New Stories
City Council to vote on 279-unit development in Arden
The complex is proposed for 2 Butler Road in Arden and is set to include five separate residential buildings. Four would include 45 units each, alongside a central building with an additional 99 units, according to planning documents.
Wellness roundup: Medicaid expansion begins Dec. 1
Adults may qualify if they earn up to 138% of the federal poverty limit, which is about $20,000 a year for a single person and about $34,000 for a family of three.
French Broad River stakeholders celebrate successes, discuss its future
More than 200 river rats, advocates, conservationists and economic stakeholders from a seven-county region filled Ferguson Auditorium to celebrate their successes and discuss ways to continue cleaning up one of the world’s oldest water ways to maximize its environmental and economic sway.
Woodfin and Weaverville elect new leaders
“Overall, the election went very smoothly,” Buncombe County Director of Elections Corinne Duncan said after the final results were submitted on election night Nov. 7.
Asheville Pizza up for sale after 25-year run
Mike Rangel reflects on the business’ run and the decision to sell the Merrimon Avenue location.
Poet Evan Gray writes against Appalachian stereotypes in debut collection
“I think some folks definitely have assumptions about what makes a book or a poem ‘Appalachian.’ I find most Appalachian writing buying into some of the marketable stereotypes from the region instead of saying or doing anything interesting,” says poet Evan Gray. “I’m not interested in that.”
Buncombe officials: Fire conditions as dangerous as 2016
Ryan Cole, assistant emergency services director for Buncombe County, told the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Nov. 7 that conditions now remind him of what fueled the blaze that burned more than 7,000 acres in three weeks near the Buncombe-Henderson county line.
Charter school puts a dent in Asheville’s racial achievement gap
This third-year Asheville public charter school, whose student body is majority Black, has begun to successfully close an achievement gap between white and Black students that has consistently been an issue in Asheville City Schools since it earned a worst-in-the-state designation in 2017.
Steep Canyon Rangers and Pinkeye release new albums
The bluegrass stalwarts welcome a new member while the punks put out their first EP.
TDA’s promotion machine contributes to influx of transplants, rising housing costs
Figures show visitor spending on second homes doubled from 2009 to 2017, from $44.6 million to $90.4 million.
Neighborhood backlash derails North Asheville emergency shelter
At first glance, the dispute between Grace Episcopal and the Facebook group members seems a clear-cut case of how social media can effect change: A concerned resident encouraged like-minded people to contact the church, they did, and the church declined to serve as a host site. Viewed through a different lens, however, the incident highlights the potential for harm that can result from jumping to conclusions — and then broadcasting them via social media.
Reparations commission sets up new project management plan
In her first move as facilitator, Vernisha Crawford implemented a more rigid meeting process designed to allow more commission members an opportunity to speak while keeping meetings on schedule, things the 25-member commission had struggled to do at times.
Leaders share triumphs and frustrations at State of the Arts Brunch
The event included the presentation of this year’s John Cram Arts Leadership Award to Gail and Brian McCarthy.
News Roundup: Asheville Humane Society launches new center to help families keep pets
The Asheville Humane Society, in partnership with Buncombe County Animal Shelter, is launching a Community Sheltering Center designed to reunite families with their lost pets and provide support for people who are considering surrendering their pet because of a lack of resources.
Around town: Art in the Heart wraps up in Pack Square Plaza
The final installation of Art in the Heart. Plus, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial; the second annual Write Local, Read Local Author Fair; and more.