🌱 Development Continues In Mars Hill + Asheville FM Freedom Of Speech

Good morning, everybody! Rose Mendez here with your fresh copy of the Asheville Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the community information you need to know right now, including updates on...

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Sunshine and a few clouds. High: 59 Low: 33.
• Tuesday: Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 63 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories today in Asheville:

1. Progress is moving along on a proposed subdivision to be built on Long Ridge Road in nearby Mars Hill. The Madison County Planning Board approved a plat review for Landbank Acquisitions LLC's Long Ridge Heights, which is set to be a 53-lot project. Brad Guth, development services director, recommended the board's approval of the preliminary plat. Guth went on to outline conditional requirements for Landbank Acquisitions to fulfill before the plat goes to a final vote. Landbank Acquisitions wants to set up shared wells for the development, but county officials are reluctant to give the go-ahead, citing possible conflicts with future infrastructure.(Citizen Times)
2. James Dougherty, president of the Board of Directors for nonprofit community radio station Asheville FM, wrote in a Mountain Xpress op-ed that Asheville FM's production "The Final Straw" fosters freedom of speech in Western North Carolina and on the radio. Dougherty states that "The Final Straw" has been on Asheville FM's schedule for 12 years, and the views expressed are not endorsed by Asheville FM. Dougherty said, "We believe in the health and safety of our entire community and give voice to marginalized people and groups, like the unhoused, racial justice organizations, people living with disabilities, LGBTQ+ citizens, and other minorities." (Mountain Xpress)
3. Zöe Dental continued its decade-long tradition of offering free services this past Saturday, Apr. 22, as dozens received free dental work. The 10th annual Servants of Smiles event gave back to the community by offering a filling, an extraction, or a cleaning to locals free of charge. Last year, Zöe Dental served 105 patients, amounting to $52,321 worth of work. Dr. Perry Stamatiades, the CEO, said, "Every year, there are always people that fall through the cracks with health care, and we don't want people to choose between putting food on the table or getting a tooth filled. ... We're just average people trying to do things to help others and trying to be creative in how we do it." (WLOS)

Today and tomorrow in Asheville:

Monday, April 24

• An Abundance of Riches At Baker Exhibit Center (All Day)

Tuesday, April 25

• Quilting Bee At East Asheville Library (10:00 AM)
• Carolina Haints: Ghosts, Folklore, And Mysteries Of The Old North State At Pack Memorial Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Asheville Fire Department's Mikey Riley began a 24-hour run in Carrier Park on Apr. 22 to raise awareness for early cancer detection among firefighters, supported by the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Alliance. Photos from the run are available at the link! (Asheville Fire Department via Facebook)
• Saturday, Apr. 22, was the opening night of Bright Star at the Asheville Community Theatre (ACT). "Bright Star" will run through May 14, and tickets are available here. (Asheville Community Theatre via Facebook)
• The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon-cutting for Gemelli Restaurant this past Saturday. Gemelli Restaurant boasts scratch-made Italian food in a European-inspired eatery in West Asheville, including maritozzi, frittata, fresh salads, pastas, and pizzas, and is located at 70 Westgate Parkway. (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Alrighty, 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!