Asheville Updates: New Development Plans, Lunar New Year Celebrations, and Winter Fun

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for January 31, 2025. Today, we're kicking off with some important updates on the city's development plans. The City of Asheville has announced public information sessions on proposed text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. These changes focus on updates to commercial district zoning standards, project level thresholds for new development, and minimum parking standards within the city's transit supportive and commercial corridors. The Planning and Zoning Commission has already reviewed and approved these amendments unanimously, and City Council is set to hold a public hearing on February 11. If you're interested in learning more, there's a virtual information session happening today from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. via Google Meet, and you can pre-register to join[1]. But it's not all about policy today. If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, Asheville has plenty to offer. Tonight, you can ring in the Year of the Wood Snake with a Chinese Street Food & Night Market at Highland Brewing Company, featuring K-pop beats, small bites, and beer pairings. Alternatively, Botanist and Barrel is hosting Bite Night - Dumplings, with rare pours, small plates, and a complimentary wine tasting. And if you're in the mood for live music, check out Andy Ferrell at Ginger's Revenge, or Joe Gatto's comedy show at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville[2]. For those interested in art and culture, there are several exhibitions to explore. The Totem: Celebrating Family, Spirit, and Culture at UpMarket Gallery is wrapping up today, and "Valley Talent" Gallery Exhibition at Black Mountain Center for the Arts is also ending its run. Meanwhile, Chihuly at Biltmore at Amhearst at Deerpark on Biltmore Estate is open until February 2, and American Made at Asheville Art Museum runs until February 9[2]. In other news, recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene are still ongoing. Buncombe County has provided updates on solid waste, donation centers, and metropolitan sewerage, and the City of Asheville's transit service ART is operating on a modified schedule. The Asheville Police Department has located 336 reported persons alive and well, and there are currently 60 active missing person cases being worked on[3]. Finally, if you're looking for some family-friendly activities, don't forget that kids eat free at Bear's BBQ for the entire month of January, and there are plenty of winter events and activations happening downtown, including the Winter Windows Display Contest and holiday lights in Pritchard Park and Pack Square Plaza[5]. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.