🌱 Body Found Floating In Asheville River + Fire Chief To Retire

Hello, Asheville. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cloudy. High: 68 Low: 51.
• Saturday: Morning rain; cloudy, cool. High: 64 Low: 52.

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Here are the top four stories today in Asheville:

1. The Asheville Police Department began an investigation after a body was found floating down French Broad River near Riverside Drive on Wednesday, May 3. The North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is working with detectives and forensics teams to identify the body. Anyone with information about the incident can anonymously text TIP2APD to 847411 or use the TIP2APD smartphone app or call 828-252-1110. (WYFF4)
2. Asheville Fire Chief Scott Burnette is retiring and will serve his last day on Jun. 1. Burnette has served the last 14 years as fire chief and has served the community for over 28 years. City Manager Debra Campbell said, "Chief Burnette has been an incredible leader both to his department and the organization as a whole" and "The Asheville Fire Department is better because of his contributions and set up for success because of his legacy." (The Biltmore Beacon)
3. Asheville's 60-day downtown safety initiative was launched on May 1. According to city officials, the initiative is "a data-driven approach in response to an increase in crime. Through the initiative, the Asheville Police Department will focus on increased visibility in the downtown area, including foot, bike and vehicle patrols. The Asheville Fire Department will also launch its community responder pilot program. According to Assistant Chief Patrick Crudup, responders will be "talking with our unsheltered population, individuals in crisis, as well as planning to meet with some of the business owners." (WLOS)
4. The Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission delayed the long-awaited vote on the proposal for downtown affordable apartments at the city owned property at 319 Biltmore Avenue. At the May 3 meeting, Chair Joe Archibald said, "Boy, when I opened this up I got disappointed." According to the committee, the proposal seemed "too suburban for a central city location, lacking pedestrian facilities, commercial space and the spark of the original vision." The development team requested and was granted a continuance until Jun. 7. (Citizen Times)

Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Friday, May 5

• The Comedy Zone At Wortham Center for the Performing Arts (7:00 PM)
• Mr. Jimmy's Friday Night Blues with Weekly Special Guests At Asheville Guitar Bar (7:30 PM)

Saturday, May 6

• Asheville Comedy Hypnosis Show: Get Hypnotized: The Hypno-Larium Comedy Club At Four Points by Sheraton Asheville Downtown (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Manuel Joel Bates, a 33-year-old from Asheville, plead guilty to one count of second-degree forcible rape, battery of an unborn child, and intimidating a witness. He was recently sentenced to serve between 88 and 166 months in prison and 19 to 32 months suspended for 36 months probation and will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. (WYFF4 Greenville)
• The city of Asheville is paying community members to fill out a survey about single-use plastics and what can be done to limit their use. Business owners, faith based groups, community organizations, and any other local group interested in participating need to submit their requests by 9:00 p.m. on May 10. Click here to learn more. (WLOS)
• Do you want to add a furry friend to your family? The Asheville animal shelters have many adorable adoptable pets available in your area! Including Scrappy, a cute Carolina Dog with blonde fur, and Fizz, a Domestic Short Hair cat with beautiful black fur! (Asheville Patch)

That's it for today! See you soon for your next update.

— 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!