In a special session yesterday evening, Asheville City Council appointed Martha Walker-McGlohon to replace outgoing City Attorney Bob Oast, and promptly went into closed session to discuss the fitness of an unspecified staff member. Photo by Max Cooper.
A bill that would’ve originally allowed Buncombe County and its cities to consolidate parks and recreation departments was revised June 26 in the N.C. Senate to exclude municipalities completely.
After a season of uncertainty, Asheville City Council unanimously passed a budget tonight that includes the city’s first major property tax increase in more than a decade. Most of the increase will go to fund improved road maintenance and a wish list of projects intended to spur economic development. Photo by Max Cooper
Buncombe County commissioners may likely delay their vote today on a $337 million budget. The source of the postponement appears to be the contentious behind-the-scenes debate over state legislation that would allow them to create an independent Cultural and Recreation Authority that consolidates services offered by the county and municipalities within Buncombe. Some commissioners say they weren’t consulted about a recent amendment to the CRA bill, and it’s unclear whether a majority of commissioners supported the amendment.
At the end of a rollercoaster budget season marked by dire predictions, unpredictability at the state level, and Asheville City Council members trying to find the cash for their own plans, there’s finally a vote on the budget this evening. For the first time since 1995, city residents could see a major tax increase, intended to pay for an “aspirational” list of major projects.
Of the 30 utility-scale solar projects built in the Southeast last year, 21 were in North Carolina. That’s the kind of good news business leaders heard when they gathered June 19 in Asheville to celebrate the successes and discuss the challenges facing the rapidly growing renewable energy industry. (pictured: Ivan Urlaub of the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association; photo by Max Cooper)
New parking decks, affordable housing, a renovation to the Asheville Art Museum, and pedestrian improvements. All these and more are the goals of an $11.6 million fund the city of Asheville’s government wants to set up in an attempt to spur economic development. With planned savings from state legislation looking increasingly unlikely, the city may use a tax increase to make the projects a reality.
The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County announced June 17 that GE Aviation is planning a major expansion of local operations, putting an end to months of speculation about a deal that had been known as “Project X.”
Emails obtained by Xpress reveal that some state legislators have asked city of Asheville representatives to drop their lawsuit contesting a state-mandated transfer of the water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District. The emails also show legislators discussing the fate of legislation that consolidates Asheville and Buncombe County parks-and-recreation services — a move that could save the city $5 million a year. Further, the candid discussions shine a light on a long-rumored proposal that the state may force Asheville to switch to district-based elections.
New Belgium is delaying construction at its new Asheville brewery, but the overall scope of the project remains the same.
Chestnut Hill rises just north of downtown Asheville. Recognizing the neighborhood’s distinctive architecture, notable former residents and unique character, the National Park Service has listed the Chestnut Hill Historic District in its Register of Historic Places.
It’s a busy evening in local government, with both the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City Council meeting May 28 to discuss their budgets.
It’s commonly said that housing’s hard to find in Asheville. Numbers from the U.S. Census and elsewhere shine a light on exactly how hard.
Today, May 23, is Bob Moog Day in Asheville, honoring the legendary instrument inventor on what would’ve been his 79th birthday.
The North Carolina General Assembly has begun its end-of-session wrestling to reconcile Gov. Pat McCrory’s $20.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2013-2014 and the Senate’s own $20.58 plan and priorities. Meanwhile, some of the nearly 600 bills still alive after crossover are filtering through Statehouse committees.
As the weather heats up, soon there will be more options to cool down.
Cycling advocates guided local elected officials on a bicycle tour of Asheville, highlighting recent infrastructure improvements and encouraging progress to continue.
At a relatively brief Asheville City Council meeting tonight, city staff announced that a judge in Wake County has agreed to delay a state law forcibly transferring the water system. Council also approved $1.1 million in financing for energy efficiency improvements and the creation of a new multimodal transportation commission.
It’s a busy evening in local government, with meetings of both the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Asheville City Council.
Friday morning, Asheville city officials past and present were joined by some of the local legislative delegation to voice their opposition to a state bill that would forcibly transfer the water system to a new regional authority and the Metropolitan Sewerage District. At the press conference they supported City Council’s decision to sue the state in an attempt to halt the new law.
Today, May 12, marks the beginning of the annual Strive Not to Drive campaign, which features a series of local events designed to promote active and sustainable transportation.
