Since news broke last week that Trader Joe’s is coming to Merrimon Avenue, reactions have ranged from enthusiastic support to criticism over its location. But there won’t be any showdown in the halls of government: Due to city rules, the grocery chain’s proposed location won’t go before Asheville City Council or the Planning and Zoning Commission for a vote.
A debate over the future of downtown dominated the June 12 Asheville City Council meeting. Concerned about oversight, finances, Council delayed a vote on the controversial BID proposal till Fall.
Tonight, Asheville City Council is set to tackle the issue of a Business Improvement District — a services nonprofit funded by a special tax district in downtown. Here’s a roundup of information and perspectives on this controversial topic.
The past week has seen the issue of a Business Improvement District in downtown Asheville become increasingly controversial, as more organizations and individuals have weighed in on the matter. There will be a community forum on the issue 5 p.m. tonight at Pack Memorial Library, organized by BID opponents.
The budget, missing evidence, and a digital billboard ban are all on Asheville City Council’s agenda tonight. Follow live Twitter dispatches here beginning at 5 p.m.
At tonight’s Asheville City Council meeting, two major issues will get aired publicly: an update on changes to the Asheville Police Department evidence room and a hearing on the budget for the next fiscal year. Some police officers and firefighters have announced their intent to show up and demand a higher raise than the one percent in the proposed budget.
In August 2011, Congregation Beth HaTephila undertook what was supposed to be a small addition to their building, in our quiet North Asheville neighborhood. It's become a nightmare of massive construction, huge trucks, earth-moving machines and yelling construction workers for 10 hours a day, with no regard to the fact that they live in very […]
The Atlantic‘s Cities blog has highlighted one of the cities’ great success stories — its downtown revitalization — as a model for others to follow. That’s true, but it’s not the whole story, and the rest reveals important issues urbanism discussions often neglect.
The Atlantic‘s Cities blog has featured Asheville’s downtown redevelopment efforts, especially those of Public Interest Projects, as an example of “the simple math that can save cities from bankruptcy.”
A proposed permitting process for the Occupy Asheville encampment (which the protesters have rejected), is the main issue on Asheville City Council’s agenda tonight. Council will also consider a 92-unit apartment complex in South Asheville and changes to the city’s annexation plans, among other issues.
At its Jan. 17 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will consider an outdoor-lighting ordinance to minimize light pollution, improve energy efficiency and maintain public safety.
At its meeting tonight, Jan. 10, Asheville City Council will hear staff reports on a possible permit process for Occupy Asheville campers and an offer from the Basilica of St. Lawrence to purchase nearby city property for $2 million, among other items.
The Diocese of Charlotte, which runs Asheville’s Basilica of St. Lawrence, has offered the city of Asheville $2 million for Haywood Street property located across the street from the local landmark. Asheville City Council will receive a report on the deal tonight, Jan. 10.
Asheville City Council member Chris Pelly, a longtime neighborhood activist, has proposed the creation of an advisory committee intended to improve communication between the city of Asheville and neighborhoods. The committee may also play a role in resource allocation and the development process.
After a lengthy public debate and close vote at the last formal Asheville City Council meeting, new rules allowing food trucks downtown narrowly passed. However, since a second vote is required when a development change that passes that closely, the rules are back for another reading at the Sept. 13 meeting.
Changes in the city’s rules have left the city of Asheville’s Planning and Zoning Commission with more power over development than ever before. Because of that, City Council will hold interviews with nine candidates in City Hall on Aug. 23, looking to fill three open seats. Xpress is inviting readers to look at their applications and let us know your top pick.
At its June 28 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will consider buying the former Volvo plant on Hendersonville Road for $7 million in hopes of luring another large employer to the property. Meanwhile, the hints keep coming that the purchase could be part of a broader multifaceted jobs announcement: Board Chair David Gantt says “it’ll be one of the biggest hits we’ve had in years.” And News 13 Anchor Russ Bowen reports via Twitter that “sources say Linamar automotive parts company to take over Volvo plant.”
Here’s a list of actions taken at the June 21 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
Developer Frank Howington and his E. F. Howington Company have once again circumvented the wishes of the residents of the Kenilworth section of Asheville and the spirit of the initial City Council vote. Howington hired the Van Winkle law firm, which employs Council member Esther Manheimer. [She] had to recuse herself, thereby changing the votes […]
At their March 8 meeting, Asheville City Council members voted 6-1 to approve an incentives policy that encourages high density, environmentally sustainable, affordable housing developments. Members also tabled several items for further discussion, including a proposal that expands reporting requirements for pawn shops.
Tomorrow’s meeting of Asheville City Council sees another go at new development incentives, and a number of workforce or affordable housing developments wrapping up or coming to the city for a partnership.
