UPDATED 2:59 p.m. – Bryant DeAngelo Sanders surrendered to authorities this afternoon at the Buncombe County Courthouse. He is currently in the custody of the Buncombe County Detention Facility on $700,000 bond. The original press release from 5:18 AM this morning is below. The booking photo for Sanders will be released when it becomes available. Asheville Police [...]
UPDATED FEB 24: See updated schedule below. The City of Asheville will hold a community input meeting for selection of Asheville’s next police chief tomorrow morning, Wednesday, February 25 from 8 – 9:30 a.m. at the City Public Works Building located at 161 South Charlotte Street. Tomorrow’s meeting will replace this morning’s planned input meeting which [...]
The Asheville Police and Fire Departments and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, with the sponsorship support of Target, Inc., will host a local National Night Out (NNO) kick-off event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5. NNO is a nationwide, annual crime prevention and community policing event. NNO events are designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and community-law enforcement [...]
Asheville Public Works crews cleaned mud off the streets of Biltmore Village Wednesday afternoon and evening, following flooding May 30, 2018. Following this week’s flooding of the Swannanoa and French Broad rivers, only 1 street remained closed in Asheville Friday morning. Now it is open too. The portion of Lyman Street closed by flooding earlier this week has been reopened. [...]
Events in Ferguson, Missouri, have sparked a national conversation about police procedures, equipment and response to citizens demonstrating in the face of tragedy. Given these concerns, it is understandable that many may be wondering about the Asheville Police Department’s responsive procedures. Asheville is a city of many opinions, and we at APD are proud of our [...]
The Asheville Police Department demonstrated continued enforcement efforts this past weekend to address graffiti in the area of Lyman St., Roberts St. and Clingman Ave. During the special operation, numerous officers observed four subjects enter the fenced area around Dave Steel property at 2:15 AM on Saturday morning. The subjects began painting a large graffiti mural [...]
A new mode of school is now in session for Asheville students, but officers with the Asheville Police Department Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) say the same safety measures apply. “Students and school buses on the roads haven’t just been gone for the summer — it has been even longer,” said APD Traffic Safety Unit Sergeant Scott [...]
Following diligent work by City of Asheville snow removal crews, the streets are safe for ART to resume bus service at noon Monday. The buses will run until 5 p.m. Please note: All routes will begin at the Transit Center. The S3 won’t start until 1 p.m. ART general snow routes (subject to modification per weather event) N Beginning at 12pm Snow [...]
With a Winter Storm upon us, bringing multiple inches of snow to Asheville Saturday through Monday, ART bus will suspended transit service at 2 p.m. Saturday. Service remains suspended on Sunday. This will give the buses time to come out of service before major road safety hazards occur. “Our goal is always to keep our buses running [...]
Asheville area law enforcement officers recently received special training about enforcing bicycle and pedestrian safety laws as part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Watch for Me NC campaign. Representatives from the Asheville Police Department’s Downtown Unit and the Traffic Safety Unit attended a one-day seminar July 22 at Asheville-Buncombe Community Technical College. The training [...]
Slow down, Asheville. For safety, of course. City residents have asked for lower speed limits on a number of our streets. In response to those requests the City performed traffic engineering studies to assess the feasibility of doing so. N.C. General Statute 20-141 gives the City the authority to regulate speed limits within [...]
Asheville could be in store for a snowy weekend and the City of Asheville is gearing up to ensure roads are prepped. “City crews will be pretreating priority one roads later today,” said Public Works Director Greg Shuler. What will they treat the roads with? Salt brine. “Once the salt brine dries, it leaves a film of [...]
Kick off Event of the child passenger safety awareness week. The event will be held on September 24th, from 10:00 to 14:00 hours, at 800 Brevard Rd Avl. Outlets, next to Sportsman’s Warehouse.
The Asheville Fire Department promotes firefighters throughout the year, but saves the recognition and pinning ceremony for a somber and notable day for firefighters: September 11. This year’s ceremony, held at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center, observed the promotions or advancements of 49 firefighters as well as the recognition of those instances in which firefighters had saved [...]
