*** Update *** Suspect arrested in Biltmore Village Shooting

  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 [...]

***RESCHEDULED***City of Asheville seeks public input in selection of new police chief

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 [...]

A good night to get to know your neighbors: National Night Out Crime Prevention Kick-Off Rally Aug. 5

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 [...]

All Asheville streets now reopened

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. [...]

APD Chief Anderson speaks to community concerns arising from events in Ferguson, MO

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 [...]

APD continues graffiti enforcement with arrests in RAD

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 [...]

APD: Keep school bus safety in mind, as some students are still attending classes

  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 [...]

ART buses resume modified routes

  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 [...]

ART transit suspends bus service during winter storm

    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 receive bicycle/pedestrian laws training

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 [...]

Asheville City Council approves resident-requested speed limit changes

     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 crews to pretreat streets for snow

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 [...]

Asheville Fire Department award ceremony honors year’s achievements

  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 [...]

Asheville Fire Department to kick off prevention campaign

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 ‑‑ [...]

Asheville Fire Department: Leave Fourth of July fireworks to the professionals, consider safer alternatives

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 [...]

Asheville Fire Department: Thanksgiving leading day for house fires; here are tips to prevent them

  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 [...]

Asheville firefighters participate in 200+ mile race

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 [...]

Asheville firefighters to participate in free smoke alarm canvas Saturday

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 [...]

Asheville Halloween tips and events for a fun celebration

  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 [...]

Asheville Holiday Parade to impact bus routes, include street closings

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 [...]

Asheville installs social distancing measures on ART buses during COVID-19 public health emergency

  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 [...]

Asheville Police crisis negotiators team to defuse crisis situations

“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 [...]

Asheville Police Department launches ‘Sober Hero’ campaign

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. [...]

Asheville Police Department offering free gun locks

    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 [...]

Asheville Police Department promotes three to Sergeant

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. [...]

Asheville Police Department shares information and resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

    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 [...]

Asheville Police share tips for safer digital learning, at-home Internet use

    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 share winter holiday safety tips to deter crime

  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 [...]

Asheville Police urge motorcycle caution on Town Mountain Road

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 [...]

Asheville Public Works crews cleaning up debris after storm

  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 [...]

Asheville shelters continue CODE PURPLE activation, provide emergency cold weather services

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 reopen following flash flooding

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 [...]

Asheville streets reopen, following flooding from Tropical Storm Zeta

  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 [...]

Asheville, Buncombe officials outline winter storm preparedness, share safety messages

  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 [...]

Asheville’s pedestrian, bicycle crashes lower during City’s Watch for Me campaign

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. [...]

Barricades go up for Halloween on Vermont Avenue in West Asheville

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 [...]

Charlotte Street Road Diet construction begins

  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 [...]

City announces interim APD Chief

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 floodplain practices result in 10 percent drop in insurance rates

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 [...]

City helps Biltmore Village businesses connect the dots and volunteers dig in, with the help of GreenWorks

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 [...]

City kicks off Watch for Me pedestrian, bicyclist safety campaign

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 [...]

City of Asheville congratualtes Asheville Fire Department recent graduates

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 [...]

City of Asheville eases restrictions on food trucks and temporary signage 

  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 [...]

City of Asheville Fire Department is awarded a Class 1 fire rating

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 [...]

City of Asheville is prepared for road impacts from overnight wintry weather

  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 [...]

City of Asheville launches Community EMT Pilot Program downtown

  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 [...]

City of Asheville making progress clearing snow/ice from neighborhoods, sidewalks

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 [...]

City of Asheville offices to open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, trash service resumes

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 [...]

College Street closures starting April 23, 2023

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 [...]

College Street roundabout closures starting September 11, 2022

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 [...]

Don’t confuse bike lanes with parking spaces on Craven Street

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 [...]

Fall fire safety tips: Asheville Fire Department reminders

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 [...]

Fire prevention month message: smoke alarms save lives!

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 [...]

FY22 Council Priority Accomplishments: Reimagining Public Safety

  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 [...]

Get ready to stop in all directions on Depot Street

  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,” [...]

Have Coffee with a Cop

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 [...]

Help make Asheville a bear smart community

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 [...]

Here’s a rundown on Asheville’s newly updated dangerous weapons ordinance

    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 [...]

Homeless Coalition issues Code Purple as frigid temps arrive

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, [...]

Homeless Coalition issues Code Purple for Asheville

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 [...]

Homeless Coalition issues Code Purple for Asheville

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 [...]

Interim City Manager updates community regarding West Asheville notices of violation

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’s called a beacon and it’s coming to Amboy Road

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 [...]

Kimberly Avenue pedestrian enhancement includes new stop signs

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 [...]

NCDOT Working with City of Asheville to Improve Pedestrian Safety

  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 [...]

Neighbors and City collaborate to reduce speeding

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 [...]

New Asheville Police Department community initiatives continue to grow

    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 [...]

New moped registration law will help with enforcement

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 [...]

Newest recruits bring skills, drive and enthusiasm to the APD

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 [...]

Newly amended Asheville State of Emergency proclamation in response to COVID-19 limits gatherings to 10

  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 [...]

People, Pets, Pipes – Staying safe in extreme cold weather

  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 [...]

Q&A: How Asheville’s Housing Code Coordinator can assist renters who encounter substandard conditions

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. [...]

Race events this weekend, expect street closures

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 [...]

Roads impacted by 2013 landslides get rebuild

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 [...]

Slow down! Speed limits changed on more than 40 Asheville streets

  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 [...]

Sunday: More roads re-open, some remain closed, following flood

  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 [...]

Take time to evaluate your flooding risk and incorporate measures to lessen potential impact

  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 [...]

Talking about Policing in Minority Communities

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” [...]

Text 911 launches in Asheville

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 [...]

Thanksgiving Click It or Ticket campaign to kick off

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 [...]

Updated FAQ: City of Asheville installs curfew 

  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 [...]

Updated with video: National Night Out

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 [...]

Video: Amboy Road’s flashing beacon signal

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, [...]

Video: Register now for AVL Alert

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 [...]

Watch for Me NC: Clearing up crosswalk confusion

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 [...]

Waterline replacement project to cross Tunnel Road

  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 [...]

What’s up with new downtown Asheville crosswalks?

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 [...]

Who’s up this week on What’s up AVL! – Transportation staff members Lucy Crown and Anna Sexton

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 [...]

Winter storm emergency shelter now closed

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.