New Stories
Buncombe prepares to launch comprehensive plan
Although the county completed a strategic plan last year, which outlines general governmental goals, it does not have a comprehensive plan, which primarily evaluates land use and infrastructure. State law requires the adoption of such a document by July 2022.
Following up on the 2019 Flatiron sale
After pandemic-related financing and permitting delays, work is now underway on the conversion of downtown Asheville’s Flatiron Building into a hotel, with a grand opening planned for 2023. Xpress reached out to some of those directly affected by the Flatiron’s evolution to learn how the building’s sale in 2019 has impacted their lives.
Why are officers leaving APD?
It’s no secret that officers are quitting the Asheville Police Department in droves, but what’s less certain is why officers are leaving. Xpress reached out to more than 50 former APD officers about their resignations. Only two agreed to share their thoughts, both under the condition of anonymity out of fear of professional consequences at their new jobs.
Wellness roundup: Local domestic, sexual violence nonprofits lose funding; Dogwood invests $25M into Pisgah Fund
State funding for local domestic, sexual violence nonprofits to end Sept. 30 The N.C. Governor’s Crime Commission informed four WNC nonprofits on June 16 of the discontinuance of nearly $2.3 million in grant funding previously available through the Victims of Crime Act and the Violence Against Women Act. Existing VOCA and VAWA grants are scheduled […]
Improving with age: Visionary restaurateurs, architects and designers work to rejuvenate Asheville’s old buildings
As Asheville began reimagining itself over the last 20 years, its dense urban core of older yet viable structures has allowed local, independent restaurants and breweries to obtain affordable — if somewhat decrepit — spaces for their ventures along with opportunities for architects and designers to transform them.
Recent grants generate new arts and culture initiatives
A pair of recent grants to Warren Wilson College and Western Carolina University’s Bardo Arts Center focus on the region’s cultural history and traditions.
Art in Bloom and Midsummer Market highlight rural creators
Black Mountain Center for the Arts continues a long-running tradition while the Madison County Arts Council starts a new one.
Local Democrats reluctant to support government transparency bill
When Xpress asked each of Buncombe County’s state-level representatives if they would support the new transparency measures contained in House Bill 64, only Republican Sen. Chuck Edwards gave an unequivocal yes.
Letter: Cawthorn’s inspiring story could encourage others
“This inspiring story could encourage people to achieve great things and to rise and overcome your limitations for success.”
Around Town: Urban Renewal Impact website goes live
The findings of Priscilla Robinson’s 14-year project are published, a recent Asheville High graduate earns a spot in the prestigious GRAMMY Camp and more area arts news.
What’s new in food: Yancey County Farmers Market to find a new permanent home
Yancey County Farmers Market prepares for a new site. Plus, Barn Door Ciderworks invites local home cooks to show off their chops in the cidery’s tasting room, Eda Rhyne pops the top on a new canned cocktail and more local food news.
Letter: We need creative responses to transform our institutions
“I believe preschool and primary grades of schooling are more attuned to children’s needs, but after that, the schools are geared more to fitting children into our dysfunctional and polarized society.”
Letter: Homelessness is not a ‘lifestyle’
“Just as mental, physical and socioeconomic conditions are not lifestyles, neither is homelessness; it is an outcome of those conditions.”
Letter: Stop with the insular local mentality
“I’m tired of people here complaining about growth. Frankly, this small-mindedness reminds me of people in Maine who want to keep out ‘outsiders from away.’”
