As part of a major effort to examine Asheville’s lack of affordable housing and possibly overhaul the way city government approaches the issue, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee interviewed a range of developers to find out why many don’t build affordable housing. They replied that the costs of land, a lack of infrastructure, insufficient transit, city rules inhibiting denser development and neighborhood opposition all play a role in why many of them don’t build more affordable units.
Tag: government
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Buncombe Commissioners to consider incentives for Jacob Holm
At their first meeting of 2014 on Jan. 7, Buncombe County Commissioners will seek public feedback on a plan to give $1.12 million in cash grants to Jacob Holm Industries to help it expand local operations. They’ll also consider hiring 17 new workers at the Health and Human Services Department, as well as new zoning regulations.
A tumultuous year: Asheville City Council’s ups and downs in 2013
Asheville City Council’s 2013 was marked by financial turmoil, the first major tax hike in more than a decade, the demise of a long-standing festival, and major fights with the Legislature in Raleigh.
Ups and downs: A look at Buncombe County’s hot-button issues of 2013
It was a historic year for Buncombe County government, as the first Board of Commissioners to be elected by districts took the reins.
2013’s greatest hits: The year’s most-read news stories
A round-up of the five most-read news stories of 2013 on Mountainx.com.
Democracy N.C. report: More unaffiliated registered voters since 2008
The number of registered voters in North Carolina has increased since 2008 — but more of them are unaffiliated, with both the Republican and Democrat parties seeing losses, a study by the nonprofit Democracy North Carolina concludes. The number of registered Democrats is down significantly.
Destination Asheville: Local leaders chart course for tourism development
The tourism industry already brings in $2.3 billion annually to Buncombe County. That’s up from roughly $183 million 30 years ago. But to continue to grow local visitation, government officials and business owners need to “anticipate trends that are shaping the future,” says Mike Konzen, a leading global consultant.
Mystery over missing newspaper boxes deepens
Newspaper boxes are back in the news, with a downtown business owner saying this week that he saw city of Asheville workers removing boxes from a downtown sidewalk late one night, and this morning, some Downtown Commission members questioning the right of newspapers to place their boxes downtown with any legal protection.
Leaders gather to discuss local tourism development
About 150 community leaders gathered Dec. 11 to discuss Asheville’s strengths as a tourism destination, learn about new projects in the works, and share ideas for the future.
Shrinking the footprint: Challenges emerge in county plan to curb carbon
The international debate over climate change came home Dec. 3, as the Buncombe County commissioners butted heads over a proposal to reduce the county’s carbon footprint by 80 percent over time. Now, county staff is trying to figure out how to begin implementing the directive and determine how to measure the progress.
Asheville City Council: Round one
A new Asheville City Council met Dec. 10, with Esther Manheimer sworn in as mayor, Marc Hunt chosen as the new vice mayor, three development decisions postponed and neighborhood leaders raising concerns about issues in East Asheville. (Photo by Alicia Funderburk)
Asheville City Council preview: swearing-in, a vice mayor and apartments
The new Asheville City Council and mayor take office next Tuesday, Dec. 10, at a swearing-in before the regular meeting. Council was facing a vote on a controversial development, but it’s likely that will be delayed, though there’s still decisions on a new vice mayor, an apartment project and an overhaul of oversight in the River Arts District.
Changing of the guard: Bellamy bids farewell, Manheimer takes mayor’s seat
This week Terry Bellamy gave her farewell address after eight years as Asheville’s mayor; a time of considerable change for the city. Here’s a brief look at her tenure, and more on Mayor-elect Esther Manheimer, who will take up the gavel this Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Frost elected vice chair of Buncombe Board of Commissioners
Commissioners voted 6-1 on Dec. 3 to appoint Democratic freshman Ellen Frost to succeed Holly Jones as vice chair of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, putting her in a symbolic leadership position as she heads into a reelection year.
Buncombe Commissioners set high bar for carbon reductions
At their Dec. 3 meeting, the majority of Buncombe County Commissioners endorsed a goal of reducing the county’s carbon footprint by 80 percent. The plan calls for cutting its emissions by 2 percent each year until the final target is met.
‘I have no regrets’: Asheville Mayor Bellamy says farewell
At a ceremony this evening, outgoing Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy’s portrait joined predecessors on the walls of City Hall. In her final speech, Bellamy touted the city’s low unemployment rate and improved relations with Buncombe County government, thanking many of her colleagues. (photo by Josh Vaughn)
Commissioners to consider big carbon reductions, elect new vice chair
At their Dec. 3 meeting, Buncombe County commissioners will consider a proposed Energy Independence Initiative that would commit the county to achieving an 80 percent reduction in its carbon footprint. Commissioners will also elect a new vice chair to succeed Commissioner Holly Jones, who is finishing up a one-year term in the role.
McKibbon will not develop city-owned Haywood Street property
The McKibbon Hotel Group will not develop city-owned property across from the Basilica of St. Lawrence. According to an announcement from the company, a lawsuit by other downtown hoteliers dragged on long enough that the project was no longer viable.
Commissioners approve Long Mountain conservation easement
On Nov. 19, Buncombe Commissioners voted to spend $69,000 on a conservation easement to protect 121 acres of land from development on Long Mountain in the Upper Hominy area.
Out in the open: Locals react to CTS contamination report, press for action
About 50 people gathered at the Skyland Fire Department this afternoon to see an in-depth WLOS report on the contaminated former CTS of Asheville site. Many, residents of the Mills Gap Road area, have lived with the specter of the nearby pollution for more than a decade. They expressed their hope for a clean-up, an investigation into the Environmental Protection Agency’s handling of the matter and renewed pressure on legislators.
Commissioners to consider Long Mountain conservation easement
On Nov. 19, Buncombe Commissioners will consider spending $69,000 on a conservation easement to protect 121 acres of land from development on Long Mountain in the Upper Hominey area.