Meet a firefighter. Sign up for smoke alarm installation. And learn what you can do to prevent a fire in your home or what to do if one breaks out. The Asheville Fire Department invites the whole family to come out for AFD’s Fire Prevention Week kickoff event, happening from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. [...]
Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice. The Asheville Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) ‑‑ the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 90 years ‑‑ [...]
Each Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. That’s why the Asheville Fire Department recommends leaving the fireworks to the professionals. We are excited to [...]
As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire. Top 10 safety tips Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep [...]
Twelve Asheville firefighters participated in a grueling challenge last weekend: the Blue Ridge Relay. Happening Sept. 11-12, the 208-mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208) is one of the longest-running relay races in the United States. Members of Asheville’s 12-man team will rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the 208-mile distance of the race. The scenery couldn’t [...]
Red Cross volunteers, Asheville firefighters, AmeriCorps volunteers to install FREE smoke alarms and educate West Asheville residents on home fire prevention Asheville firefighters, American Red Cross volunteers and AmeriCorps volunteers will spend Saturday, May 7, walking door-to-door installing free smoke alarms and distributing fire safety information to residents in neighborhoods surrounding Hall Fletcher Elementary School. They will [...]
If you are new to Asheville you might wonder “when Halloween is celebrated,” since Oct. 31 falls on a Tuesday this year. If you’ve been here a while you know: It’s on Oct. 31! The City of Asheville does not designate official days or hours for trick or treating. But we’d like to make you aware [...]
The Asheville Downtown Association’s annual Asheville Holiday Parade happens from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in downtown Asheville. The parade route runs up Biltmore Avenue to Pack Square, then turns to go down Patton Avenue. Hundreds show up for this festive community event, so please plan ahead. There will be traffic and bus [...]
City also suspends on-street parking enforcement, opens garages for free During this COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of Asheville is working to increase the safety and security of our community, which is always a top priority. One of those ways is through encouraging social distancing. Toward that end, the City’s ART bus service is putting a system [...]
“Die Hard, “The Negotiator” and “Speed. What do all of these movies have in common? They all involve actors portraying skilled crisis negotiators assisting in the rescue of hostages. At the Asheville Police Department we don’t employ actors, but rather officers trained to effectively communicate with people who are in a crisis situation. A team [...]
The Asheville Police Department, in partnership with the Asheville Alcoholic Board of Control (ABC), kicked off the “Sober Hero” campaign on October 10 at the Oktoberfest event in downtown Asheville. Rather than promoting the designated driver, this campaign promotes the sober driver – that is someone who has a system free of all drugs and alcohol. [...]
The Asheville Police Department both practices and encourages firearms safety. Beginning today, APD is making 200 gun locks available on a first-come, first-served basis. The locks are available at the front desk of the Asheville Police Department, 100 Court Plaza. No personal information is required to obtain a gun lock. Simply come to [...]
On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Asheville Police Department promoted three of its own to the rank of Sergeant. Officers Brien Griffin, Ann Fowler and Tammy Bryson were sworn in during a ceremony in the Asheville City Council Chambers, with Mayor Esther Manheimer administering their oaths. “These are three truly dedicated individuals,” said APD Chief William Anderson. [...]
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Asheville Police Department (APD) is working in partnership with local agencies to bring attention to this issue and remind the community of domestic violence services in the Asheville area. APD statistics show a climb in domestic violence incidents in recent months. APD officers treat domestic violence calls as [...]
The Asheville Police Department is investigating a sexual assault incident that occurred on July 24, 2017, involving a male posing as a driver for hire. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s with a goatee. He drives a white newer model sedan and speaks broken English and Spanish. APD encourages anyone [...]
As students, parents, caregivers, and teachers prepare to dive into a new school year that looks quite different from any other, the Asheville Police Department Computer Crimes Unit detectives want to offer safety reminders to students and families. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social interaction opportunities for kids, teens and adults are a bit thinner than [...]
Asheville Police Department This holiday season, don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving thieves a chance to do their dirty work. Homes jam-packed with glittering gifts. Stores, malls, and downtown streets teeming with unsuspecting shoppers. People rushing around, stressed out and careless, looking for last-minute gifts, trying to get everything done. It’s enough [...]
