a federally mandated plan setting transportation priorities for the next 25 years in WNC.
Council approves more time for Reparations Commission
Commission will receive city resources until February to continue plans to address harms from systematic racism.
On the Record: City Council candidate Kevan Frazier on cover songs, multifamily housing and grants
A native to Western North Carolina, Kevan Frazier says cheap rent is what initially drew many artists to the city. If elected to Asheville City Council, one of his top priorities will be to help find solutions to the current housing crisis as a way to assist residents, including those in the creative sector.
County to consider support for expanded broadband
Buncombe County was awarded the BellSouth Telecommunications Project in July, which could expand broadband access to nearly 1,000 new locations in rural parts of Buncombe County if approved by commissioners Tuesday, Sept. 3.
County, school boards discuss priorities in unusual joint meeting
On Aug. 22, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners called a first-of-its-kind joint meeting within the Asheville City and Buncombe County boards of education to identify the three elected bodies’ shared purpose.
Council to hear presentation on completed Merrimon Avenue road diet
The Merrimon Avenue road diet began converting a portion of the roadway from four to three lanes in October 2022. Nearly two years later, and three months after the project’s completion, the N.C. Department of Transportation will present its findings to Asheville City Council.
On the Record: Asheville City Council candidate Tod Leaven on Billie Holiday, the local theater scene and more
Over the next several weeks, Xpress will sit down with each of the six candidates running for Asheville City Council to listen to an album of their choice while discussing the local arts scene.
County appoints 11 to short-term rental committee
Diverse panel named to help draft regulations regarding short-term rentals after initial attempts met headwinds.
6 candidates compete for Hendersonville City Council seats
Xpress reached out to candidates for Hendersonville City Council to ask them why they are running, what their priorities are and why they are the best person for the job.
County to appoint members to short-term rental committee
The committee will help sculpt countywide regulations of STRs, which were put on hold by the Buncombe County Planning Board in April.
City program offers ‘carrot’ to hotel developers
Since 2021, 13 hotel projects have gone through the by-right process, with 11 committing more than $2.7 million toward city priorities, according to a newly released City of Asheville public dashboard.