A joint recommendation drawn up by education and economic development focus groups from the commission focused primarily on what facilitators called an “education resource campus” to provide a place where Black folks know they could access resources.
State lawmakers shroud open-records requirements
Local officials are still reeling over a little paragraph in the state’s 625-page budget in which lawmakers exempted themselves from public record requirements. Section 27.7 of the 2023 Appropriations Act says that current and former legislators “shall not be required to reveal or to consent to reveal any document, supporting document, drafting request, or information request made or received by that legislator while a legislator.”
TDA approves $100K in funding for 2024 festivals and events
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority unanimously approved a total of $100,000 in funding for 25 local events and festivals at its Nov. 29 board meeting. According to Tiffany Thacker, director of grants for Explore Asheville, the investment in the projects will “enhance local experiences for both residents and visitors.”
Biltmore Farms requests rezoning of more than 760 acres
On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on the rezoning of more than 760 acres of land owned by Biltmore Farms adjacent to the Pratt & Whitney plant.
Buncombe to seek competitive bids for trash service
After existing provider WastePro proposed rate hikes as part of its contract renewal, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 21 to seek alternative providers on the open market.
Fiber internet coming to Buncombe County’s rural communities
High-speed fiber internet is on its way to several rural communities in Buncombe County, thanks to a $3.3 million state grant. Nearly 1,000 households will receive fiber internet service over the next two years, according to Buncombe County Director of Economic Development Tim Love.
Buncombe commissioners consider new contract with WastePro
As part of a potential contract extension, WastePro is proposing an almost $3 increase to $25.16 per month to continue its existing services. Customers currently pay $22.55 monthly.
Council delays vote on Arden development
Asheville City Council voted unanimously Nov. 14 to postpone a vote on a proposed 279-unit apartment complex in Arden over concerns around a shortage of family-sized units and lack of renewable energy. The project was unable to get a formal recommendation to Council from the Planning and Zoning Commission at its Oct. 4 meeting; however, the developer asked to continue with the zoning approval process.
Local leaders: Reduce Buncombe’s tourism marketing budget
“I did not realize that we were so far ahead of everybody else in North Carolina,” said state Sen. Julie Mayfield, D-Buncombe. “All of these other cities do a great job of marketing themselves, and they don’t spend as much money as we do.”
City Council to vote on 279-unit development in Arden
The complex is proposed for 2 Butler Road in Arden and is set to include five separate residential buildings. Four would include 45 units each, alongside a central building with an additional 99 units, according to planning documents.
Buncombe officials: Fire conditions as dangerous as 2016
Ryan Cole, assistant emergency services director for Buncombe County, told the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Nov. 7 that conditions now remind him of what fueled the blaze that burned more than 7,000 acres in three weeks near the Buncombe-Henderson county line.
Buncombe commissioners consider $40 million in capital projects for schools
Over $40 million in upgrades could be coming to a number of schools in Asheville and Buncombe County if the request from the School Capital Fund Commission is approved at the Tuesday, Nov. 7, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting.
New 24-hour restroom coming to downtown
The new amenity, which will be located at the intersection of Rankin Avenue and College Street, aims to offer residents, visitors and the unhoused a safe, clean place to go when nature calls.
Council approves zoning for McCormick Field improvements
Asheville City Council at its Oct. 24 meeting unanimously approved a zoning change required to upgrade McCormick Field. The modifications to the site’s zoning requirements at 30 Buchanan Place include allowances for the project to exceed height restrictions and bypass parking space requirements.
Reparations commission releases initial recommendations
After 18 months of meetings and nearly $500,000 spent, Asheville’s reparations commission — tasked with making recommendations for restitution for generations of racial injustice — has now lost its second project manager in a year. Additionally, the commission is asking for more time to draft its final recommendations.
Council to hold public hearing for South Slope Vision Plan
The plan aims to channel the growth and development of the area, located south of the downtown core and its surrounding neighborhoods, including South French Broad, East End Valley Street and Oakhurst.
Buncombe sheriff: Crime is decreasing outside Asheville
Across eight serious crime categories reported to the State Bureau of Investigation, Miller reported a 15% decrease from 2021 to 2022 and a 2% decrease from the previous 10-year low, in 2019.
Buncombe commissioners to consider school district consolidation study
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will consider taking the lead to solicit a new study analyzing the feasibility of merging Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools at its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 17.
WTF: Bail bond intricacies explained
In March, the Asheville Police Department reported a nearly 20% increase in violent crime between 2021 and 2022. This, along with numerous instances of repeat offenders committing more crimes while out on bail has led some people to question the effectiveness of the judicial system in Asheville.
Downtown car-bike lane project divides Council
After nearly two hours of public comments and somewhat fervent discussions between council members, the council approved the College Patton Complete Streets project, 4-3, with council members Antanette Mosley, Sheneika Smith and Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore opposed.
Council to vote on Complete Streets project
Asheville City Council is slated to vote on the Complete Streets project at its Tuesday, Oct. 10 meeting. If adopted, the resolution would authorize the city manager to move forward with the project, bringing buffered bike lanes to two major downtown roads.