🌱 Asheville Council Approves I-26 Connector Project + Tiny Homes

Good morning, everybody. Rose Mendez here with your Monday edition of the Asheville Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Sunshine, but cool. High: 50 Low: 19.
• Tuesday: Warmer with clouds and sun. High: 58 Low: 38.

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Here are the top three stories in Asheville today:

1. After years of planning, the Asheville City Council approved the $7.3 million I-26 connector project, which includes walking and biking paths. David Uchiyama, NCDOT spokesperson, said the $7.3 million would go toward different sections of the large connector project, including improving pedestrian lanes, bicycle lanes, and the "aesthetics" of the Bowen Bridge. Some local groups, like Asheville on Bikes, are concerned about the safety of the proposed pedestrian and cyclist pathways, but NCDOT responded that safety is its top concern. (WLOS)
2. In response to the huge rise in rent and housing, local non-profit organization BeLoved is building "deep-affordable" tiny homes in Asheville. BeLoved secured three more permits to further construction on the homes with a goal of the new village being "deeply affordable, community-oriented, sustainable, and producing equity for residents." Amy Cantrell, co-director of BeLoved said rent in Asheville has "increased 41.7 percent over the two years of the pandemic," and many people have told her they "can’t afford affordable housing." Once the village is complete, residents will be selected to live in the homes "based on long-term exhibited needs and an income base about 30 percent of the local area median income." (The Blue Banner)
3. After serving ten months and two weeks in jail for crimes Sherrill Roland did not commit, he was exonerated. Now, he's showing artwork at his own exhibit at the Asheville Art Museum. Roland uses art as a way to process the traumatic experiences and share his story with others. Roland said, "I got exonerated and everything was wiped clean, except for the experience on me. All of the emotional and mental rollercoaster ride that I’ve been on through that. Having things taken away from me… new things being introduced into my life." Through it all, Roland is still grateful and said, "To be able to showcase all the work that I’ve done over the last five years here has been, you know, a tremendous honor, to put it in front of my family." (Spectrum News 1)

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Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Monday, March 20

• Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic At Noble Cider downtown (6:30 PM)
• Asheville Fringe Arts Festival At Grail Moviehouse (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, March 21

• Grateful Family Band Tuesdays At One World Brewing West (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Asheville announced there will be sidewalk replacement work starting Mar. 20, and the sidewalk could be closed for up to a week. The sidewalk, driveways, and parking spot closures are located at approximately 144 College Street. View the link to see a map. No lane closures are anticipated on College Street. (City of Asheville via Twitter)
• Want to know more about Asheville, or do you have friends or family visiting the area? Then don't miss the Free Walking Tours! The tours have returned to share the history and how to have the greatest experiences in the 'Land of Sky.' (ABC 13 News)
• Whether you’re actively in the market for a new home or just thinking about other properties nearby, check out the latest homes for sale in the Asheville area. Including a 1,500-square-foot, two-bedroom home on Skipstone Road for $495,000! (Asheville Patch)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!