SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After months of uncertainty, Ingles Markets has officially taken a meeting with county planners about reopening a grocery store in Swannanoa, N.C., according to Jennifer Horton, a District 1 county commissioner in Buncombe County.

Following the extensive damage in Swannanoa caused by Hurricane Helene, Ingles closed its store at 2299 US-70.

“Ingles: Communicate with Swannanoa!”

As the only native grocery store to Swannanoa, however, the extended wait for the store to reopen, combined with a lack of clear communication from the grocery chain, caused frustration, anxiety and concerns about a food desert forming in the town among its residents.

A change.org petition called “Ingles: Communicate with Swannanoa!” has garnered over 1,000 signatures, with commenters citing the lack of walkable grocery options for many in Swannanoa without reliable transportation.

While Ingles has not responded to the petition or requests for comment from 828newsNOW, an update about the vacant grocery has come through the Buncombe County Planning and Development Department.

New Ingles, old space

“The Planning Department met with representatives from Ingles and they are proposing a new store to be built next to their old store in Swannanoa,” Horton said. “Utilizing the space that’s currently occupied by the post office and hardware store, the new store will include space for additional tenants. The old store will be converted into space for three additional tenants.”

The United States Post Office that will become part of the new Ingles store in Swannanoa.

The timeline for the project, including when construction will begin, is not yet known.

“The timeline for this project will be up to the business owner and its construction engineering firm,” Horton said. “No word on when it’ll exactly be open, but this is a big deal. They’re talking.”

The promise of renewal

Horton also issued a broader statement about the return of Ingles to the Swannanoa community:

“As a lifelong Buncombe County resident and proud Swannanoa native, I know just how much Ingles has meant to this community. It’s been more than a grocery store. It’s been a constant in our daily life, a place where neighbors connect and a cornerstone for our local economy. I want to sincerely thank Ingles for their decision to reinvest in Swannanoa, rebuilding on the same site that has served our valley for generations. Their commitment to staying rooted here speaks volumes. This project brings the promise of renewed spaces, continued jobs and future opportunities, all while honoring the past that shaped us.”

Until Ingles reopens, Swannanoa residents in need of groceries can receive assistance from Appalachian Community Relief, a free, community-operated grocery store based in Black Mountain.

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