Buncombe County could change its zoning code to require developers of residential projects above a certain number of units to perform a traffic impact study.
City leaves light on for hotel on Airport Road
City Council approved a 112-room, five-story hotel project at 390 Airport Road at its Jan. 23 meeting, but not without some reluctance.
UPDATED Residents to DOT: Let us participate in Merrimon planning
Is it possible that some engineers from the NCDOT’s Division 13 office noticed their ears were burning on the evening of Jan. 23? While neighbors met in North Asheville to plan a push opposing what they see as rushed and inappropriate plans for widening a portion of Merrimon Avenue, City Council members decried the NCDOT’s lack of engagement and directed staff to develop a statement outlining the city’s concerns.
Transportation projects roll into City Council
At its Jan. 23 meeting, Asheville City Council could formally accept an investment of $4.6 million from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to help complete the southern section of the the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project.
$300,000 answer
ASHEVILLE
Despite environmental concerns, salt still most effective de-icer
To keep cars from slipping and sliding — and crashing and smashing — when weather conditions turn roads icy, the city of Asheville and the N.C. Department of Transportation treat local motorways with salt. While the substance can impact water quality and the health of wildlife, officials say they mostly succeed in balancing environmental and traffic safety concerns.
County finances in good shape despite Greene investigation
The specter of former County Manager Wanda Greene hovered over the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 16, as the commission got a detailed breakdown of when staff spotted irregularities tied to Greene and how the county got a clean audit in the midst of a federal investigation.
County Commission steps up internal controls
During its meeting on Jan. 16, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hear a report by County Manager Mandy Stone on internal controls the board has developed since the departure of former County Manager Wanda Greene. It will also hear the results of the audit for fiscal year 2017.
Asheville’s equity manager reflects on MLK
Kimberlee Archie came on board city staff as Asheville’s first equity and inclusion manager last July. In honor of Martin Luther King Day, Xpress asked Archie to share her thoughts on King’s legacy and how it applies to the continuing effort to create equity in Asheville.
No rats here
ASHEVILLE
County approves $5M sale of Ferry Road property
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved selling an undeveloped, 137-acre tract of land off Ferry Road for $5 million during its Jan. 9 meeting. The parcel has changed hands several times in recent years and was once intended to lure a national brewery to the region.
Asheville shuts door on short-term rentals
New rules adopted by the city of Asheville on Jan. 9 will severely limit where short-term vacation rentals are allowed. The decision came relatively swiftly and was not without debate over the best way to balance tourism with a need for housing.
Achin’ road
ASHEVILLE
Asheville poised to strictly limit vacation rentals
Sweeping changes to Asheville’s zoning code could make it much harder for property owners to rent out whole units for periods of less than a month. City Council will vote on the restrictions on short-term vacation rentals at its Jan. 9 meeting.
County could sell Ferry Road property for $5M
A 137-acre tract of undeveloped land off Ferry Road could soon have a new owner if Buncombe County commissioners vote to sell the property for $5 million during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
HUMOR ISSUE: Peterson declares Rivergatia, secedes from Asheville
SATIRE: In a stunning turn of events, the city of Asheville’s Riverfront Redevelopment Office announced today that it has sold the former 12 Bones property on Lyman Street back to former owner Chris Peterson. Shortly after the city made its announcement, Peterson declared that the property will secede from Asheville and form its own town, “Rivergatia.”
HUMOR ISSUE: City hires consultant to analyze consultants
SATIRE: In response to the growing concerns of many Asheville residents about the city’s frequent use of consultants on municipal projects, City Council hired the consultant firm Scrutinize Capital Administrative Management Inc., or SCAM, to evaluate the effectiveness of consultancies on various city initiatives.
HUMOR ISSUE: Predictions for the coming year
SATIRE: Xpress takes a loving look at local media, food and politics.
Consistency
ASHEVILLE
City moves toward major crackdown on short-term rentals
Asheville took a big step down the road to limiting short-term rentals after the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of an amendment to the city’s zoning code on Jan. 3.
Marxist brothers
ASHEVILLE