In the immediate aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene’s destruction last year, business owners’ optimism about rebuilding ran high in Asheville, even in the face of the enormity of the task ahead.
But 11 months later, that optimism has evolved into tempered determination for many, and a realization that rebuilding will encompass years, not months.
Throughout the city, which sustained particularly heavy damage in the River Arts District and Biltmore Village, adjacent to the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers respectively, it’s a similar story: Rebuilding is going slower than expected…