Hendersonville and Black Mountain: Community Faces Recovery After Tropical Storm Helene
As we settle into the months of cooler weather, Hendersonville and Black Mountain have suddenly found themselves confronted with challenging recovery efforts following the unexpected devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene on September 27. Storm damage has thrown the local governments into a whirlwind of unexpected priorities that hardly appeared on the radar as they geared up for the elections earlier in the year.
Election Results and New Challenges
The candidates in both towns initially focused their campaigns on familiar concerns such as growth, affordable housing, taxes, and public safety. However, the storm’s aftermath has reshaped their agendas significantly. With incumbents like Lyndsey Simpson and Jennifer Hensley being reelected in Hendersonville, and Doug Hay, Pam King, and Archie Pertiller Jr. continuing their roles in Black Mountain, the elected officials now find themselves facing a financial hit that could reach a staggering $5 million in Hendersonville alone.
Understanding the Damage
Simpson notes, “Tropical Storm Helene was nothing any of us could have prepared for, and it caused significant damage throughout our area.” This damage includes disrupted infrastructure and displaced residents, leading to an urgent need for recovery. In Black Mountain, the town has identified nearly $900,000 just for essential repairs to their watershed.
Moreover, the storm left many residents scrambling for safe housing, particularly those in affected areas like Clear Creek Road and Dana Road. Gina Baxter, a new council member, emphasizes that “getting folks back into safe housing is a priority” as the city grapples with long-term repercussions.
The Burden of Cleanup
Cleanup efforts have also been overwhelming. Hendersonville alone has cleared more than 1,253 truckloads of debris as opposed to just 52 truckloads this time last year. It’s not just about the immediate need to clean up; there’s a pressing financial aspect to this. Both cities face cash-flow issues while waiting for insurance payouts, which means that other important projects might hit pause. For example, renovations at Cragmont Park in Black Mountain have been delayed to focus on storm recovery.
The Community Spirit and Local Businesses
Even as recovery takes priority, local officials are keenly aware of the strain on businesses. Simpson pointed out the need to support small businesses that have suffered due to the drop in tourism and sales from the storm’s aftermath. Hensley echoed this concern, adding that many businesses are still reeling from COVID-19 and are now facing new hardships. “We need to be there and show up for them,” she asserted.
Planning for the Future
The experience of dealing with this natural disaster has taught the councils in both towns valuable lessons about the importance of infrastructure and strategic planning. For Hendersonville, ensuring that water systems are resilient has been critical—thanks to past planning, they restored complete water services within two weeks of the storm. Black Mountain’s council members, meanwhile, aim to prioritize listening to their community and addressing their needs as they rebuild.
Looking Ahead
While recovery efforts will remain at the forefront of local government actions, both towns plan to continue tackling the housing crisis, which has worsened since Helene. The towns are also focusing on community amenities, transportation enhancements, and public safety initiatives as part of their long-term strategies.
In conclusion, as Hendersonville and Black Mountain work through this unexpected storm recovery phase, their community spirit is shining brighter than ever. Local leaders are eager to rebuild stronger and bring their residents back to safety, all while keeping an eye on the sustainability and economic health of their cherished towns.
