“It would be a miracle if everybody for one week didn’t drive.”
Spaced out: The future of parking in downtown Asheville
Ken Putnam has a passion for parking. The city of Asheville’s transportation director says that despite complaints, he never has a problem finding a spot downtown when he drives to work. But then again, he knows where to look.
Overharvesting of forest plants calls for mindful consumers
With interest in wild edibles and native medicinals growing, the demand on these plants is quickly exceeding the supply — leading to over-harvesting, poaching and a risk of extinction. When browsing the stands at the farmers market or the shelves in an herbal shop, how can you know if the plants and products you’re purchasing are supporting sustainable, local growers or contributing to a growing problem?
Buncombe Commissioners approve hemlock preservation project
At the Tuesday, May 19 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a project to protect the region’s disappearing hemlock population. They also heard budget requests from Buncombe County Schools, Asheville City Schools, A-B Tech and District Attorney Todd Williams, as well as the proposed budget for the 2016 fiscal year — all of which will come to a public hearing at the next regular meeting, on June 2.
Down and out in Asheville: The face of local homelessness
In 2005, city and county officials adopted the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, an ambitious collaboration involving many local agencies. Significant progress has been made: Since 2005, chronic homelessness is down 82 percent, from 293 people to just 54, city officials say. Yet there are still homeless folks on local streets.
Letter writer: Why risk children’s health with new Duke Power substation?
“I am writing in strong opposition to the Duke Power substation that is being built next to the new Isaac Dickson Elementary School.”
UPDATE: N.C. officials test well water near Duke Energy plant in Asheville
Eleven private wells located near Duke Energy’s Asheville-area plant have been tested for coal-ash contamination as of May 19, and preliminary results on half of them show mixed results, say North Carolina environmental officials.
Buncombe Commissioners to discuss budget, hemlock preservation
The Tuesday, May 19, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ meeting will be all about the budget — shifting near the end to discuss a possible hemlock preservation project.
< / housing crisis > : Code for Asheville harnesses technology to help renters, homebuyers
Members of Code for Asheville, a local Code for America brigade, are taking steps to help alleviate one of the city’s biggest problems: the affordable housing crisis.
Letter writer: Stop pollution, save money, get exercise during Strive Not to Drive Week
“Strive Not to Drive is a fantastic opportunity to stop pollution, save money and get physical exercise.”
High Five Coffee takes a side trip
Jay Weatherly likes the “side-street feel” of his new High Five Coffee location, set to open in June on Rankin Avenue in downtown Asheville. The new site lies a few feet from the backdoor, kids entrance to one of the city’s oldest businesses, Tops for Shoes.
Letter writer: High rates of student smoking casts cloud over Warren Wilson College’s image
“Needless to say, your news about the high rate of students smoking casts a cloud over the image of Warren Wilson.”
Gatsby-themed prom at Asheville High goes local
With 50 pounds of ostrich feathers, dozens of ping-pong balls, lots of gold glitter, gallons of donated black paint and a big dose of school spirit, Asheville High School hosted its annual prom at the school last night, May 16, for the first time since (as best anyone can remember, anyway) 1979 or so.
Children First/Communities In Schools: Promoting student success
Children First/Communities In Schools (CIS) recognizes that when a child arrives prepared for school, their chances for success are exponentially increased, while the likelihood of dropping out of school is decreased.
Faces in the crowd: WNC crowdfunding initiatives
Each week, Xpress highlights notable WNC crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd. This week features local designer Rich O’Keefe’s artistic t-shirt company, activist Jennifer MacDonald’s gift baskets for Syrian refugees and a masterfully mixed album for Brevard hip hop artist Joe Trufant.
Department of Justice: Duke Energy sentenced to pay $102 million for Clean Water Act crimes
Duke Energy pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to nine criminal violations of the Clean Water Act at five of its North Carolina plants. The nation’s largest power company agreed to pay $102 million in fines and restitution for the pollution of the Dan River.
Letter writer: $25 million project aims to improve Asheville’s water supply dam
“I can see how your reader interpreted the 2014 Water Quality report to suggest that Schnabel Engineering is doing a $25 million study. We have engaged Schnabel over the past several years to assess our primary water supply dam and identify improvements that are necessary to bring the dam into compliance with N.C. Dam Safety regulations.”
Cash cows: How national and state parks boost N.C. communities
To many Western North Carolina residents, the region’s parks and recreational areas represent a chance to experience our state’s natural beauty and preserve its rich history. But what’s often overlooked is these attractions’ key role in bolstering local economies.
Will new hotels overwhelm Asheville’s carrying capacity?
Asheville currently has about 7,200 hotel and motel rooms that are subject to the 4 percent occupancy tax levied on room sales. And if all of those current hotel projects came to fruition (which is by no means guaranteed), it would add at least 1,115 more, boosting the total number by 15 to 20 percent.
Council divided but leaning tough on short-term rentals
It’s not yet clear what action Asheville City Council members will take on short-term rentals, but Council is leaning toward stiffer fines, stricter enforcement and a continued ban in residential areas.
Letter writer: Bill creates opossum free-for-all
“Kudos to cartoonist Brent Brown for nailing the absurdity of the legislature’s opossum bill debacle.”