Okay, I’ve read the article about Biltmore Village’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Hear’s a compelling, human-written news article based on the provided text, designed to rank well, attract readers, and keep them engaged:
Headline: Biltmore Village Rises Again: Businesses Rebuild After Hurricane Helene, Balancing History with Future Risks
Subheadline: A beloved Asheville district faces tough choices as it recovers from devastating floods, with some businesses lost but a resilient spirit determined to rebuild.
Article:
Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village is a testament to resilience,slowly but surely piecing itself back together after the widespread damage caused by hurricane Helene. While the scars of the storm are still visible, a spirit of determination permeates the community as businesses begin to reopen and rebuild, balancing the area’s rich history with the ever-present threat of future flooding.
The recent reopening of JW Bell marked a significant milestone, the first retailer in Biltmore Village to welcome back customers since the hurricane struck. this symbolic event signals the beginning of a new chapter for the district, with more reopenings planned in the coming weeks and months.However, the road to recovery is far from over. Benjamin Mitchell, Vice President of Administration for the Biltmore Property Group and Chairman of the Historic Biltmore village Association, paints a realistic picture of the challenges ahead.”We expect that anywhere from 20 to 30% of the businesses in the Village will not return,” Mitchell stated in a recent interview. the restaurant industry, already a challenging sector, has been notably hard hit.
Despite these losses, hope remains.The Corner Kitchen,a popular local eatery,is making significant progress and aims to reopen between Memorial Day and July 4th,a beacon of hope for the community.One of the biggest questions facing Biltmore Village is how to rebuild in an area prone to flooding. Mitchell acknowledges the inherent risks but emphasizes the calculated decisions being made by business owners. “These folks with open eyes are willing to take risks, have the appetite for that risk and they will reap the rewards of taking it — or the consequences. So, our biggest concern is that we don’t allow for bureaucracy and red tape to get in our way. … I think that we’re making well-educated and calculated business decisions.”
Kara Irani, Director of Public Relations for the Biltmore Property Group, highlights the importance of preserving the historic character of the Village during the rebuilding process. “One of the other pieces that is really significant for all of the autonomous businesses that are here in Biltmore Village is preserving the historic nature of the area and ensuring that there is ongoing support and development around that that is very thoughtful towards preserving it for future generations as well.” She points to the sturdy construction of the original buildings, many of which withstood being submerged in up to 20 feet of water.
The recovery effort is a collaborative one, relying on a strong public-private partnership to ensure the long-term sustainability of Biltmore Village. Mitchell emphasizes the importance of continued support from elected officials, particularly regarding Senate Bill 266, currently under consideration in Raleigh.This bill would provide exceptions to building codes for historically significant areas, allowing businesses to rebuild more easily.
“we’ve had a great working relationship with our city leaders, with our city staff, and I don’t want to misconstrue that whatsoever,” Mitchell said.”they’ve been attending our meetings; they’ve been helping us in the ways that they can, and we’re grateful for that partnership.And we’re hopeful that that will continue.”
Despite the challenges, the message from Biltmore village is clear: they are open for business and eager to welcome visitors. “We encourage your listeners to come and visit us,” Mitchell urges. “We’re going to be a work in progress. And there’s a lot to see that is positive. And we’re not particularly interested in rehashing what happened in September. This is a historic event. There will be another flood. We know that. But we just hope that they’re not as profound as this one.”
biltmore Village stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, a community determined to rebuild its future while honoring its past. A visit to the Village is not just a chance to support local businesses, but also an opportunity to witness the enduring spirit of Asheville.
key elements used to make this article compelling and human-written:
Storytelling Approach: The article frames the recovery as a story of resilience and determination, drawing the reader in emotionally.
Human Quotes: Direct quotes from key figures (Mitchell and Irani) add authenticity and credibility. Balanced outlook: The article acknowledges both the challenges and the opportunities facing Biltmore Village.
Call to Action: The article encourages readers to visit and support the businesses in Biltmore Village.
Focus on the Future: While acknowledging the past, the article emphasizes the ongoing recovery and the community’s vision for the future.
keywords: The article incorporates relevant keywords (Biltmore Village, Hurricane Helene, Asheville, recovery, rebuilding, historic district) to improve search engine ranking.