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. In this video, Sgt. Scott Pruett with the Asheville Police Department Traffic Safety Unit discusses motorcycle awareness on Town Mountain Road. This popular road for motorcyclists has a 35 mph speed limit. It’s a residential area also popular with bicyclists. Be cautious and observe motorcycles during their seasonal return to our [...]
As high winds moved in overnight, Asheville Public Works crews began clearing roads of debris. This morning crews are still hard at work helping to ensure a smooth and safe commute for City residents. With Asheville under a high-wind warning, additional personnel were assigned overnight said Public Works Director Greg Shuler. Public Works crews have [...]
Updated information: The City of Asheville has now opened a survey to gather input from residents on how our public safety services can better promote racial equity and economic inclusion. Original announcement: In September, the City of Asheville will launch an extensive series of listening sessions with the community to help us reimagine the [...]
ASHEVILLE — In response to the severe cold weather, Asheville area shelters are offering emergency cold weather services to people who are currently experiencing homelessness and would not otherwise have a safe, warm place to stay. To minimize risk to people in Asheville and Buncombe County, when the temperature falls below 32 degrees (or the equivalent [...]
Asheville streets closed by flash floods Wednesday, Feb. 3, have now reopened, as waters have receded. The National Weather Service Flash Flood Warning that was in effect until 4:30 p.m. resulted in a daily record rainfall of 2.15 inches in Asheville, besting an old record of 1.79 inches set in 1982. From Wednesday’s coverage Stay safe! Do not [...]
As rain from Tropical Storm Zeta moves eastward, Asheville Fire Department reports that flooding is receding in most locations. The Swannanoa River crested around 2 p.m. Thursday, and the French Broad River should crest around 8 p.m. Thursday. So while most roads have reopened there may continue to be road closures until the waters recede, perhaps [...]
The burgeoning music and performance art on Asheville’s streets make up part of the city’s vibrant downtown scene, entertaining tourists and locals alike. But Asheville’s many performers, sometimes spaced closely together, also can create challenges when it comes to being able to navigate our sidewalks and public spaces. Crowds sometimes spill into our streets, obviously a [...]
More snow than we thought could be coming. During a joint press conference and community briefing on winter storm response, Buncombe County and City of Asheville officials shared safety messages and updates on what to expect. As the snow began falling outside Buncombe County Emergency Services Headquarters, Director Jerry VeHaun shared information from a conference call Saturday [...]
The City of Asheville’s 2015 Watch for Me NC campaign, which ran from September to November, saw a citywide reduction of 27% in pedestrian- and bicycle-related crashes in comparison to the same time period average for 2010-2014. This is the first year the City of Asheville has participated in the Watch for Me NC campaign. [...]
There will be lots of Halloween happenings around Asheville Saturday night but one of the biggest parties around town involves a street closing. Hundreds of costumed trick or treaters converge on Vermont Avenue in West Asheville each year for candy-filled extravaganza. And while the children are tricked out in their costumes so are the houses. All [...]
Buncombe County bears are on the move, looking for food before winter sets in. The City of Asheville would like to remind our residents to be aware of their surroundings and know what to do if they encounter a bear in an urban setting. Because a bear recently attacked a Swannanoa woman, N.C. Wildlife Commission staff [...]
In Asheville, we share our community with some pretty incredible critters. Our most iconic, the black bear, not only shares your love of the mountains – but they can be pretty fond of human food and festivity leftovers as well. So our friends at The NC Wildlife Resources Commission have some tips for you on how [...]
Passing a stopped school bus can be a costly mistake. A motorist convicted for passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina can face a fine of up to $200. The result is also 5 points on your license. A significant increase in your car insurance often follows. The penalties for the Class I Misdemeanor of passing [...]
Initial phase will be sidewalk work The construction phase of the Charlotte Street road diet is scheduled to begin in February and continue through May. The first phase of construction will entail a lane closure as contractors reconstruct portions of the sidewalk on the north end of Charlotte street near Edwin Place. Once complete, repaving of the [...]
