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🌱 Patch AM: Could Asheville finally get passenger trains back on the tracks?

Make time for Rock n Soul with Pleasure Chest on the Asheville Patch calendar

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Thursday December 25th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Asheville! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could Asheville finally get passenger trains back on the tracks?
  • What a 180-unit Sardis Road project means for Asheville’s old pressroom
  • Which Asheville businesses could be forced out by the I-26 connector?

Also on today's calendar: Unwrap the Funk w/ Anne Combs & Company Funk and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Ashevillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Mainly cloudy, mist; warm, with a high of 66 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy with mist, temps: high: 59, low: 48.
  • Saturday: Warm with clouds and sun, with a high of 70 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Proposed Amtrak rail route could put WNC back on track for train travel, boosting tourism (wlos.com) — A new Amtrak proposal could restore passenger rail between Asheville and Salisbury, potentially bringing thousands of visitors and millions in economic impact to Western North Carolina. Tourism leaders say the route would boost small towns like Old Fort while making Asheville more accessible and turning the journey itself into part of the WNC travel experience. Public comments on the state rail plan are open into January.
   

2. New apartment proposal will demo former Citizen Times pressroom (citizen-times.com) — A 180-unit apartment complex is proposed off Sardis Road that would demolish the former Asheville Citizen Times pressroom, pending city approvals. The Greensboro-based developer is seeking conditional zoning, with Asheville’s Technical Review Committee set to examine the plan Jan. 5 before it moves on to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council for public comment and a final decision.
   

3. Asheville business owner faces uncertainty as land acquisition begins I-26 connector (wlos.com) — Asheville drivers and business owners face a new phase of the I-26 Connector as NCDOT begins right-of-way land acquisition, expecting about 80 relocations from Haywood Road to Riverside Drive. Asheville Kava X Coffee’s owner describes investing in a location now slated for displacement, while waiting on formal notice needed to access relocation benefits. Construction on the project’s north section is anticipated early next year.
   

4. Today in History December 24 (tigerdroppings.com) — Tucked into a broader “Today in History” list, one notable local milestone is George Vanderbilt opening the Biltmore Estate in Asheville on December 24, 1895. The piece quickly mentions Biltmore as the largest privately owned house in America before moving on to other global events and birthdays.
   

📸 Around Asheville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Asheville

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Wilbur, a cat who went missing in Asheville, NC, has been safely reunited with their family after 7 hours, 45 minutes. Message from Owner: "He's my… (Nextdoor Beaverdam)
  • So my dog got loose and is having a ball running around Oakley.
    I stay near melody lane and eastview. If u all could keep an eye out, that'd be great. It's been about 20 minutes. Thanks in advance. (Nextdoor Oakley)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Asheville. Apply here.
  • The Biltmore Company posted a job opening for Village Hotel Housekeeper - Flex in Asheville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Asheville here.

Ok Asheville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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