From real estate investors to neighborhood advocates to homeowners trying to make ends meet, just about everyone in Asheville has a dog in the ongoing fight over short-term vacation rentals. At the Tuesday, Aug. 25 Asheville City Council meeting, citizens representing a variety of viewpoints crowded City Hall.
“There are two ways I see that local government can effectively address affordability. The first is to drop parking-space requirements for city apartment developments.”
“Only [City Council candidate] LaVonda Payne seems to lack the kind of baggage that can stand up to further scrutiny.”
City Council packed its chamber and then some on Tuesday, Aug. 25 as it heard public comment on two hot topics: proposed changes to the rules for Homestay guest accommodations and increased fines for violations of the city’s existing prohibition on short-term housing rentals (STRs).
In a joint meeting short on controversy but long on mutual back-slapping, the Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners celebrated common projects, resources and initiatives.
Over the last few weeks, it seems as though many Asheville and Buncombe politicians are moving pieces in a bigger puzzle. From retirements to withdrawals, shifting boards to a run for state office — and 15 candidates running for Asheville City Council, a lot is happening these days in local politics.
Although Asheville City Council members and Buncombe County commissioners frequently attend the same meetings and community events, it’s been at least two years since the two bodies met in an official joint session. Finding a meeting time that works for all elected officials is challenging, explains City Clerk Maggie Burleson, but she believes that most officials will be present for the joint meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
“If you want to see exotic animals, visit an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo, and if you want the thrill of a circus, there are many, such as Cirque du Soleil, that do not use exotic animals. “
Sixteen candidates have officially thrown their hats into the ring for the Asheville City Council elections this fall. Each week, Xpress will introduce, in brief, four candidates’ backgrounds and ideas for the city. Up this week is Grant Millin, Julie Mayfield, Rich Lee and Brian Haynes.
Sixteen candidates have officially thrown their hats into the ring for the Asheville City Council elections this fall. Each week, Xpress will introduce, in brief, four candidates’ backgrounds and ideas for the city. This week, we’ve got Corey Atkins, Carl Mumpower, Lindsey Simerly and Dee Williams.
Forget “Keep Asheville Weird.” For many locals, the motto might as well be: “Make Asheville Affordable.”
After the U.S. Cellular Center decided to prohibit wild and exotic animal performances in January, the Asheville City Council decided to consider prohibiting these types of events from all city venues. A revision to the city’s animal ordinance, banning circuses and other wild animal entertainment, was passed at the Tuesday, July 28 meeting.
Sixteen candidates have officially thrown their hats into the ring for the Asheville City Council elections this fall. Each week, Xpress will introduce, in brief, four candidates’ backgrounds and ideas for the city. This week, we’ve got Marc Hunt, LaVonda Payne, Richard Liston and Ken Michalove.
Update: Four more candidates have filed for Asheville elections: Richard Liston, 2013 mayoral candidate John Miall, Holly Shriner and Dee Williams. And Rachel Halbert Allen filed for Black Mountain Alderman. By Thursday afternoon, 12 candidates had officially thrown their hats into the ring for the Asheville City Council elections this fall. In the surrounding Buncombe communities, an additional 20 candidates […]
“The area is now so expensive and gentrified on its own appeal and expanding population that implicating Airbnb is a convenient exaggeration to justify intervention.”
“We started an online petition requesting the city of Asheville to avoid sacrificing the precious wooded area on Collier Avenue in Asheville’s central business district to a new apartment building.”
“This issue will impact neighborhoods as much or more than short-term rentals and making changes to the noise ordinance.”
“I would at least like to see the faces of this mysterious organization known as ‘staff,’ who for all intents and purposes have become the de facto heads of government in Asheville when it comes to development.”
Cheers and jeers resounded from the podium about the budget, which Council will formally adopt on June 23. The $154-million budget includes a 1.5 cents property-tax increase.
From the Get It! Guide: Asheville is faced with a rising interest in transportation alternatives, but the path to greater advances seems to be lined with historic neglect and budgetary hurdles. The city still has a long walk ahead to fulfill its 2004 goal of building 108 miles of sidewalks. In the last decade, Asheville has constructed only about 18 miles worth.
Sidewalks, housing, public data systems and leaf collect al popped up on Asheville City Council’s all-day retreat Jan. 30.
