Buncombe eyes millions in Helene recovery funds for damaged business corridors

Commissioners to hold first public hearing on proposed Swannanoa sidewalk, cleanup and revitalization projects

Map of a town showing a proposed sidewalk route in purple (priority) along a highway, with an existing sidewalk in maroon and blue water features nearby.

Asheville's 828 News NOWBuncombe CountySidewalks along Highway 70 in Swannanoa could see major upgrades under a proposed revitalization plan aimed at improving pedestrian access and safety.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is set to take up the first public hearing Tuesday on a proposed federal disaster recovery grant application aimed at helping rebuild and revitalize commercial areas damaged by Tropical Storm Helene.

County leaders are considering projects that could compete for a share of $40 million available statewide in the first round of the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery Commercial District Revitalization program. The overall program includes $111 million in available funding, with local governments and nonprofits eligible to apply for grants up to $10 million.

The program is designed to support physical recovery projects in commercial districts hit hard by Helene, including repairs, mitigation work and infrastructure improvements. Buncombe County officials say the focus is on restoring damaged business corridors while improving resiliency against future flooding and storms.

Among the projects under consideration is a plan to improve pedestrian access along the Swannanoa commercial corridor through a partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The proposal would add sidewalks along U.S. 70 between Warren Wilson Road and Whitson Avenue, an area county officials say still faces challenges tied to storm recovery and accessibility.

County staff also are exploring ways to reuse properties acquired through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Potential uses include greenways, passive recreation areas, flood storage and agricultural activities that comply with federal mitigation guidelines.

Another possible project would target storm-damaged commercial properties in unincorporated areas through remediation work, debris removal and code enforcement efforts aimed at addressing blight and lingering damage from Helene.

Officials say all proposed projects must demonstrate a direct connection to storm impacts, meet federal housing and urban development requirements and primarily benefit low- to moderate-income areas.

Tuesday’s hearing is the first of two required public hearings tied to the application process. A public comment period opened May 8 and runs through June 5. County officials say they extended the comment window beyond the required 10 days because of the widespread impacts from Helene.

A second public hearing is tentatively scheduled for July 21 ahead of the Aug. 4 application deadline.

Residents can submit comments by mail to the Buncombe County Helene Recovery Office at 200 College St. in Asheville, by email to HeleneRecovery@BuncombeNC.gov or by calling 828-250-6100. Officials ask residents to include “Commercial District Revitalization Comment” with submissions.