ASHEVILLE, NC
Community anger spills over during APD advisory committee meeting
The week after the release of body camera footage showing a white APD officer beating an African-American Asheville resident, members of the community attended a Citizens Police Advisory Committee meeting in force to express their outrage.
Commissioners express concern over APD video
During its March 6 meeting, Buncombe County commissioners commented on recently released body cam footage depicting an Asheville Police Department officer’s use of force against an African-American individual.
Morgan’s sheriff bid canceled in emergency meeting
The Buncombe County Board of Elections announced in a hearing that Michael Morgan, who had filed to run for Buncombe County sheriff, was disqualified due to his conviction on a felony charge. The board apologized to Morgan, explaining that the state constitution explicitly disallows convicted felons from serving as sheriff, though filing forms don’t make that clear.
City releases new details in investigation into police use of force
After a closed session of Asheville City Council on March 5, the city released more information on the timeline and investigation into the Asheville Police Department’s use of force against resident Johnnie Jermaine Rush.
Commissioners to get update on Isaac Coleman grants
At a March 6 meeting, Buncombe County commissioners are slated to get progress reports from local grassroots organizations that received grants and to hold a public hearing on a rezoning requested by Zen Tubing.
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ASHEVILLE
Future transit efforts, concerns mirror Asheville’s past
Asheville as we know it today was built upon the back of its electric streetcar system, one of the largest networks of its time. As the city finds itself in a growth spurt once again, could its defunct trolley system provide some clues to Asheville’s transit future?
Candidates line up for 2018 elections
The full slate of candidates for state and local offices for the May 8 primary election was finalized on Feb. 28 — with a few surprises.
Bridge over troubled water: Asheville hears from McGrady
State Rep. Chuck McGrady asked Asheville City Council for its cooperation in helping the region’s water and sewer systems work together. But the air was fraught with vestiges of battles between McGrady and Asheville in recent years over the issue.
City Council to weigh in on gun violence
At its Feb. 27 meeting, Asheville City Council could call for a national assault weapons ban and hear from Rep. Chuck McGrady about his latest plan to regionalize water and sewer systems.
McGrady talks regional water systems at County Commission
On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners heard a presentation by state Rep. Chuck McGrady about a new committee to study regional water and sewer districts.
Planning Board approves traffic study requirement
The Buncombe County Planning Board approved a zoning amendment on Feb. 19 that would require developers to submit a traffic impact study when seeking approval for a development with more than 75 residential units.
In Photos: Speakers at Asheville rally decry gun violence
A rally against gun violence at Pack Square in Asheville on Feb. 18 drew upward of 250 participants. Speakers honored the victims of the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla., where 17 people were killed, and expressed their desire for legislation to prevent more mass shootings.
County to consider bonds to pay for school projects
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will consider issuing bonds to finance $60 million in projects during its meeting on Feb. 20.
City Council prioritizes equity, environment, economy at annual retreat
With two newly elected members and an evolving political landscape, Asheville City Council’s annual retreat at The Collider Feb. 15-16 reflected a shifting mindset about what issues the city should tackle in the coming years.
Mt. Zion must wait to build new education facility
Relations between Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and its new neighbor, Asheville Foundry Inn, have been strained since construction began on the inn two years ago. A judge has now issued a temporary injunction to block the church from commencing construction on a new education building and parking lot improvements, which the hotel says would deprive it of the use of 75 parking spaces it is leasing from the church.
Filing period for local, state elections starts with early rush of blue
Fifteen candidates, most of them Democrats, have thrown their hats into the ring for offices elected in Buncombe County as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
City Council could reject DOT’s Merrimon plan
The city of Asheville is poised to formally express its displeasure with the N.C. Department of Transportation’s plan to widen Merrimon Avenue. At its Feb. 13 meeting, City Council will consider a resolution to reject the DOT’s plan to widen the street and ask staff to work with DOT to come up with alternatives.
County raises fees for ambulance service
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to increase ambulance service fees for the first time since 2011.
County to ask public for input on traffic studies plan
A proposed change to the Buncombe County zoning ordinance would require developers to submit a traffic impact study for any residential development with more than 75 units. The Planning Board discussed the issue at its Feb. 5 meeting and will invite public comment later this month.