The city of Asheville announced today that retired Santa Cruz, CA Police Chief Steve Belcher will serve as interim police chief for the Asheville Police Department while the city moves forward with a national search for Chief William Anderson’s successor. Chief Anderson announced his retirement in November following more than 37 years of public service. [...]
City of Asheville property owners who pay flood insurance will see a drop in their premiums thanks to the City’s floodplain management and disaster reduction practices. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced in December that the City’s voluntary management activities exceeded the standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The result is not [...]
Sometimes it takes a village. In this case it took a collaboration. Flash flooding that dogged Biltmore Village several times last winter puzzled — and vexed — business owners. While Biltmore Village is built in a flood plain, this flooding was different than what they had experienced before. The prevailing notion was something had changed. So members [...]
Asheville’s multimodal mindset is one of its assets. But as we move toward environmentally and healthy practices of bicycling and walking to our destinations people sometimes find themselves in the crosshairs at intersections. Add to that equation the brisk tourist traffic and a vibrant busking scene in downtown Asheville. Sometimes our sidewalks appear to be spilling [...]
On any given day, performance art and music echoes throughout Asheville’s vibrant downtown. But with it has come challenges at times, especially regarding pedestrian safety as impromptu audiences that spill into streets, block downtown business entries or access to sidewalks. To enhance safety and place-making downtown, City staff continues to work with community stakeholders and City [...]
Due to a number of incidents impacting public safety, the City of Asheville is taking targeted steps to address the rise of crime especially in downtown Asheville. There are complex circumstances contributing to the safety issues that Asheville is currently seeing downtown and it will take a community response to address these complexities. Multiple City [...]
After several months of firefighter training that was both mentally and physically challenging, 21 new recruits of the Asheville Fire Department graduated to join with firefighters currently serving the Asheville community. March 23 was graduation night for these members. But before ceremonies and celebrations, came the hours of hard work and a committment to the dedication required [...]
The City of Asheville is taking steps to increase access to safe dining options during the course of this COVID-19 public health emergency. To do so, on March 24, Mayor Esther Manheimer amended the City’s State of Emergency declaration to exempt food trucks and restaurants from certain portions of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. These [...]
The NC Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced today that the Asheville Fire Department improved its fire rating from Class 2 to Class 1. This improved fire suppression rating means not only is AFD better equipped to respond to emergencies, the new top rating should continue to significantly reduce insurance rates in [...]
Find the latest Tuesday updates at this link. Monday, Nov. 11: In preparation for the cold front moving our way, the Asheville Public Works Department is preparing for any snow or ice that may come with it. The National Weather Service forecast has been fairly consistent for the last 36 hours. Rain is [...]
In response to feedback from downtown stakeholders about the need for increased resources to maintain a welcoming, safe downtown experience, the City of Asheville has launched a Community EMT Pilot Program. The vision is for this six-week pilot program to integrate the roles of public safety official and medical responder into one team. Under this pilot [...]
ART bus routes back to normal A quick update on the City of Asheville’s snow recovery efforts: ART bus service resumed normal operations on all routes Tuesday afternoon and that continues today. The Public Works Streets Division has all of it equipment focusing on hitting problem areas as they are reported and plowing and putting material on secondary [...]
Asheville City government offices, will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11. City Council will hold its formal meeting at 5 p.m. as scheduled. The following is a list of city services for tomorrow. Art bus service ART services will be delayed with services beginning at 10 a.m. For more information visit RideTheART.com. The City of [...]
Construction scheduled to begin this winter The City of Asheville Water Resources Department, its consulting engineers, and the construction firm Phillips & Jordan will hold a Nov. 20 construction information session on the North Fork Dam Improvement Project. Residents who live in proximity to the North Fork (Burnett) Reservoir are especially encouraged to attend, to get the [...]
The Public Works Streets Division will have a contractor paving College Street from the S. Charlotte Street intersection into the traffic circle beginning on the evening of Sunday, April 23. The work will take place primarily between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. for minimal traffic disturbances and will last approximately 4 nights. There will be a [...]
