Making do: Haywood Schools budgets for post-mill future

When Pactiv Evergreen announced it would close its Canton paper mill last year, Haywood County Schools was already facing a host of other challenges, among them a declining student population, costs incurred from damages caused during the Pigeon River flood in 2021, and the impending end of COVID-era relief funds. 

Waynesville Planning Board splits recommendations on golf club developments

After deciding that the time is finally right, the owners of the Waynesville Inn and Golf Club are making good on a promise by asking the town for permission to develop 25 custom-built single-family homes on the outskirts of the revitalized course — continuing the rebirth of a storied local landmark — but Waynesville’s planning board has now put half the units in doubt. 

Housing needs dire and growing in Jackson

The Development Finance Initiative has conducted a housing needs assessment for Jackson County, and while the findings won’t be surprising to anyone living in the area, they do outline critical housing needs.

‘What ... shortage?’: Waynesville zoning member’s opposition to subdividing lot delays final vote

A relatively straightforward request to subdivide a single lot and build an affordably priced long-term rental duplex on it was withdrawn by the applicants after opposition from a lone member of Waynesville’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. 

Environmentalists make the case for housing

Hear the case for building more housing from an environmental perspective with a webinar offered 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, from MountainTrue. 

Mountain Projects calls for participation in housing surveys

Three surveys from Mountain Projects that aim to help the nonprofit develop a housing plan, identify housing projects that will meet the community’s needs and provide information to pursue funding through state, federal and private sources is now open. 

Vote wisely for Waynesville’s future leaders

Town elections are seldom exciting, but the race in Waynesville is generating a lot of buzz.

For Canton, challenges are opportunities

Despite all the important elections taking place in Western North Carolina this fall, there’s probably no other town with more on the line than Canton. 

Lacking landlords: Short-term rentals squeezing out Section 8 tenants

The effect of short-term rental properties on the availability and affordability of workforce housing has been well-documented in Haywood County. 

Local partnership to impact regional housing needs

A new collaboration is poised to make a large impact by providing new housing options for Jackson County seniors, low-income families and business professionals. 

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.