If approved, the grant would bolster two American Rescue Plan Act grants previously approved by Council earlier this year.
Buncombe County Commission candidates talk policy, vision at CIBO forum
The forum, hosted by the Council of Independent Business Owners, gave the candidates the opportunity to stake out their positions on a range of issues central to Buncombe County residents.
Secret agencies
Riverfront commission hosts special session on water quality
About 100 people attended the Sept. 8 event — the first of its kind hosted by the Asheville Area Riverfront Redevelopment Commission — at New Belgium Brewing Co. The gathering was prompted by recent reports on the French Broad River’s economic importance and bacterial contamination.
Buncombe considers parking solutions for low-income workers
The county may offer reduced monthly parking passes in its Coxe Avenue parking deck, cutting the monthly cost to rent a space in that garage from $85 to $40 for employees who work within about a mile of Pack Square.
Luxury suites, perks for local VIPs in $1.3M US Open deal
The U.S. Open winds to a close this weekend in New York, and among those attending in the luxury suites at the tennis Grand Slam event will be more than two dozen Buncombe County VIPs – courtesy of the public tourism board and $1.3 million in local tax money.
NC-11 candidates talk issues, strategy ahead of Election Day
The NC-11 race is heating up as Republican State Sen. Chuck Edwards and Democratic challenger Jasmine Beach-Ferrara head into the fall election.
Manheimer, Berthiaume pull in Asheville campaign funds
Mayor Esther Manheimer and climate change consultant Maggie Ullman Berthiaume have raised the most campaign funds so far in this year’s race for Asheville city government positions, according to reports filed by candidates’ campaigns. Manheimer had raised $19,550 as of mid-July, while Berthiaume had taken $29,442 in donations.
Development roundup: New housing proposed for Elk Mountain ridgeline in Woodfin
Six years after a 196-unit development on the Elk Mountain ridgeline in Woodfin was abandoned following public dissent, a new project on the same site will likely come before the Woodfin planning board Tuesday, Oct. 4.
How might abortion restrictions impact child welfare in WNC?
WNC retains abortion access through Planned Parenthood’s Asheville Health Center, the region’s sole provider of the procedure. What is less clear, at least at this moment, is how restrictions on abortion will impact the area’s child welfare system.
Up the river
Commissioners to hear early childhood education update
The presentation, available on the Board of Commissioners agenda prior to the Sept. 6 meeting, focuses on the nearly $3.75 million awarded from the county’s early childhood education fund in fiscal year 2021-2022. Across 21 funded projects, according to the presentation, 71% of goals were met, with most shortfalls coming in enrollment, attendance and staffing targets.
Q&A: Tom Balestrieri on launching Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living
Tom Balestrieri discusses the inspiration behind launching Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living, surprises he’s encountered since its debut and what it means to matriculate at UNC Asheville as a nontraditional student.
Asheville prepares Municipal Climate Action Plan
According to the city’s website, the plan, being drafted by Winston-Salem-based consultant AECOM for $95,000, “will incorporate all new additions of policies and resolutions while creating a roadmap on how to accomplish adopted goals” for sustainability and climate through 2030.
American Rivers to explore removing Craggy Dam
For more than 100 years, the Craggy Dam has divided the French Broad River near the town of Woodfin. But now Washington, D.C.-based American Rivers wonders whether it’s time to remove the dam to benefit the area’s ecology and increase recreational opportunities.
Edwards, Republican panel talk ‘leftist agenda’ in schools
The N.C. Republican Party’s Aug. 17 panel discussion in Hendersonville was billed with the theme of “Family First.”
From NC Health News: Have you heard of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot? No? You’re not alone
While many see NC Medicaid’s new preventative health program as full of potential, they worry a lack of knowledge about the program paired with its complicated referral process could undermine its impact.
Q&A: Nicole Kott on treating the homeless with dignity
Nicole Kott, executive director of Helping Hands of Haywood to discusses her work, the challenges her clients face and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
From Asheville Watchdog: New proposal replaces controversial Bluffs project
The application for what was the site of the highly contentious Bluffs proposal, submitted to Woodfin Aug. 5 by Concept Companies of Gainesville, Fla., proposes a smaller development of 672 multi-family apartments with three clubhouses called “Mountain Village.”
Council subsidies could bring more than 100 affordable units to Asheville
Asheville City Council unanimously approved two different approaches to support developments aimed at increasing affordable housing.
From CPP: Plumbing, truck driving, construction skills get boost from Haywood ARPA funds
Haywood County is currently the only mountain county using federal pandemic relief dollars to support local community colleges.