The Public Works Stormwater Division will replace a storm drain pipe on College Street that will require the closure of the College Street roundabout beginning on the evening of Sunday, September 11. The work will take place primarily between 7:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. for minimal traffic disturbances and will last approximately 4 nights. There [...]
Supporting City Council’s goals for Transportation and Accessibility and the community who requested changes to speed limits, the recommended speed limits below were approved by City Council on May 23, 2023 at their regularly scheduled meeting. Wells Avenue from Brevard Road to Fairfax Avenue – establish 15 mph East Street from Fairview Road to [...]
Share the road doesn’t just apply to when you are driving. It also applies where you park your car. So here’s a heads up regarding a particular street in Asheville. Since 2014, the City of Asheville has been working on the Craven Street Improvement Project, a multimodal roadway and waterline upgrade adjacent to New Belgium Brewing. Work is [...]
The City of Asheville Public Works Stormwater Division will close Thompson Street at the intersection of Stoner Drive Tuesday, March 8, to replace a failing culvert that is creating a sinkhole. We will have detour signs posted going up Stoner Drive to Fairview Road then back down East Street to Thompson and vice-versa East Street to [...]
It may be bittersweet to say goodbye to summer. But fall brings its own charm with crisp autumn afternoons, colorful leaves and fall festivals. As the weather beings to change, here are some helpful fire safety reminders from the Asheville Fire Department. Home heating Soon you may need to fire up the furnace so it is important [...]
The Asheville Fire Department is reminding everyone that October is Fire Prevention Month and that smoke alarms save lives! Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention campaign, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!” Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, the Asheville [...]
As the City of Asheville works to prepare a proposed fiscal year 2022-2023 budget, it’s a good time to pause, look back and assess the work and accomplishments towards the priorities of the past year. Council Identified Priorities for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Reimaging Public Safety Utilization of ARPA Funding Reparations Employee Compensation What is Reimagining Public Safety? Reimaging public safety means examining [...]
An all-way stop is coming to a congested intersection in the River Arts District. The Asheville Transportation Department will install a new all-way stop at the intersection of Depot and Bartlett streets. “The installation will include adding stop signs to the Depot Street approaches with LED flashing borders and a crosswalk across Depot Street and Bartlett Street,” [...]
Fall means many things in Asheville : colorful views, leaf lookers, raking, and bagged leaf pickup. For the City of Asheville’s Public Works Department, it also means gearing up for snow events. That process kicks off in an annual October ritual as crews set up and test plows and salt spreaders. On Tuesday, Public Works [...]
Enjoy your night – but please do be safe and respect your neighbors Here are some safety tips for all out little ghouls and goblins… keep your lair safe this season
On January 24, 2015 officers from the Asheville Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 8:00am on January 24 at Bojangles restaurant located at 99 Merrimon Avenue. Please contact [...]
Do not feed the bears. The well-known sign is posted in Yellowstone National Park. But it also applies right here in Western North Carolina. Yet you may not even realize you are doing it. Bird feeders and unattended outdoor trashcans are the biggest culprit. People who intentionally leave out corn or birdseed for bears do the [...]
During their Oct. 22 meeting, City Council adopted an update to Asheville’s weapons ordinance and we’d like everyone to understand what this means. The update clarifies the existing City ordinance by specifying that it prohibits dangerous weapons on City buses and firearms in other areas, such as City buildings and grounds, including the Transit Center and [...]
With temperatures expected to be below freezing overnight much of this week, the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Coalition issued its CODE PURPLE overnight through Dec. 8 and will likely extend it further in the week due to impending winter weather. The purpose of the CODE PURPLE procedure is to provide a coordinated effort among Asheville and Buncombe County, [...]
With the Asheville weather forecast of overnight temperatures in the teens and 20s the next few days, the Homeless Coalition has issued a Code Purple or Asheville and Buncombe County for Dec. 14-16. The CODE PURPLE effort stems from the collaborative work of the Homeless Coalition, which is a collective of agencies, faith groups, and individuals experiencing [...]
