All of us who live in or near Asheville know that there is something unique about this city. We share a common bond that quickly surfaces in daily conversation with both friends and strangers—the touchstone of which is how fortunate we feel about living here. As one travels, one recognizes quickly that very few cities … Read more
Fallout from the spreading national economic debacle is affecting not only financial institutions, investors and taxpayers, but also the city of Asheville, Chief Financial Officer Ben Durant told City Council. The red zone: Chief Financial Officer Ben Durant warns the Asheville City Council that the effects of a global economic meltdown are beginning to be … Read more
The other Friday, I foolishly left my wallet on top of my car while pumping gas at the Citgo on Tunnel Road. By the time I realized I didn’t have it, I was at Lowe’s—unable to purchase my items. When I went back to check, the wallet wasn’t on the ground near the gas pump … Read more
I’m a Mountain Xpress fan. Ask anyone. I’ve been at the loading dock Wednesday mornings to pick up early copies. Sometimes I even steal pages from my parrot’s cage to re-read a story. But there are limits. The cover story of your Oct. 8 issue, illustrated with gay pastel shades of rain and a pink … Read more
Baseball isn’t just a fun sport for regular kids. It’s a fun sport for special-needs children, also. I have a son, Charlie Morris, who is now 15 and has been playing baseball since he was 6. He’s a special-needs child. He’s considered to be mildly retarded, but he loves sports. Baseball is his favorite. He’s … Read more
Amid the excitement and buzz surrounding the upcoming election, Buncombe County’s voter rolls continue to grow. For many, this will be the first time they’ve ever voted. And thanks to the clamor and continued media blitz of the presidential campaigns, local voters may feel they know too much about those candidates—from their political careers to … Read more
How do you imagine the city of the future? Sprawling ribbon development and denuded slopes everywhere? No, probably you see an emerald metropolis rising into the sky with self-energizing, green skyscrapers. Economical, efficient mass transportation. Less driving around looking for overpriced gas. Less getting pulled over for driving after enjoying dinner and drinks. Yet, another … Read more
Kudos to Judge Hyatt for her courageous decision regarding the Parkside issue and the ownership of City/County Plaza. I could hear a collective sigh of relief coming from the Buncombe County commissioners and Asheville City Council members: “Thank God we didn’t have to make the decision, and the developers can’t blame us.” But before we … Read more
For years, people have complained that Asheville’s Unified Development Ordinance is a cumbersome, unwieldy monster that adds unnecessary time and expense to land-development projects. Considering the layers of boards, committees and other groups charged with reviewing development proposals, we can conclude that the critics have a point. How, then, to explain the fact that in … Read more
A fungus among us: Fall makes for a fabulous fungi time. On Saturday, Oct. 18, the North Carolina Arboretum will host the Asheville Mushroom Club’s Fungifest 2008. The daylong celebration and exploration of mushrooms includes what organizers call a “vibrant” mushroom display and a chance to learn a few things from club members. For example, … Read more
