Category: Other Swannanoa News

Fresh Produce Abounds at Local Tailgate Markets

Post author By FANS Admin
Post date August 16, 2016

It’s peak time for harvesting many of your favorite summer vegetables, which makes it a great time to visit local farmer’s markets. Swannanoa is lucky to be home to Warren Wilson College, which holds a weekly farmer’s market on Friday afternoons, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., outside Gladfelter Hall.

The student-run market, which is now in its 30th year, continues through mid-December. It’s run by students, and features fresh vegetables grown on the college’s five-acre farm. In addition to vegetables, the market offers meats, herbs, honey, eggs, fruits and berries, soaps, and other products produced by the student work crews.

The Swannanoa Valley is home to a second tailgate market, held each Saturday through November 19, from 9 a.m. – noon. The Black Mountain Tailgate Market is held at 130 Montreat Road, behind the First Baptist Church.

Other Swannanoa News

More Affordable Housing Coming to Swannanoa

Post author By FANS Admin
Post date August 16, 2016

Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) has acquired property in Swannanoa for future construction of an affordable housing apartment complex. The property is located on U.S. Highway 70, west of Riverwood Road, and includes the house that was the former location of Moments Cafe.

Current plans for the development — to be known as East Haven Apartments — call for construction of 95 one-to-three bedroom units. Rents for those who meet the income requirements will be significantly below market rates. It may be a couple of years before financing can be secured and construction can begin.

MHO already has an affordable housing presence in Swannanoa. Under the auspices of the federal Self-Help Home Ownership Program, six families have participated in construction of their own homes on property in Beacon Village, adjacent to the Habitat for Humanity community. An additional six homes will be built before the MHO-sponsored project is complete.

For more info about MHO, visit www.mtnhousing.org.

Buncombe County News Other Swannanoa News

Sheriff’s Office Holds Swannanoa Community Meeting

Post author By FANS Admin
Post date August 16, 2016

Swannanoa residents had an opportunity to meet with Sheriff Van Duncan and members of the Sheriff’s COPS (Community Oriented Problem Solving) team at a community meeting on August 11. In the photo above, Sheriff Van Duncan (in the background) looks on as Officer Reggie Ray talks with meeting attendees about law enforcement issues in the Swannanoa community.

The COPS team worked in Swannanoa for a month, identifying areas of public concern and meeting with local residents, businesses and organizations to address safety issues and criminal activities in the area. Residents were encouraged to not hesitate, but to call the Sheriff’s office immediately, if they see suspicious activity or have concerns relating to law enforcement.

Beacon Mill History

Thirteenth Anniversary of Beacon Mill Fire

Post author By FANS Admin
Post date August 16, 2016

It’s hard to believe that almost 13 years have passed since that fateful day in 2003 when an arsonist set fire to the Beacon mill. The September 3rd fire was one of the largest in North Carolina history, eventually consuming most of the mill buildings, and marking the end of an era in Swannanoa. The mill had closed its doors the previous year, and although no one was physically injured in the blaze, the emotional toll on the community is still felt today.

In honor of the generations of Swannanoa families who made their living at the mill, we’re sharing an historical photo (below) of Beacon employees posing outside the machine shop. Just before the beginning of World War II, Beacon employed more than 2,200 people in Swannanoa.