With the Asheville weather forecast of overnight temperatures in the 30s the next few days, the Homeless Coalition has issued a Code Purple for Asheville and Buncombe County for April 6-7. The CODE PURPLE effort stems from the collaborative work of the Homeless Coalition, which is a collective of agencies, faith groups, and individuals experiencing [...]
Want to get get the latest information on the City of Asheville Downtown Safety Initiative? You can do this through the City of Asheville website. What’s the Downtown Safety Initiative Due to a number of incidents impacting public safety, the City of Asheville is taking targeted steps to address the rise of crime especially in [...]
Update to the community from Interim City Manager Cathy Ball: We wanted to provide an update on the Notice of Violation to Firestorm and Steady Collective. After careful review of the information, the determination that the syringe exchange program is most similar to a “shelter” as defined by the UDO stands and will not be revoked. As [...]
It runs parallel to the French Broad River, with its recreation opportunities and popular riverside parks. But just try crossing Amboy Road. There’s the real adventure, right? This heavily traveled road has a 45 mph speed limit with narrow shoulders and no sidewalks on either side. So City Traffic Engineer Jeff Moore has been working on [...]
Drivers heading down Kimberly Avenue will encounter a new stop sign at Hampstead Road, recently installed as part of a pedestrian enhancement. Walkers and joggers crossing at Hampstead Road will notice wide crosswalk margins painted on the roadway at all four points of the intersection. Overall pedestrian and multimodal safety along Kimberly Avenue was the focus [...]
Are you ready to celebrate Halloween and have a good scare? We hope that you and your family have fun, trick-or-treating and wearing a costume. That’s why we would like to share with you a few recommendations that the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Federal Drug Administration have for your safety, and [...]
The City of Asheville has important information to share regarding the community’s two public swimming pools. Malvern Hills Park’s pool will open on Saturday, May 27, as previously announced. During initial inspections, Buncombe County Environmental Health discovered potential safety issues at Recreation Park pool and requested additional actions before it will open for [...]
Christina Hallingse, Asheville Police Department’s new Public Information Officer, sees her role as equal support for the APD and to the public, and says that the two roles go hand in hand. She brings a broad perspective to public safety planning and how it plays out in different environments. Hallingse comes to Asheville following a role as [...]
From the NCDOT News Room: SHELBY — The N.C. Department of Transportation is collaborating with the city of Asheville to improve pedestrian safety along Merrimon Avenue and throughout the city. NCDOT will be working with the city and an engineering firm to conduct a study on pedestrian safety. The study will analyze available data and identify trends and patterns to determine primary causes for pedestrian [...]
Like many streets in Asheville, Macon Avenue has a speeding problem. The corridor through the Grove Park – Sunset Mountain Neighborhood sees some 7,000 vehicles from a combination of residential, cut-through and tourist traffic each day. Unfortunately, many of these drivers exceed the speed limit through the residential area, a dangerous practice magnified the presence [...]
Two recently-implemented community-centered initiatives started by the Asheville Police Department (APD) have gained traction throughout the city. The Dec. 1, 2020, launch of “TIP2APD” made it easier than ever for residents to make officers aware of issues impacting their neighborhoods. TIP2APD, a mobile application and texting tool, allows the public to share anonymous tips [...]
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, an estimated 17,000 mopeds are being operated on North Carolina roads. Beginning July 1, 2015, a new law, G.S. 20-53.4, requires moped drivers to register their mopeds and pay the same fees as motorcyclists. A moped, by definition, cannot exceed 30 miles per hour on a level surface and [...]
25-year-old Mercedes Ferguson is one of Asheville’s newest police officers, and a recent graduate of basic law enforcement training. But in another life, she was on a path to become a doctor. As a student on a pre-med track in South Florida, she observed over and over young patients coming through the emergency room, and [...]
In alignment with Buncombe County, on March 19, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a newly amended State of Emergency proclamation for the City of Asheville, based on the public health emergency posed by COVID-19. This proclamation limits public gatherings on property owned by the City of Asheville to no more than 10 people. The new order adheres [...]
