Asheville City Council gives New Belgium the go-ahead


During a meeting that lasted almost to midnight, Asheville City Council approved New Belgium’s brewery in the River District. Council also approved funding for sidewalk improvements and a study of alternate truck routes to address concerns of some residents about the traffic the business will bring. (Pictured: City Clerk Maggie Burleson swears in all those who wanted to speak at the public hearing. Photo by Max Cooper)

BID bumped until Fall, Council agrees on budget

After a lengthy public hearing, Asheville City Council voted 6-0 to delay a vote on the controversial Business Improvement District proposal until Sept. 25 due to concerns about the governing structure, finances and details of its services. Council also broke a deadlock over the issue of staff salaries, approving an annual budget for the city that includes a 2 percent raise for city staff — but shy of the 3 percent Mayor Terry Bellamy advocated for.

CIty of Asheville will give New Belgium $3.5 million in incentives­, infrastruc­ture improvemen­ts

As part of the deal to bring a new, East Coast brewery here, the city of Asheville will give New Belgium $3.5 million in tax reimbursements over seven years, provided it goes through with its plans to invest $175 million in building the new facility. The city will also make infrastructure improvements to the area costing more than $500,000.