January 6, 2009 – mountainx.com

Buncombe commissioners make their pick for I-26 Connector route UPDATED

January 6, 2009 by David Forbes

In a tense 3-2 vote, Buncombe County commissioners Tuesday night voted for the route known as Alternative 3 for the Interstate 26 Connector route through Asheville.

Bankruptcy disrupts luxury resort near Boone

January 6, 2009 by Nelda Holder

The Laurelmor development in Watauga and Wilkes counties — one of WNC’s largest — has been sold as result of bankruptcy.

At Buncombe commissioners meeting, a Twitter-fest

January 6, 2009 by Jason Sandford

Mountain Xpress will be covering the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ meeting tonight, and we’re inviting all you citizen journalists to join us.

Bothwell announces bid for Asheville City Council

January 6, 2009 by Brian Postelle

Local writer and activist Cecil Bothwell has announced that he will run for a seat on Asheville City Council in November.

Asheville Downtown Master Plan draft lays out potential future UPDATED

January 6, 2009 by David Forbes

In the future, Asheville’s downtown might be managed by a powerful independent board, with different types of development for each neighborhood “core,” better support for the arts, more green building, a shuttle system and police cameras on street corners. Those are some of the many initiatives presented in the draft of the long-awaited Downtown Master Plan. The city will hold a Jan. 15 forum on the plan.

Local jobless rates spike

January 6, 2009 by Hal L. Millard

The local unemployment rate took a dramatic leap in November, based on the latest statistics from the N.C. Employment Security Commission.

Former planning director submits I-26 report to Buncombe County UPDATED

January 6, 2009 by Brian Postelle

A report by former Asheville planning director Scott Shuford comparing the impact of I-26 connector alternatives says the plan drafted by the Asheville Design Center will have the most overall impact on several surrounding areas.

This weekend on a shoestring

January 6, 2009 by Alli Marshall

The combination of a tight budget and post-holiday cabin fever can get ugly. But before you Hulu.com yourself into a stupor, check out just how far you can stretch the change in your couch cushions with this round up of free (or almost free) entertainment.

Progress Energy says Asheville coal-ash ponds safe

January 6, 2009 by Margaret Williams

A Progress Energy spokesperson reports that the coal-ash storage ponds at its Asheville plant are closely monitored and safe.

Buncombe County announces new health director