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Fairview, NC · Daily edition

Fairview news for Thursday, October 29, 2026

2 stories from Fairview and Buncombe County, in about three minutes.

Local Politics · Buncombe County

NC Property Tax Amendment on Nov. 3 Ballot Draws Buncombe County Opposition

A proposed North Carolina constitutional amendment on the November 3 ballot would require state lawmakers to limit how much local governments can increase property tax collections, but does not specify what those limits would be. Buncombe County commissioners voted to formally oppose the amendment, warning its vagueness could jeopardize funding for schools, emergency services and Helene recovery efforts. District 3 Commissioner Parker Sloan said approving the measure would not necessarily lower residents' tax bills and could shift control over local tax decisions to the General Assembly. Supporters argue the amendment could protect property owners from rising taxes. If voters approve it, state lawmakers would still need to determine specific limits and any exceptions.

Source: ABC 13 News Read the full story ↗

Local Politics · Asheville, NC

Asheville Council Approves 252-Unit Apartment, $4.4M Pool Contract

Asheville City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday to approve a developer's request to build a seven-story, 252-unit apartment building at 21 London Road near Sweeten Creek, despite flood-safety concerns raised after Hurricane Helene. The council also approved a $4.4 million contract to rebuild Malvern Hills Pool in West Asheville for the 2028 swimming season, after the facility closed in summer 2023 and the city's other public pool was damaged by Helene in 2024. Council members discussed but took no action on rising bear incidents, with a state Wildlife Resources Commission biologist reporting seven people injured and 143 home break-ins in Buncombe County since 2023. Additional approvals included up to $660,304 for bicycle and pedestrian paths near the I-26 Connector project in West Asheville and authorization to apply for a federal drug-trafficking task force grant.

Source: Blue Ridge Public Radio Read the full story ↗