Day: July 18, 2007
Asheville City Council
The furor sparked by the Asheville City Council’s June 12 vote to switch back to partisan municipal elections hasn’t died. Amid growing signs of community frustration, the issue claimed center stage at Council’s July 10 session. A cast die: Legal caution by City Attorney Bob Oast (right) figured into Council member Robin Cape’s (left) attempt … Read more
The closing window
David Wallace has often appeared in the pages of Xpress promoting his vision of a sustainable future for WNC as a leader in clean technology, which would also bring jobs to the region. But with the fate of the State Energy Office now in question, Wallace—who just stepped down as its western regional director—says the … Read more
Boom and bust
Bele Chere, the name of Asheville’s annual three-day summer blowout, roughly translates as “beautiful living,” but a lot of downtown merchants say there’s nothing pretty about what the popular festival does to their business. Blessing or curse?: It depends on who you ask — but despite the crowds, many downtown merchants say Bele Chere doesn’t … Read more
The Green Scene
Ashevegas today, Ashevillage tomorrow “What would the Asheville of your wildest dreams look like?” asks Janell Kapoor, co-director of Kleiwerks International, at the start of a community meeting about the Ashevillage Building Convergence. Picture this: This earthen structure, built by Kleiworks at a community garden in Montford, is an example of the type of project … Read more
The petitions are in: Let Asheville Vote says it cleared 5,000-signature mark
For 30 days, the organization Let Asheville Vote has pounded the pavement and recruited businesses in an attempt to force a public referendum on the issue of partisan elections. Now the group is approaching their proverbial moment of truth. Down to the wire: A scene at the West Asheville headquarters of Let Asheville Vote on … Read more
Viva El Eco
The Spanish-language newspaper that you may have spotted in news racks the past couple of weeks isn’t exactly new. But thanks to the publisher of the Asheville Daily Planet, the paper catering to Asheville’s vibrant Latino population—El Eco de Las Montanas (“The echo of the mountains”)—does have a new life. Back in the boxes: After … Read more
Greenhouse group seeks growth
Charles Clouse says he’d rather grow tomatoes than build condos on his West Asheville property. A jumping glass gas: A group of local agronomy experts hopes to reopen Emerald Acres’ former greenhouses in West Asheville. The facility needs maintenance work to stop the blowout of uncaulked glass panes. photo by Cecil Bothwell Clouse, who won … Read more
