After the storm, officials estimated that Helene created about 10 million cubic yards of debris in Buncombe County alone. County Manager Avril Pinder says “It’s going to take a long time” to clean up all the debris.
Buncombe’s new trash-service provider says all carts have been delivered
FCC Environmental says workers have delivered nearly 76,000 trash carts to 38,500 residents, but complaints about service continue to percolate through the community.
New county commissioner sworn in
Drew Ball was elected by the Buncombe County Democratic Party to fill the board vacancy left by Amanda Edwards, who was elected chair in November.
By executive order, NC expedites up to 1,000 temporary housing units in WNC
The executive order, one of five issued Thursday, is Stein’s first official act as governor after being sworn in on Jan. 1.
Year in Review: A conversation with Mayor Esther Manheimer
The mayor discusses ongoing recovery efforts, the housing crisis and what it was like to survey the region with President Joe Biden.
Year in Review: A conversation with Asheville City Council member Roberto ‘Bo’ Hess
“Helene reshaped my understanding of the responsibilities inherent in my role as a member of Asheville City Council,” says Bo Hess. “This devastating event has underscored the critical importance of preparedness, resilience and equitable recovery strategies in our governance.”
Western North Carolina mayors reflect on tumultuous 2024
WNC mayors weigh in on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene and other issues that shaped 2024 — and take a look ahead to 2025.
Parking standards curtail housing, advocates tell county commissioners
Housing advocates urged the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to eliminate parking requirements to make housing easier and cheaper to build. They noted that affordable housing is a critical need in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.
First round of lead tests for Asheville water customers comes back with encouraging results
“Out of 159 samples taken from mid- to late-November, nine had detectable levels of lead on the first draw,” said Water Resources spokesperson Clay Chandler.
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners makes history with new chair and member
Buncombe County board sees a woman chair and a Black woman commissioner for the first time.
From CPP: Helene damage costs in NC more than $53 billion. Who will pay is unclear.
by Lucas Thomae, Carolina Public Press November 26, 2024 Without question, Tropical Storm Helene generated historic costs for North Carolina in terms of structural damages, disruptions to government operations and loss of human lives. Calculating just how expensive the storm was — and also figuring out who is footing the bill — is a trickier […]
County commissioners approve expanded emergency housing
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved $1.5 million for rental assistance and expanded emergency housing within the county in response to Tropical Storm Helene.
Winning Hendersonville, Black Mountain candidates discuss post-Helene challenges
Candidates elected to council seats in Hendersonville and Black Mountain Nov. 5 know that Helene recovery will be a priority during their terms.
Asheville lifts boil water notice
“Asheville water customers can safely consume tap water again,” Asheville City Council member Sage Turner posted on Instagram and Facebook.
Council approves $16 million for Helene recovery
The city is expecting all costs to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reviews Helene response and recovery
At its Nov. 7 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners received an update on the county’s Tropical Storm Helene response and recovery process.
Brownie Newman leaves office on the heels of Helene
When Buncombe County Commission Chair Brownie Newman first walked out of his house that Friday morning after the wind died down, he was hopeful the effects of Tropical Storm Helene wouldn’t be that bad. Then he walked one block over to Pearson Drive. This wasn’t the way Newman thought he’d end his 12 years on the county commission.
‘Big week’ ahead for Asheville’s water: Turbidity drops some; curtain installation and upcoming mineral treatment should reduce it more
The curtain installation should take 24 to 36 hours, meaning the mineral application could possibly start by late Tuesday afternoon.
Local governments ask for state, federal help to address Helene aftermath
Local governments throughout Western North Carolina are facing a number of critical needs in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, including temporary housing, infrastructure repair and debris removal.
With stubborn turbidity and concerns about water clarity growing, city amps up testing on the nonpotable water it’s delivering
Water Resources Department spokesperson Clay Chandler spent most of his time at the daily Helene briefing on Wednesday talking about the water testing program, but he said afterward it does not come in response to customer complaints.
City Council frees up $4 million to provide grants to residents and businesses
The majority of the funds — $3.4 million — will help residents with rent and down-payment assistance and home repairs. The city will seek nonprofit partners to administer the grants.
