Asheville, N.C.
City gets look at proposed 70-room lodging in RAD
Plans are afoot to renovate a large, historic building in the River Arts District to create a mixed-use space with lodging, retail and restaurant components.
Take the money and run: Greene nets $500K payday over 6 months
Former Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene cashed out on a $500,000 payday for six months of work in 2017 and more than $1.6 million over the past four years.
Commissioners take aim at nepotism, workplace retaliation
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved changes to the county’s personnel ordinance that establishes a whistle blower hotline and providers more detailed language on immediate family members working together.
Conference to focus on economic inclusion, equity
The third annual conference, “Bringing it Home: Building a Local Economy for Everyone,” will take place on Oct. 7 at the YMI Cultural Center in downtown Asheville.
City Council talks tough on short-term lodging
Asheville City Council appears committed to holding the city’s line on any potential expansion of short-term rentals. Council members put the kibosh on a proposal to allow short-term rentals on a stretch of Haywood Road in West Asheville, while also instructing city staff to explore banning the practice in all areas of the city, including the River Arts District and downtown. Homestays, a type of accommodation where the primary resident is home during a guest’s short-term stay, would remain legal.
Family Justice Center sees 50% rise in victim intake, commissioners expand preschool offerings
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners heard about the success of the Family Justice Center helping abuse survivors while also learning those using the resources has seen a 50 percent increase in the last three months.
DA warns of new opioid danger, announces diversion program
The Buncombe County District Attorney is looking to give opioid offenders treatment rather than jail time via a new diversion program.
Tuesday History: ‘On the highest hill in the town’
Anticipation for Col. Franklin Coxe’s Battery Park Hotel was evident in early newspaper reports.
ICYMI: Xpress stories from the issue of Sept. 27, 2017
From the area’s largest single construction project to fall planting, Xpress has the scoop on local fall happenings. Here are some of our best stories from the previous week to keep you reading as you wait for our next issue, coming to a paper box near you on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Council to re-evaluate Haywood Road development rules
In keeping with the autumn harvest season, Asheville City Council will feast on a cornucopia of topics at its Oct. 3 meeting, including dam improvement, Haywood Road development and the business impact of special events.
Summit acts as primer on area’s housing problems
An affordable housing summit on Sept. 29 explored local programs that encourage the development of affordable housing.
Conscious Party: Outdoor Adventure Demo Day
The full day of outdoor adventure activities takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Evergreen Community Charter School.
McHenry speaks
Asheville, N.C.
Asheville School alum looks back at racial integration
Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Asheville School. On Thursday, Sept. 21, Oliver G. Prince Jr., class of 1971, addressed the Asheville School community on the 50th year of racial integration at the school. Prince and his classmates, Al McDonald and Frank DuPree, were the first three African-American students enrolled in Asheville School in 1967. […]
How to not die in the Smokies
When you think about the Great Smoky Mountains, your thoughts might not immediately jump to death and destruction. But that is exactly what adventure travel writer David Brill of Morgan County, Tenn., dives into with his new book, “Into the Mist: Tales of Death and Disaster, Mishaps and Misdeeds, Misfortune and Mayhem in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”
WNC residents rail against Duke rate hike
A banner drop across from a Sept. 27 public hearing of the N.C. Utilities Commission signaled Asheville’s rejection of Duke Energy Progress’ plan to raise rates almost 15 percent. “Go 100% renewable. No rate hikes for Duke’s dirty energy,” read the banner. A lineup of 44 speakers echoed those sentiments over the course of a nearly four-hour hearing.
Cycle through seasonal splendor in WNC
Autumn cycling events in the region feature options for all experience levels and highlight the gorgeous landscape while raising money for nonprofits.
Buncombe commissioners study preschool expansion
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners heard about ongoing efforts to expand access to affordable preschool across the county.
Tuesday History: ‘More than a citizen’
“Dr. Battle was more than a citizen of Asheville; he was an institution,” wrote Asheville Times reporter James B. Caine in 1938. “He came here while this community was yet in its infancy; he watched, and materially aided in its growth with pleasure and pride.”
2017 Asheville City Council and mayor primary election guide
The Asheville City Council primary is set for Tuesday, Oct. 10. Early voting is already underway and Xpress’ voting guide has Q&As with all the candidates along with other voting resources.