New Stories
Letter: Sierra Club criticism was baseless, unfair
“He heaps venomous scorn, most of it unfair and baseless, on an organization staffed exclusively by conscientious volunteers who selflessly devote their time and energy to doing what they can to preserve and protect the environment of Western North Carolina.”
Q&A: Elizabeth Colton on life abroad, diplomacy and journalism
Growing up in Asheville nurtured Elizabeth Colton’s desire to travel. And she has Warren Wilson College, in part, to thank for it. Throughout her youth, Colton’s parents invited international students studying at the college to their home during holidays. In meeting these travelers, the young Colton knew she wanted to explore the world for herself. […]
Letter: The value of old-growth forests
“Suzanne Simard and countless other scientists have enumerated the many environmental benefits of old-growth forest.”
County reappraisal committee presents July 19
A 10-month review, designed to address citizen complaints and equity concerns about Buncombe County’s approach to property assessment, is scheduled to conclude at the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday, July 19.
Are local development boards diverse enough?
“The thinking used to be, you put some architects on there. And you’d want to have a real estate investor, or a developer, or someone who’s a real estate agent, or you’d have some prominent business owner,” says Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer. “We’ve recognized that you need a Planning and Zoning Commission that’s more reflective of your community.”
Letter: Sierra Club critique flames out in Woodfin
“Attacking one of the nation’s largest and oldest organizations devoted to protecting our environment and going after a great public servant like Ken Brame was pathetic.”
Letter: Research shows effectiveness of housing first
“Of all the housing models, housing first, a version of permanent supportive housing, has the imprimatur of research demonstrating its effectiveness at ending homelessness.”
Green in brief: Morrow Landing to offer new French Broad access near Brevard
The land, purchased by Conserving Carolina, falls roughly halfway between the current Island Ford and Hap Simpson Park access points, which are separated by nearly 10 miles of river. Morrow Landing’s placement will therefore facilitate shorter trips by less experienced river users and improve access for emergency responders.
APD taking longer to respond to 911 calls despite policy change
Response times rose from an average of 8.2 minutes for the highest-priority calls in the 12 months before the shift — which had the Asheville Police Department no longer send officers to the scenes of certain minor crimes — to 9 minutes in the 12 months after.
Local couple collaborate on comprehensive Appalachian Trail book
Amber and Joshua Niven discuss working together on their new book, “Discovering the Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Trail’s Greatest Hikes.”
Despite hiccups, Malvern Hills pool reopens to the public
“Pools are one of those places where everybody gathers and are really an essential hub of the community,” says Parks and Recreation Program and Operations Manager Wayne Simmons. “And so not having those amenities, especially during the summer, can really have a negative impact.”
Exhibit spotlights LGBTQIA+ photographers
“This Skin I’m In: A Visual Narrative” runs through Aug. 29 at Revolve gallery.
Is the French Broad River safe for swimming?
Nothing sparks an online debate among Asheville-based social media groups faster than a question concerning the cleanliness of the French Broad River.