Asheville Trader Joe’s won’t need Council approval

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.

Asheville City Council preview: Missing evidence and squeezed dollars

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.

A Temple is destroying our neighborho­od

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 […]

Who would you appoint to Planning and Zoning? Take our poll

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.

Buncombe County Commission­ers preview: Buy it and they will come?  ***UPDATED Tues. 3:10 PM***

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.”