Cycling advocates guided local elected officials on a bicycle tour of Asheville, highlighting recent infrastructure improvements and encouraging progress to continue. The May 13 ride was part of the annual, weeklong Strive Not to Drive campaign to promote multimodal transportation. Participating officials included Mayor Terry Bellamy; City Council members Gordon Smith, Cecil Bothwell, and Esther … Read more
If we want a world for future inhabitants, we must work in the interests of our progeny and stop pandering to the short-term interests of the mega-corporate power industry. Since 2007, over 21,000 clean-energy jobs have been created in North Carolina. More than $1.4 billion has been invested in solar farms and other renewable projects … Read more
Buncombe County commissioners unanimously approved offering an undisclosed company $18.38 million in economic incentives May 14. The county agreed to spend $15.7 million on land acquisition and facility construction, and give the mystery company an additional $2.68 million in cash grants. In exchange, the company — referred to as "Project X" in documents and discussions … Read more
A small, cement-floored gallery just off the waterfront in downtown Hudson, N.Y., is currently showing work from an all-female, all-Asheville roster of artists. Les Demoiselles d’Asheville, curated by Asheville artist Connie Bostic, adds to the growing number of homegrown exhibitions traveling outside of WNC. The exhibition features letterpress works from Bridget Elmer, collages from Nicole … Read more
With the details hinging on what North Carolina legislators and the courts do, Asheville City Council gave staff the go-ahead May 17 to start drafting the 2013-2014 budget. The proposal assumes that the city and Buncombe County may consolidate parks and recreation operations by early next year — a move that could save the city … Read more
A friend visiting from Asheville brought me the April 17 Mountain Xpress “Sustainability” issue. I looked it over, marveling at all the wonderful events and involvements that are going on in North Carolina. But something was bothering me about the issue, and I couldn’t figure it out until I realized it was the cover picture. … Read more
The Full Schedule “Boys Night Out” May 24 with Russ Wilson, Harry Shultz and Jesse Earl Jr. — vocals, Nathan Hefner — piano and vocals, Zack Page — bass, and Rick Dilling — drums. "Love, Lies and Liaisons" June 28 with Wendy Jones – vocals, Michael Jefry Stevens – piano, Jack Page – bass, Rick … Read more
Passing a new budget resolution and agreeing to hire additional legal counsel were the two top items at the May 15 meeting of the board of the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County. The preliminary budget for the public agency, totaling roughly $40 million, includes a 2.5 percent rate increase for domestic users, a $16.7 … Read more
You have to hand it to Rep. Tim Moffitt and other Republicans who recently passed N.C. House Bill 488. By commandeering Asheville’s water system, and forcing its merger with the Metropolitan Sewerage District, our state reps are giving us a textbook example of poor government. There may be legitimate reasons to regionalize Asheville’s water system. … Read more
James McCartney took his time building his own recording career. He's currently in the midst of a 47-date U.S. tour in support of his new album, Me. The record is McCartney's first full-length, though he has previously released two digital-only EPs, Available Light and Close At Hand. But he's not exactly new to music: he … Read more
