Nine occupancy-tax funded projects are on hold due to unknown recovery costs associate with Tropical Storm Helene.
Author: Brooke Randle
Showing 1-21 of 387 results
Commissioners say they are running out of patience with FCC over service complaints
After six weeks in service, data shows that while FCC’s performance has improved, issues remain.
BCS reinstates online library after months of debate
he controversy began last year when local members of the Moms for Liberty, a political organization that advocates against school curricula that mention LGBTQ rights, critical race theory and other issues, took issue with some titles available to students and educations in the 40,000 book online library.
Tourism event highlights recovery, growth and resilience after Tropical Storm Helene
Nine guest speakers shared their thoughts during panel discussions on topics ranging from environmental preservation, economic recovery, transportation and long-term resilience at the Feb. 12 event,“ The Year Ahead 2025: The Road to Recovery and Revival,”
Asheville Pizza and Brewing disputes The Orange Peel’s account of rift
In an affidavit filed in Buncombe County Superior Court on Jan. 17, Asheville Brewing Company co-owner Mike Rangel refutes accusations in the Jan. 3 lawsuit from The Orange Peel.
Green roundup: County commissioners support eastern hellbender
“The eastern hellbender is one of only three giant salamanders on the planet,” said District 3 Commissioner Parker Sloan during the Feb. 4 meeting. “They’re down to about 59%, so we’ve lost roughly half of the eastern hellbenders.”
WNC running groups reroute in wake of Helene
After Helene destroyed familiar trails and urban routes, local running groups are finding new paths and proving their resilience in the face of adversity.
FEMA reports difficulty in contacting dozens of temporary hotel residents
FEMA representative Ina Chan explained that the agency has used flyers, text messages, calls and emails to attempt to contact residents that have been difficult to reach. Privacy and safety concerns, she noted, prevent FEMA workers from directly approaching residents.
TDA anticipates 33% drop in occupancy tax revenues for FY25
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority board Jan. 29 voted unanimously to cut occupancy tax projections for fiscal year 2025 to $22.8 million — a drop of 33%. The drop is the lowest projection since FY20 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Orange Peel sues partner in Rabbit Rabbit venture
The Orange Peel and Public Interest Projects are seeking compensatory damages and punitive damages in an amount to be determined by a jury and are asking the judge to keep in place the existing management agreement.
Local business owners navigate relief resources
As business owners begin to rebuild their livelihoods in the wake of Helene, financial relief efforts are beginning to take shape in Western North Carolina.
Health professionals help residents unpack feelings of dread and uncertainty post-Helene
Local mental health therapists, healers offer solace as residents enter next phase of storm’s lingering aftermath.
‘Citizen-only voting’ referendum on NC ballot this fall
The General Assembly passed House Bill 1074, which would change the wording of the state constitution to clarify who is allowed to vote in state and local elections, but it requires majority approval from voters.
City manager addresses employee-compensation complaints
A group of Black women City of Asheville employees were lauded during the Sept. 10 Council meeting, after they raised concerns over hiring and compensation practices. The City of Asheville says it’s taking steps to address the concerns.
Business, nonprofit roundup: Homeowner grant applications now open
The program gives qualified homeowners in Buncombe County a grant up to $300, and those living within the City of Asheville could receive up to $500. Grantees may choose to have funds applied to their property tax bill and/or directly to mortgage or homeowner’s insurance.
City program offers ‘carrot’ to hotel developers
Since 2021, 13 hotel projects have gone through the by-right process, with 11 committing more than $2.7 million toward city priorities, according to a newly released City of Asheville public dashboard.
County commissioners to create STR ad hoc committee
After several work sessions, hours of public comment and the clock ticking down on a 100-day pause, Buncombe County commissioners said at their July 16 briefing meeting that they planned to create an ad hoc committee to address sticking points in a proposed short-term rentals ordinance.
Working Together: Sweet, sweet friendship
One of The Hop and Lee’s One Fortune Farm’s favorite collaborations is their peach ice cream, which was released last week.
Working together: Eye-catching, business-building
“We’re a spectacle. Sometimes people are rubbernecking as we drive down the road,” says Move It Or Lose It owner Amalia Grannis.
YWCA acknowledges financial woes, closes pool
The organization cited lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, shifts in funding priorities and the need for facility repairs as reasons for the shortfall.
Business, nonprofit roundup: Rhubarb to hold wedding-vendor showcase July 21
The showcase will feature more than a dozen local vendors in the industry, including photographers, florists, musicians and stationery printers.
