Housing & Development · Asheville, NC
On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Asheville City Council voted unanimously to approve a zoning change enabling a proposed Costco at Enka Commerce Park. The vote included a waiver reducing the required tree canopy coverage from 15% to 13%, drawing public comments about rule-bending and traffic concerns. Mayor Esther Manheimer said the application had been withdrawn in February due to city, seller, and Department of Transportation requirements before being resubmitted. Councilmember Bo Hess noted that Enka neighborhood residents expressed support for a new grocery option.
Housing & Development · Asheville, NC
The North Carolina Department of Transportation must acquire at least 170 parcels for the I-26 Connector project, which includes widening I-240 through west Asheville and building a new interstate from Haywood Road across the French Broad River. The acquisitions are affecting residents, artists, and businesses in west Asheville, including local artist Dustin Spagnola, who is relocating his 15-year studio off Haywood Road to a smaller, more expensive space. NCDOT says additional parcels may be needed and that eligible residents can receive relocation assistance such as moving expenses and replacement housing payments. Related updates include the relocation of Kava X Coffee to Patton Avenue and Montford residents meeting with NCDOT regarding closures and noise.
Public Safety · Swannanoa, NC
Residents of Swannanoa's Lower Village are raising concerns about recurring flooding along North Avenue after heavy weekend rain, questioning whether storm drains clogged or damaged by Hurricane Helene debris are contributing to the problem. Swannanoa Fire Chief Anthony Penland confirmed this is not the first post-Helene flooding incident in the area and urged that storm drain repairs be prioritized before other recovery work. NCDOT said its hydraulics unit completed a field review of drainage throughout the Beacon Village corridor and is analyzing findings to determine whether modifications are needed, but has not provided a timeline for completing its analysis or indicating whether repairs will be necessary.
Public Safety · Asheville, NC
One person was killed in a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of McDowell Street and Doctors Drive near Asheville High School around 10:14 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, according to the Asheville Police Department. The driver was transported to Mission Hospital, where they died of their injuries. Authorities have not released the driver's name or additional details as the investigation continues.
Housing & Development · Forest City, NC
Neighbors near Meta's Forest City, N.C. data center say diesel-generator noise has improved significantly since the facility opened in 2012, crediting sound-absorbing panels and trees installed after a 2013 News 13 report prompted company engagement. A 2024 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality inspection found the site complied with air-quality rules, while a February report noted emergency generators consumed 48,603 gallons of diesel in 2025. Meta reports more than 275 operational jobs and over $6.4 million in funding for area schools and nonprofits, but News 13 has not obtained a current generator-testing schedule or written agreement showing what hours apply now. The article also notes the Asheville City Council approved a one-year pause on new data center development in Western North Carolina.
