While Asheville City Council’s meeting next Tuesday, April 8, doesn’t include any hot-button public hearings, it does include projects meant to tackle the lack of housing, especially for the chronically homeless, and improve economic development by bringing in a tech sector “fellow.”
Tag: housing
Showing 64-84 of 89 results
Asheville City Council preview: from Haywood to Avalon
From grand plans for the future of the Haywood Road Corridor to the Avalon housing development, Asheville City Council will face both still-forming designs and more concrete building efforts at its meeting tomorrow, Feb. 25.
A roof over one’s head: affordable housing overhaul moves forward
What’s needed to solve Asheville’s housing crunch? Fewer development hurdles, a city “land bank” to preserve property for affordable housing, more density and a hard “target number” for units that need to be created each year— these are some of the ideas to come out of a recent meeting of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
‘A conflict of goals’: planning commission narrowly approves Chestnut project
After a discussion about conflicting city goals, the need for more density and the precedent for growth throughout Asheville, the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission narrowly approved a proposed 16-unit housing development on Chestnut Street at tonight’s meeting.
Resources for tenants
A list of resources for dealing with tenant issues, including mold. These government agencies and private organizations may be able to provide legal assistance or professional censure.
Off the records: no easy way to access Asheville’s housing complaints
Concerns about substandard rental housing in Asheville are nothing new. But assessing the extent of the problem has proved to be a slippery slope: Although tenant complaints are a matter of public record, there's no easy way to access or search them.
Breaking the mold: complaints spotlight Asheville’s rental housing issues
Multiple complaints about mold, rot, and other woes at a Merrimon Avenue apartment complex earlier this year casts doubt on the ability of local governments to deal with what many see as a serious health issue, leaving tenants feeling powerless to get their grievances addressed. And with the Asheville area having some of the highest housing costs in the state and one-third of its working population earning low wages, many local renters face similar issues.
Buncombe Commissioners discuss development at Swannanoa meeting
Residents raised a variety of issues and concerns with Buncombe County commissioners during a July 16 community meeting in Swannanoa, including zoning, development and pedestrian safety.
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?
No place like home: Child Watch Tour emphasizes need for affordable housing
Where a child or adult lives in Buncombe County may tell more about their location in life than a physical address ever could, according to locals who shared their experiences at Asheville’s May 10 Child Watch Tour. (Graphic by Nathanael Roney)
Asheville City Council preview: buildings and budgets
Developments in South Asheville and Tunnel Road are up for consideration at tomorrow night’s Asheville City Council meeting, along with (of course) the city’s ongoing budget crunch.
Local public hearing on Progress Energy rate hikes set for March 5
The North Carolina Utilities Commission wants to hear from you: On Tuesday, March 5, the commission will hold a local public hearing on Progress Energy Carolinas’ request to raise residential, commercial and industrial electricity rates by an average of 12 percent.
Demonstration will call for city to turn ice plant into housing for the homeless
In a demonstration and cookout on Saturday, Dec. 22, in the River Arts District, locals will call for the city of Asheville to do something positive with an abandoned property known as the Ice House. (Photo by zen Sutherland)
Big new apartment complex in the works for south Asheville
A national development company recently bought a 14-acre site in south Asheville and is hoping to build a major apartment complex there.
Bumping the BID
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.
Retreat and advance: Commissioners set priorities for 2012
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners huddled with staff Jan. 31 to discuss past accomplishments and current priorities. Here’s a look at some of the considerable ground they covered during their four-hour retreat.
(Photo by Bill Rhodes)
Due to new state law, Asheville can’t require inspections for rental properties
Due to a new state law limiting local authority over housing codes, the city of Asheville can no longer require the inspection of rental properties before their occupation by tenants.
Buncombe County Commissioners: Crumbling walls, affordable housing, new parks and more
Here’s a summary of this evening’s Jan. 4 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
Buncombe County Commissioners preview: New Year edition
During its first meeting of 2011, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners plans to consider a new work-force housing policy, a new park, a rezoning request and more.
The life you save has to be your own
I am writing regarding the letter "’Workforce Housing’ Leaves Most Workers in the Cold" [Dec. 8 Xpress]. Josh Mallernee mentioned that he is a city worker making less than $30,000 a year and that at that rate it is harder to find affordable housing to match. If you can't afford your rent, either find a […]
Reclaim legislative authority at the local level
In your article about a Montford homeowner under attack by the city for having “too many people” [“Sustainable For Whom,” Nov. 17, Xpress), Assistant Planning Director Shannon Tuch says, “This is all based on life-safety requirements. When you have eight related people living in a house, there's a head of household … who would act […]