Caption: North Asheville resident Elizabeth McKenna uses the new pedestrian flags as she walks her dog Thaddeus across Edwin Place. The City is rolling out a new tool to help people safely navigate crosswalks in high-traffic areas. In a pilot program, City Transportation staff installed bright yellow pedestrian flags on Edwin Place in north Asheville [...]
Extremely cold temperatures are expected this weekend with wind chills below zero. While you’re celebrating the season and bringing 2022 to a close, the City of Asheville shares these tips to help protect your people, pets and pipes in the cold weather. People Avoiding frostbite and hypothermia In cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster [...]
Asheville’s downtown throngs with many activities that collectively create a unique and vibrant sense of place. Balancing its many uses is an ongoing process in an ever-changing downtown. Discussion at the Aug. 24 Public Safety Committee centered on three high-impact areas downtown, places where many uses intersect, including street performances, pedestrian traffic, sidewalk amenities and brick [...]
The response of property owners in the City of Asheville to the latest phase of the 123 Graffiti Free cleanup effort has been overwhelmingly positive, with 83% of those notified of tags on their property cleaning or covering the graffiti. “We want to give a big thanks to all the property owners who have stepped up [...]
Renting a home or apartment? The City of Asheville can be a resource if you encounter substandard housing. The City’s Housing Code Coordinator investigates complaints about violations of the Minimum Housing Code. Recognizing that most landlords or property managers maintain rental units properly, the Housing Code Coordinator can help a renter who encounters a building problem get resolution. [...]
A half marathon race returns to downtown Asheville on Saturday, the first in a series of race events this weekend known as the Asheville Running Experience. South Coxe Avenue between Hilliard and Banks avenues will be fully closed Saturday from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Half Marathon race starts at 7:30 a.m. Additional events on [...]
Please note: This event has now been rescheduled for Nov. 1. The City of Asheville is committed to helping outdoor special event and festival organizers make their public events safe and successful. Special events contribute to a thriving local economy, support a diverse community, and help build a connected and engaged community. The City hosts hundreds [...]
Last summer’s heavy rains were an eye-opener for Asheville, causing unexpected landslides and undermining several roads on mountain slopes. Repairs are currently underway or in the planning stage for three impacted cases. On Bent Tree Road, a residential street off Town Mountain Road, is home to one such site. “All that rainfall washed fill out from under the [...]
During their Aug. 25 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to reduce the speed limit on 43 City streets. The changes were made at the recommendation of City staff, who had received requests from the public to consider the speed limit changes. City staff performed appropriate traffic-engineering studies along the various streets designated for speed limit changes. So [...]
Asheville Public Works crews remain out on our streets, monitoring river overflow levels and road closures. Here is where things stand on this Easter Sunday. Roads that remain closed Inglewood Road at Elk Mountain Scenic Highway Riverside Drive at the railroad trestle Old Toll Road on Town Mountain Blue Brier Road, also on Town Mountain It should be noted that a section of [...]
The 2020 hurricane season is upon us, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above average amount of activity. According to NOAA forecasters, the outlook predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The average [...]
Community interaction between police officers and the public they protect is crucial to creating positive relationships. That was the message from Asheville Police Department Deputy Chief Wade Wood at a February 13 talk on the UNC Asheville Campus. Wood and Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan spoke and took questions at the “Policing in Minority Communities” [...]
Beginning July 1, the Asheville Police Department has the capability to accept text messages to 9-1-1. This allows individuals who are unable to dial 9-1-1 to make contact with emergency services. Once a person has contacted 9-1-1 via text message — and requested whatever assistance is needed — there will be a series of texts back [...]
North Carolina’s Thanksgiving Click It or Ticket campaign will run from Nov. 22-30. The program, a statewide partnership between local agencies and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, aims to increase seat belt and child safety use rates through increased enforcement of the state’s seat belt law. On Nov. 23, the Asheville Police Department (APD) and the [...]
As our thoughts are with the residents and communities of Florida dealing with the brunt of Hurricane Ian, the City of Asheville turns its attention to preparing our community for potential local weather impacts here. The main threat from Hurricane Ian will be heavy rainfall and gusty winds Friday through Saturday. Two-to-three inches are expected to [...]
