In the late ’70s, Oregon embarked on a strategy to limit urban sprawl and became the first state to adopt an aggressive “Smart Growth” methodology of zoning. Its goals were exemplary but failed to anticipate that the most “efficient” way to populate the cities was directly opposed to the way that people actually wanted to […]
Tag: asheville
Showing 400-420 of 912 results
Asheville Council approves developments and video policy
Police video and audio recording of events can be held a minimum of 30 days before being destroyed, Asheville City Council decided on Feb. 10. The new rule was one of many items on Council’s consent agenda, and it passed unanimously. So did two rezoning requests that add housing stock in the city. “Right now, there are no rules […]
Letter writer: Asheville drivers should share the road with runners
Asheville, N.C., Voted Worst Place to be a Runner! Well, not exactly the worst place to be a runner by any means. To be fair, Asheville is probably one of the greatest cities in the world to be a trail runner. I happen to be training for a road race, though, and that requires pounding […]
Asheville students win grant to help environment by replacing Styrofoam lunch trays
A student-generated idea to help the environment by getting rid of Styrofoam lunch trays in the school cafeteria is becoming a reality at Asheville’s Vance Elementary School.
Letter writer: Set a better example, Urban Outfitters
I am writing to express my dismay when I drive or walk by the Urban Outfitters store in downtown Asheville and see their large double doors propped wide open, no matter what the weather. In the summer, you are blasted with cold air from their AC on the sidewalk. In the winter, the heat must be […]
Two subdivisions and a mixed-use building come before Asheville Council Feb. 10
Three development public-hearings dominate Asheville City Council’s Tuesday, Feb. 10, agenda — two subdivision plans and one mixed-use building.
Letter writer: Off-duty rescue workers saved my life
I have been hearing about the Asheville “vortex” ever since moving here in 2011 but did not realize that the city is also host to a number of angelic beings. Three weeks ago, I suffered a severe psychotic break and found myself wandering down Biltmore Avenue, trying to make it to the hospital on foot. […]
Letter writer: Asheville’s reactions to growth show how people dislike change
It seems that a lot of Asheville residents have strong opinions as to what our city should be and the types of people who should live here. I cringe to see the occasional “Keep Asheville Weird” and “Don’t Move Here” bumper stickers. Who among us can claim the rights to any place, really? The boundary lines […]
Letter writer: Blaming visitors will not solve community’s problems
I have been reading more and more calls to make Asheville for locals, and it feels unnecessarily divisive. Who is a local? I moved here with my family in 1966 — but I’m not a native. Do you have to live here full time to be invited to enjoy this city? What about students at UNC […]
Hypnosis for well-being benefits both mind and body
You are getting sleepy … very sleepy. This Hollywood hypnosis cliché — complete with a swaying pocketwatch dangling in front of a paralyzed rube — couldn’t be further from the truth. Asheville-area practitioners say facilitating well-being through hypnosis is a very real way to deal with emotional and even physical pain. Michelle Payton, founder of […]
What’s our grade? School leaders anticipate release of state grades
The 1.5 million children enrolled in North Carolina’s public schools this year will not be the only ones receiving grades soon. State officials plan to release a performance-based, letter-graded report card for each school, starting Feb. 5, and for some education leaders in the Asheville area, anticipation is high. Chip Craig, vice chairman of the […]
Time to act, while there’s something left to save
No doubt you have already noticed that with the passing of each year, there is less and less of what many of us love the most about living in Asheville. The nature. The destruction happens faster and faster each year. Look well upon every tiny little nook and cranny where a few trees provide habitat […]
Luna Ray brings mantra-based music to The Altamont Theatre
Local musician and kirtan leader Luna Ray calls mantras — sacred syllables or groups of words — ancient science that allows people to open up. “It’s technology with which to wake up, to touch our hearts, to remind us of who we are,” she says. “The mantras are so powerful that even if you don’t […]
Tired of newcomers? So is Portland
The word is out: Asheville is awesome. And that means more people, more lines, longer waits and worse traffic. At the same time, our sister city, Portland, Ore., is struggling with a similar problem. That’s when a few creative Portlanders came up with a master plan: anti-tourism videos.
Asheville Council retreat gathers information on economics, affordability and quality of life
Asheville City Council members unveiled their 2015 strategic operating plan Jan. 30, collecting data on three focus areas: economic growth and sustainability, affordability and economic mobility and high quality of life.
Publix Super Market hosts job fair for new location
The new Publix Super Market going in at 1830 Hendersonville Road is hiring in all departments and will host a job fair from Saturday, Jan. 31 through Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Discussion delves deeper into racial disparity in Asheville schools
The meeting this week at Hillcrest Community Center, presented by the school’s parent teacher organization (PTO), mirrored a Jan. 20 session that focused on what can be done to include every student, faculty member, staff and parent at Hall Fletcher Elementary School.
Purple pros
Biltmore Apartments gets go ahead from Asheville Council
The Asheville City Council has approved construction of 477 apartments in two developments — one in East Asheville, whose residents wore “Keep Oakley safe” stickers and urged denial of the project. Council members cited a demand for housing and a promise of $200,000 to improve sidewalks in the area.
Safe Routes Partnership critiques NCDOT’s lack of pedestrian, bike projects
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership recently released a report that criticizes North Carolina’s use of federal money allocated for walking and bike trails across the state.
An open discussion about race in Asheville City Schools
Dierdre Gilmer, Hall Fletcher Elementary PTO president, said her organization initially looked for a grant in 2014 from the Asheville City Schools Foundation for racial equity training because they noticed parents weren’t being represented properly at PTO meetings. A new initiative could change that.