Hurricane Helene Update November 20

Hurricane Helene Update November 20

Storm Debris Removal
Last night, County Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement that allows the City of Asheville and the Town of Black Mountain to allow Buncombe County to administer the intake process for private property debris removal via disaster recovery consultant Tetra Tech. This week, Tetra Tech started implementing a private property debris removal intake process.

Here are some details on the intake process:

Online application: Click here.
Call Center: 828-250-6100
Intake Centers:
Asheville Mall (same location as the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center) daily, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (these times will adjust as the FEMA DRC hours adjust)

The following locations are open Tuesday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

• Barnardsville Fire Department Station 15
• Swannanoa Fire & Rescue
• Fairview Library

As of this morning, over 200,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected in the public right of ways in Buncombe County. Currently, there are 45 trucks in Buncombe County, removing debris from all zones.

Code Purple
With the upcoming colder weather this week, a Code Purple is called for Nov. 20-21. Code Purple is a coordinated effort between Asheville and Buncombe County shelters and other organizations to provide emergency overflow shelter to people experiencing homelessness. This means shelters will provide more beds with fewer requirements to access.

These shelters are accessible via public transit and include:

ABCCM- Single Men
20 20th Street
828-259-5333

Intake: 4-8 p.m.
Exit: 7:30 a.m.
WE2
Bear Creek Rd.

ABCCM Transformation Village - 
Single Women and Women and Children
30 Olin Haven Way
828-259-5365

Intake: 4-8 p.m.
Exit: 7:30 a.m.
W2

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Buncombe County residents can receive funding to make their homes more resilient through home projects that reduce the long-term risk and impacts of natural hazards, such as floods, wildfires, and storms.
Through the program, there are three home or property projects including elevation, home mitigation reconstruction, and acquisition. Aspects of this program include raising the elevation of the home, foundation and new construction, and/ or acquisition of the property.

In all 3 of these programs, there is no cost to the homeowner. Applications are open now and can be submitted online. Participation in the program is entirely voluntary and property owners may withdraw their applications anytime.

To apply online, complete the 5-minute Grant Information Request.

Buncombe County Planning and Development
Nate Pennington, Buncombe County Planning and Development Director, shared information about land use, flooding zones, flood insurance, and mitigation practices for homeowners after Helene.

Homeowners who have questions about their properties should contact Buncombe County Planning and Development.

Start with Planning – planners and floodplain managers are here to help.  Remember, no two properties or situations are created equally
The lobby is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
(828) 250-4830
helenefloodpermits@buncombecounty.org (flood specific) or planninginfo@buncombecounty.org (all other inquiries)

Pennington’s presentation and a one-sheet with information is attached.

Storm Damage Assessment
City of Asheville Staff began substantial damage assessment on Nov. 1 for structures in the floodplain following FEMA guidelines. This included 545 non-residential structures. City staff is working on calculating the cost of damage of structures in the floodplain, and the city will contact owners with results. More information on damage assessment and the appeal process will be on city’s website soon.

WastePro Schedule for week of 11/18:
Through Friday, WastePro will operate normal routes for household trash and recycling in accessible locations. WastePro will also be located at the following locations for residents they are not able to access from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Household bagged trash only.

Wednesday:  Hearts with Hands - 850 Warren Wilson Road
Thursday: Ingles Fairview - 225 Charlotte Highway
Friday: North Buncombe Pool - 734 Clarks Chapel Road in Weaverville

Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund
The Asheville-Buncombe Rebuilding Together Grant Fund is open to for-profit businesses in Buncombe County and the city of Asheville. Businesses are eligible to receive grants of up to $25,000 to support recovery expenses not covered by insurance or other funding sources.

Applications are open through Nov. 27 and can be found at mountainbizworks.org/abgrants. Applications are also available in Spanish.

Distribution Sites and Community Care Stations
Water distribution operations, laundry and showers will continue to be available at the Community Care Stations. The County is working on coordinating these resources for our community based on need and we will be sure to communicate about any changes to the sites.

Buncombe County Parks and Recreation and Lake Julian Festival of Lights
The main park at Lake Julian Park located at 406 Overlook Extension will be open to the public on Monday, December 2 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.  

The marina and disc golf course remain closed due to debris and unsafe trees. The lake will be open to kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and paddle boards; the boat ramp is not accessible at this time. 

The Festival of Lights will be open at Lake Julian Park from December 6 through December 23 each evening from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. for cars, vans, and buses. Thanks to Parks and Recreation staff, the safety officer, and the debris removal contractors for creating this opportunity for our community to come together for this flagship event.