December 12, 2024

You’re receiving this email because we want to keep you informed about Asheville’s ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Our weekly newsletter provides updates on key recovery projects, events, and resources to help you stay connected with our community’s progress.

To continue receiving these updates, all you need to do is click below to subscribe. If you choose not to subscribe, this will be the last email you receive on this topic. Thank you for staying engaged in Asheville’s recovery journey.

Announcing the Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub, a central platform designed to connect residents to the Helene recovery journey.

Key features of the hub include:

• Progress Updates: Stay up to date on recovery efforts across all focus areas.

• Interactive Forum: Ask questions and get answers directly on each page.

• Custom Email Updates: Sign up to receive updates on the recovery topics that matter most to you.

The engagement hub covers recovery efforts in several key focus areas:

• Housing

• Storm Debris

• Economic Recovery

• Water System Recovery

• Infrastructure

• Natural & Cultural Resources

Visit the Asheville Recovers Engagement Hub to explore these features and stay connected throughout the recovery process. And consider bookmarking the site and sharing it with your networks. This can help others stay informed and engaged as we work together to rebuild and strengthen our community.

Storm Debris Update

To date, debris contractors have collected an impressive 175,685 cubic yards of storm debris. Recovery crews remain hard at work, locations of storm debris collections are posted daily on the storm debris management webpage.

Buncombe County property owners, including Asheville city residents, who are impacted by Hurricane Helene and do not have debris removal insurance, may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property at no cost through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures. To see if you are eligible for debris removal or demolition of unsafe structures on your property, visit one of the PPDR application centers across the county opening or apply online here. Residents can also call the One Buncombe hotline, 828-250-6100, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and select option “2.”

Expanded lead test kit distribution and pick-up

Starting Thursday, December 12, customers who have already requested a lead test kit can pick them up at four designated locations. This expanded system will help speed up the process, allowing completed test kits to reach the lab for analysis sooner.

Key Details:

• Who: This system is only for customers who have already requested a kit.

• How: An AVL Alert will be sent a day before your scheduled pick-up time with details on your designated location.

Pick-Up Locations:

• Asheville City Hall
  Address: 70 Court Plaza, First Floor, Customer Service
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
  Parking: Two spots are designated outside City Hall for test kit pick-up and drop-off.

• North Asheville Library
  Address: 1030 Merrimon Ave., Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• East Asheville Library
  Address: 3 Avon Rd., Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• West Asheville Library
  Address: 942 Haywood Rd., Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Additional Information:

• An AVL Alert will be sent to customers the day before their scheduled pickup time and designated location. The last day for pick-up for customers who requested a kit prior to December 11, will be December 19. The last day for drop off will be December 21. 

• Once tests are dropped off it will take 4-6 weeks to receive results. It’s important to note this test kit distribution is only for customers who requested a kit prior to December 11.

• If you haven’t requested a kit but would like to, you can do so by calling 828-259-5962 or emailing leadprevention@ashevillenc.gov.

• For more information on Water Recovery efforts please visit the City of Asheville’s Watehttps://www.ashevillenc.gov/helene/water-services-recovery/r Services Recovery page.

Holiday Skate Jam: A Festive Community Event

Get ready for a fun and festive evening at the Holiday Skate Jam, hosted by Asheville Parks & Recreation and the Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville!

When: Friday, December 13, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood Street (arena)

Join us for a night of holiday music, festive décor, and skating fun for all ages! Here’s what you need to know:

• Bring Your Own Skates: Inline and roller skates are welcome. A limited number of skates will be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Free Event: This event is free and open to everyone in the community.

• Free Parking: Complimentary parking is available at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center Garage.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the season with family, friends, and neighbors. We can’t wait to see you there!

Stay Informed

Watch: Asheville City Council Recovery Efforts Work Session - December 10, 2024