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.
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Code Red: How this team helped stop MSD’s record April 30 sewage spill
Many more millions of gallons of sewage might have flowed into the French Broad River on April 30, but the Metropolitan Sewerage District’s “code red” team — staffers Mark Ferris, Mike Ball, Bob Triplett, Grady Brooks — had not voluntarily plunged into the pool of raw sewage surrounding the pumps to find the missing closure plate and shut off the culprit valve. (Photos by Max Cooper)
Emails reveal more about state lawmakers’ push to overhaul Asheville’s elections
More emails obtained by Xpress shed new light on the push by some local lawmakers to impose a district election system on the city of Asheville.
‘Project X’ revealed: Details on GE Aviation’s local expansion plans
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.”
Picking winners: Buncombe County budget calls for increase in nonprofit spending
After months of debate, Buncombe County Commissioners are poised to give local nonprofits slightly more money overall than last year, but much less than they want.
Uncertainty still reigns in Asheville’s budget process
The public got a chance to weigh in on the city’s proposed $143 million budget at tonight’s Asheville City Council meeting. Some were critical of the priorities laid out and a proposed 1 cent tax increase. But during Council’s discussion, members revealed yet another budget plan may be in the works, with higher taxes, as they believe state legislators are unlikely to allow Asheville and Buncombe County to form a Culture and Recreations Authority that could save millions for the local governments. Photo by Max Cooper.
LIVE: Twitter coverage of the June 11 Asheville City Council meeting
Budget time! Project X! All that and more at tonight’s Asheville City Council meeting. Follow live Twitter coverage here.
Asheville City Council preview: the magical mystery meeting
The uncertain budget meets the economic development project that no one can talk about. Tonight, the public gets a chance to weigh in on the city of Asheville’s proposed budget and the mysterious “Project X” at tonight’s Asheville City Council meeting.
Inside Asheville’s “What if” budget
The perfect storm of revenue overhauls in Raleigh, a property revaluation and a major reorganization of city departments make this year’s city of Asheville budget complicated, to say the least. Here’s some important things to know before tonight’s public hearing.
Fryar being treated for lung cancer
Buncombe County Commissioner Mike Fryar revealed June 11 that he’s battling lung cancer.
Emails reveal state reps trying to settle Asheville water lawsuit, may change city elections
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.
Construction at Isaac Dickson likely to begin next year, new middle school delayed until 2018
As the deadline to finalize the county budget approaches, Buncombe commissioners huddled with staff June 4 to make decisions on two new Asheville city school buildings.
Public gives little feedback on Buncombe budget plan
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners held a June 4 public hearing on their $337 million budget proposal, but they didn’t hear much from the public.
LIVE: Updates from the June 4 meeting of the Buncombe Commissioners
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hold a June 4 public hearing on the budget, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on changes to the tax rate and government spending.
Public invited to weigh in on Buncombe budget plan June 4
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hold a June 4 public hearing on the budget, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions on changes to the tax rate and government spending.
Buncombe to consider allowing motor sports facilities in more areas
Tomorrow, June 3, the Buncombe County Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the idea of changing the zoning ordinance to expand where motor sports facilities are allowed to be built.
New Belgium delays construction of Asheville brewery
New Belgium is delaying construction at its new Asheville brewery, but the overall scope of the project remains the same.
No vacancy: Chestnut Street development pits preservation against housing crunch
An unassuming patch of ground on East Chestnut Street embodies a critical debate confronting Asheville: How does a rapidly changing city balance the unique virtues of local character and the pressing need for more housing?
A sense of place: Exploring the history of Chestnut Hill
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.
Inching towards something: Council moves forward with budget plans
With a small property tax increase and much uncertainty remaining, Asheville City Council moved one step closer to a decision on the city’s money issues tonight, as staff presented its formal budget.
Greene presents Buncombe County budget plan
Presenting her proposal to the board of commissioners May 28, Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene recommended a big tax hike to balance the budget.