Ray Cockrell remembers the first time he heard about the possibility of biodiesel coming to town. “About five years ago, I received a phone call in the middle of the night from these guys who were all excited about biodiesel,” says Cockrell, who serves as the adviser to the auto shop on the Warren Wilson … Read more
One might be hard-pressed to find an outright advocate of energy-hogging homes, gas-guzzling cars and congested superhighways. Instead, most opposition to “green” initiatives seems to center on financial concerns. “I like the idea of green buildings, but I’m not in favor of borrowing from our children’s futures to fund them,” said Asheville City Council member … Read more
Man with a plan Asheville is riding high these days, with development, redevelopment, in-fill projects and sprawl all figuring into the mix. Neighborhood activists are advocating smarter growth, new urbanism, walkable shopping and human-scale design. These are heady days for the Paris of the South, and a time when it might be useful to consider … Read more
Sitnick’s still a class act Leni Sitnick, our former mayor, revealed her customary generosity of spirit again in her recent defense [Letters, March 1] of Asheville Parks and Recreation Director Irby Brinson (and his department) against the intemperate remarks of the least mature member of our new City Council, Bryan Freeborn. If Leni were a … Read more
Does North Carolina have a state religion? Officially, the answer is “No.” But this month, we know better. For many North Carolinians, March is the month of pilgrimages to “holy” sites where they will join 20,000 or so other pilgrims in “worship.” Some will be wearing costumes and uniforms to show their loyalty. Some will … Read more
