More than two decades after the speedway closed, some of its most passionate supporters gauge the historical significance of “The River,” as well as the opportunities available to modern racing fans and drivers.
Tag: Jan Davis
Showing 1-21 of 38 results
Former City Manager Gary Jackson leaves mixed legacy
As Asheville gears up to begin a new chapter in its administration, Xpress asks what lessons, if any, can be learned from Jackson’s time as the city’s top employee. But given the reluctance of so many current and former city officials to discuss either Jackson’s firing or his legacy, any final assessment of this recent history may have to wait.
How local organizers shifted Asheville politics to the left
Movers and shakers on progressive issues have had increasing success in Buncombe County politics since the turn of the century. Activists and organizers on the left have carved out a stronghold in Asheville where they keep power by setting the agenda for conversation according to some. Meanwhile a rise in disaffiliation with the traditional two parties leaves openings for candidates that don’t fit traditional molds in Asheville politics.
Divided lunch
Asheville
City Council denies 185-room hotel
City Council voted unanimously to deny the zoning request for a 185-room hotel at 192 Haywood St. at its Jan. 24 meeting. Police Chief Tammy Hooper gave an update on policing in the city in 2016.
Oaks’ last stand: South Slope urban forest won’t get city funds
If the 23 mature oak trees at 11 Collier Ave. on Asheville’s South Slope are to escape the chainsaw, it will have to be without the city’s help. While City Council followed through on its commitment to explore possible strategies for preserving the urban forest, in the end Council decided that committing resources to the effort in advance of significant private fundraising wasn’t a responsible use of taxpayer assets.
City Council to take steps on expanding Homestays, planning for park
In its first full meeting since three newly-elected Council members were seated, City Council moved in new directions on a public space for a city-owned lot on Haywood Street and on including some accessory dwelling units in the city’s homestay ordinance for short-term rentals. Council also considered downtown development review standards and passed a resolution on the I-26 connector project.
City Council amends Homestay ordinance; extends transit contract
Asheville City Council passed revisions to the city’s Homestay ordinance for short-term lodging and approved an extension of the management contract for the Asheville bus system at its Nov. 17 meeting. Outgoing Councilmen Jan Davis, Marc Hunt and Chris Pelly were honored for their service.
Packed agenda for Nov. 17 City Council meeting: utility substations, Homestay ordinance and more
The Asheville City Council meeting scheduled for Nov. 17 boasts a full agenda featuring two hot topics – utility substations and changes to the city’s Homestay ordinance. Citizens wishing to comment on those issues may want to arrive at the Council chamber on the second floor of City Hall earlier than the 5 p.m. start time, as a full house seems likely.
Asheville City Council: Housing Trust Fund, ordinance adoptions and circus ban consideration
On April 8, Asheville City Council members voted unanimously to pass a resolution to adopt a Housing Trust Fund recommendation to fund Biotat LLC’s Oak Hill Commons Project, as well as an ordinance adopting the new 2014-15 Fees and Charges Manual. Council also considered a request that city officials ban circuses that use exotic animals from […]
Tensions run high over tackling Asheville’s graffiti
Local business owners raised their voices and things got, by the moderator’s own admission, “a little out of hand” at Friday morning’s Council of Independent Business Owners meeting when it came to the issue of graffiti. With the district attorney, city leaders and a state representative on hand, opinions differed — sometimes sharply — on possible solutions and who should foot the bill.
Back to the Future: Two men, two buildings, two feuding local governments
This year, both Asheville City Hall and the Buncombe County Courthouse turn 85. The two classic buildings are both undergoing renovation or expansion, part of an effort to keep them a center of civic life for the next 85 years. A look at their history, their future, and the end of the old feud that created them. Photos by Max Cooper.
Plan for downtown Asheville Business Improvement District faces skepticism
On June 12, Asheville City Council will vote on creating a special tax area to fund the downtown Business Improvement District, a nonprofit entity with its own service and security functions. But the BID faces no shortage of criticism about its consequences and accountability.
Tired system? Someone’s dumping scrap tires in the River District
Among the junk that Buncombians throw away, perhaps nothing is more persistent than old tires. And lately, someone has been dumping them, each cut neatly across the tread with a saw or similar tool, in secluded spots such as Asheville’s River District. Photos by Bill Rhodes.
LIVE: Coverage of Dec. 6 Council organizational meeting
Live Twitter coverage of Asheville City Council swearing-in Marc Hunt, Chris Pelly and Jan Davis, as well as selecting a Vice Mayor.
*UPDATE* With recount complete, Davis edges out Gray by 35 votes in City Council race
UPDATE: A recount of the votes completed and certified by the Buncombe County Board of Elections this afternoon, Nov. 18, didn’t significantly change the results of the election. Incumbent Jan Davis retained his third place finish – and his seat on Asheville City Council – by a total of 35 votes over challenger Lael Gray.
Local Matters: Razor-thin win in City election
Xpress news reporter Jake Frankel talks about the razor-thin win of Jan Davis over Lael Gray for Asheville City Council.
I’ll never tire of Jan Davis’ honesty and integrity
It's the day after the City Council elections and I don't know if Jan Davis has been voted in or not, but I had an experience today that cemented even more why he would be an excellent choice (again) for Asheville City Council. A few weeks ago I was told by a local car dealer […]
Civic Center renaming needs to be negotiated with citizens
Asheville City Council needs to vote “no” on naming the Asheville Civic Center the U.S. Cellular Center (it sounds like a place to take your cell phone). It was very, very deceptive of City Council member Jan Davis to not mention this renaming before the election and to decide on it and not ask the […]
Election night comes to blows *updated*
Council member Gordon Smith was hit in the head by Lael Gray’s campaign manager, David Roat, at an election-night party, according to reports. Here, Smith describes the fracas. “I went to Lael’s party, I was giving her a hug and I got hit in the back of the head,” Smith says. “I went into a crouch, there were a few more blows, he was pulled off of me, and it was over.” (Photo by Bill Rhodes.)
An election nail-biter: Jan Davis squeaks into third by 40 votes
In the Nov. 8 Asheville City Council election, incumbent Council member Jan Davis trailed challenger Lael Gray most of the evening. But in the end, he squeaked ahead by 40 points. This photo by Max Cooper shows what a nerve-wracking cliff hanger it was.
