“Marrying one of the world’s biggest war corporations has consequences.”
Wilma’s disciples: Three generations of female environmental leaders
“Wilma Dykeman’s shadow covered all of us and inspired us to speak out and support citizens who were becoming more and more concerned about water quality, air quality, land use, land conservation, forest management, etc., in our mountain area.”
Want affordable housing? Get real
“Until the professed advocates of affordable housing and assistance for the homeless get off their BUTS and honestly attack these issues, nothing significant will happen.”
‘Don’t Say Gay’ law denies identities and truths
“Kids’ hearts and minds are at stake, and it is not just the gay and brown ones; the richness of truth, the beauty of a diverse world is denied to every single child when gag orders are placed on shared histories and ways of being.”
Quo vadis, Asheville? City at crossroads must find its way
“Perhaps slash-and-burn capitalism has succeeded in changing Asheville where Raleigh hasn’t.”
Let’s ban open burning in Buncombe County
“Residents’ health shouldn’t have to suffer when there are practical alternatives to open burning.”
Amendment promotes healthy communities and the environment
“Development in places with preexisting infrastructure is a crucial strategy for combating sprawl.”
Ode to the River Queen: The Gospel According to Jerry
“She rode into town on her white steed. And immediately found this silver serpent slithering slowly through the valley, passing the city and sorely in need.”
Community reflects on Cragnolin and her legacy
Community members reflect on the life and legacy of Karen Cragnolin, a dedicated champion of the French Broad River and its possibilities.
A Devil’s Dictionary of Development
“When The Market is ‘up,’ sacrifices of mature trees, wild animals and poor people must be offered in order to win Its favor.”
From me to we: The quantum leap we humans need to make
“As eco-theologian Thomas Berry stated, it will require a universal leap of consciousness — a group effort — if we Homo sapiens are to have any kind of real future here on this garden planet we were given.”
What happened to my Plan A to buy a house in Asheville
“So, looking for a home? Consider building your own — it’s good development that helps you and increases the city’s housing supply, a key element for improving housing affordability.”
City schools get failing grade for closing Asheville Primary
“If we’d had an inclusive process, there could have been a viable solution.”
The future of Coolville
“By the end of the decade, I predict that … Newbies who, in 2022, called out longtime residents as NIMBYs for opposing unbridled development will, by 2029, be NIMBYs themselves.”
Year in review: In 2021, readers shared thoughts on pandemic, growth, Vance Monument and more
Xpress readers offered up a raft of thought-provoking letters to the editor, commentaries and comments about local affairs in 2021.
Pavement or paradise? Asheville’s future is yours to decide
“The name of the proposal is the ‘open space amendment,’ and the goal is to dramatically slash, and in some cases, eliminate, the open space that developers are now required to provide with larger construction projects.”
Xpress seeks student writing & art for 2022 Kids Issue
It’s time for local K-12 students to get creative! The theme for Xpress’ 2022 Kids Issue is “Simply Beautiful.” Deadline to submit art and writing for possible publication is Friday, Jan. 28.
Hey, Grandpa: The Gospel According to Jerry
“They’re just trying to teach us the truth about America and our local history.”
Why we help: Passionate about offering affordable therapy
“I struggled in my own journey to find affordable therapy, so it is my passion now to offer services as we do at All Souls at a rate that people can afford.”
Why we help: Inspiring radio listeners to build connections
“When programming is directed by community members, you get to hear about new music, ideas and news that you don’t hear in the mainstream, and that’s invaluable.”
Why we help: Fueled by inspiration and possibility
“I am not just excited but honored to be part of this extraordinary journey to advocate for and protect the French Broad River and to champion responsible economic development and vitality.”