Insufficient Capacity: The Buck Stops Here
At their December 10 meeting, members of Asheville City Council were asked to approve the receipt of additional HUD funds for disaster recovery. During the public hearing, they were "alarmed" to find that none of the previous hundreds of thousands of CDBG dollars they had disbursed for hurricane relief had been spent.
Feds Helping Buncombe Buy up Land in Floodplain
Federal and state agencies are giving money to local governments to buy up homes in the floodplain. The residences will be demolished, and the land will be deed-restricted as greenspace in perpetuity.
Woodfin Council Discusses Waste Management and Community Needs
The Town of Woodfin held its regular council meeting on November 19, 2024, where community members gathered to discuss pressing issues, including disaster recovery, solid waste management, and local services. The meeting showcased the town’s commitment to transparency and public involvement, with a hybrid format allowing both in-person and remote participation. Community Support and Public […]
Weaverville Town Council Meeting: Key Updates and Discussions
During the Town Council meeting on November 18, 2024, Weaverville addressed key topics including financial health with a tax report showing 22.58% property tax collection, community development plans for a 35-lot subdivision, public safety updates from the police department, and ongoing recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene, while encouraging resident engagement through public comments.
Understanding Duke Energy’s Rate Changes: Savings for Homes and Businesses
Duke Energy Progress is lowering rates somewhat, but any consumer gains will soon be overshadowed, as the utility is awaiting regulatory approval for recovery of hurricane expenses. Also, Duke is incurring major capital expenses as it works to comply with legislation requiring it to "net-zero" its emissions by 2050.
Major Developments from the Polk County Board Meeting
The Polk County Board of Commissioners met on November 18, 2024, addressing transit grants for seniors, hurricane recovery, school funding, and water system boundaries. Key discussions included enhancing transportation services, updating on local projects, and managing budget concerns. The next meeting is set for December 2, 2024.
Helpers Beg Commissioners for Assistance
Freezing temperatures were in the forecast, and disaster relief workers requested help from the Buncombe County Commissioners. Many residents remain without phone service, power, or even housing. Some charities are overextended while other help is sidelined, waiting for government approvals.
Asheville’s Recovery Framework: A Roadmap to Rebuilding Helene
Asheville's Recovery Framework outlines a strategic roadmap for rebuilding and revitalizing the community after Hurricane Helene.
Mayor Esther Manheimer Takes on New Role in State Leadership
Asheville’s Mayor Esther Manheimer is stepping into a significant role as part of Governor-elect Josh Stein’s transition team. This appointment comes at a crucial time for Asheville, which is still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. It’s a move that not only highlights the importance of local leadership but also underscores the commitment to […]
Hendersonville Shines at 2024 NCDOT Mobi Awards for Oklawaha Greenway
The City of Hendersonville is basking in the glow of recognition after receiving multiple accolades from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Mobi Awards for the Oklawaha Greenway. This project has been celebrated for its significant contributions to multimodal transportation and community connectivity, showcasing the city’s commitment to creating vibrant outdoor spaces. “We are […]