The holiday shopping season is upon us. The backseats of our vehicles are filled with gifts for friends and family, packages are being delivered to our homes and stockings are stuffed by the chimney with care. But beware, Kevin McAllister from “Home Alone” won’t be available to booby trap your home from bandits. In his [...]
RELATED: Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer declares State of Emergency, issues curfew Following two nights of protests in downtown Asheville, including the June 1 escalation that resulted in unrest and destruction of property downtown, the City of Asheville has a curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., in place until further notice. The [...]
The Asheville Police Department (APD), Asheville Fire Department (AFD), and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) will host a local National Night Out (NNO) event 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. National Night Out is a nationwide outreach program brings neighborhoods together to strengthen community spirit and promote [...]
Notice anything different on Amboy Road? The flashing beacon pedestrian crosswalk signal has been installed! The “Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon,” or RRFB, has been installed near the Smoky Mountain Adventure Center. City Traffic Engineer Jeff Moore worked on this safety solution in partnership with NCDOT, Public Works Street Division and other City departments. In coming weeks, [...]
Stay up to date on street closings, water outages and other emergency and nonemergency information by signing up for AVL Alert, the City of Asheville’s citizen notification system. Messages can come to your cellphone, email or through a phone call. You can get alerts for multiple addresses to keep up with aging parents, for example. This video [...]
This edition of City Scoop features Kelley Klope, Public Information Officer for the Asheville Fire Department, discussing why fire trucks are dispatched on emergency medical calls.
The Wall Street Parking Garage temporary night closures have been extended through May 25, 2023. During this period, the garage will remain open between 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Temporary evening closures are in place to ensure the community’s safety while improvements are being made. More information regarding this project and alternate parking arrangements can be [...]
Passing a stopped school bus can be a costly mistake. A motorist convicted for passing a stopped school bus in North Carolina can face a fine of up to $200. The result is also 5 points on your license. A significant increase in your car insurance often follows. In 2013, a bill passed the North Carolina General [...]
Do you know the difference between a marked crosswalk and an unmarked one? In this video Barb Mee, Transportation Planner for the City of Asheville, discusses different types of crosswalks. Also on the video Officer Adam Cabe of the Asheville Police Department, Traffic Safety Division, discusses crosswalk responsibilities for motorists and pedestrians. The Asheville Watch for [...]
The City of Asheville will launch a Watch for Me NC pedestrian, bicycle safety program in August. Watch this video for a preview of the program.
This video outlining the City of Asheville’s accomplishments in 2014 was shown to Asheville City Council at Council’s January 30 retreat.
The City of Asheville will install a new 30-inch waterline to better serve Asheville Water Resources customers along a short section of Tunnel Road, Kenilworth Road and Beaucatcher Road area, starting Aug. 28 (see the project area map below). The project will be installed parallel with an aging, undersized waterline in this area. Will there be [...]
You may have noticed new high-contrast crosswalks marked at some intersections in Asheville’s Central Business District. They are the work of the Transportation Department in an effort to make pedestrians safer. These are called ladder-type crosswalk markers, said City Traffic Engineer Jeff Moore. One high-profile area where they’ve been installed is at the intersection of Haywood Street [...]
The City of Asheville’s bi-monthly radio show allows the community to take a deep dive with City of Asheville staff and departments. Learn about different departments and what projects are taking place in your community. This week, the City of Asheville host Sam Parada sat down with City of Asheville Transportation Planning Manager Lucy Crown and Urban [...]
Updated information: The emergency shelter at Trinity Baptist Church is now closed. Original announcement from Buncombe County: An emergency shelter has been opened at Trinity Baptist Church, 216 Shelburne Road, Asheville, NC 28806. The shelter is jointly staffed by American Red Cross and Buncombe County Health & Human Services. Note: only service animals will be permitted.
Sunday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. update ART bus service and trash collection updates for Monday, Jan. 25 If road conditions warrant, ART bus service may have a delayed start time of 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 25. Information about route service will be posted no later than 6 a.m., Monday morning on the ART Service Alerts page. Trash [...]