Natural Language: The writing style is conversational and avoids overly technical or formal language.
Empathy: The article conveys empathy for the businesses and residents affected by the hurricane.
This article aims to be informative, engaging, and ultimately, a positive reflection of the Biltmore Village community’s spirit.
Biltmore Village’s Flood Risk: Expert Weighs In on Rebuilding After Hurricane Helene
Time.news: Biltmore Village in Asheville is bouncing back after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.From our reporting we learned that Rebuilding isn’t just about replacing what was lost; it’s about making smart choices for the future, given the history of flooding in the area.Joining us today is Dr. Amelia Stone, a leading expert in urban resilience and disaster recovery, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Biltmore Village. Dr. stone, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Stone: It’s my pleasure.
Time.news: The article highlights the reopening of JW Bell as a pivotal moment, but also acknowledges the important number of businesses that may not return. What dose this tell us about the long-term economic impact of Hurricane Helene on Biltmore Village?
Dr. Stone: The reopening of JW Bell is indeed a symbolic victory,showcasing the community’s willingness to persevere. However, the potential loss of 20-30% of businesses is a stark reminder of the economic realities of disaster recovery.Flooding causes not just physical damage, but also lasting financial strain.Businesses face costs from repairing properties, replacing inventory, and dealing with disruptions. For some, notably those in the already-challenging restaurant industry, the hurdles may simply be too high. Long term strategies need to be put in place for thes businesses to survive.
Time.news: Benjamin Mitchell from the Biltmore Property Group mentions the calculated risks businesses are taking. What are some of the best practices for business owners in flood-prone areas when making these rebuild or relocation decisions?
Dr. Stone: “Calculated risk” is the key phrase here. Businesses staying in Biltmore Village need detailed risk assessments, factoring in flood frequency, depth, and velocity. Property owners should definitely evaluate flood insurance options, which goes beyond standard coverage, for flood insurance, with maximum coverage amounts.
Practically, businesses should implement flood-proofing measures. This can range from elevating critical equipment and utilities to using water-resistant building materials. Developing a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan is essential, covering evacuation procedures, data backup, and communication strategies, is incredibly crucial.
Time.news: Kara Irani emphasizes the importance of preserving Biltmore Village’s historic character. How can the community balance this preservation goal with the need for flood mitigation measures, which might involve altering existing structures?
Dr. Stone: This is a critical balancing act. Luckily, flood mitigation and historic preservation don’t have to be mutually exclusive. adaptive reuse strategies, such as raising buildings on piers while preserving the facade, are becoming increasingly common. Local building codes should incentivize preservation-compatible flood mitigation techniques.
Communities should engage in public dialogue to determine acceptable levels of risk and preservation. In Biltmore Village, it will be vital to integrate preservation priorities into the city’s broader Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Time.news: The article mentions Senate Bill 266, which would provide exceptions to building codes for historically significant areas. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of such legislation?
Dr.Stone: Such legislation can accelerate recovery by streamlining the permitting process for rebuilding historic structures. It can also encourage owners to invest in preservation by lowering the regulatory burden. Though, there’s a risk that exceptions could compromise safety or undermine flood-resistant building standards.
Lawmakers should balance preservation with public safety. The law should grant flexibility while requiring that rebuilding projects meet a minimum safety standard. To make sure that the best outcome is put in place, any alterations should be subject to oversight.
Time.news: The article highlights the need for continued support from elected officials. What specific types of partnerships or funding mechanisms are most effective in supporting long-term disaster recovery in a historic district like biltmore Village?
Dr. Stone: Public-private partnerships are crucial. Government can provide grants, low-interest loans, and technical assistance. A good idea would be to establish a revolving loan fund specifically for historic preservation projects.
Government should also invest in infrastructure improvements, like upgrading drainage systems and restoring natural floodplains. Federal programs like FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program can provide critical funding for community-wide resilience projects.
Time.news: the article ends with a call for people to visit Biltmore Village and support the local businesses. What’s your advice to potential visitors who might be concerned about the ongoing recovery?
Dr. Stone: When Tourists visit biltmore village,they aren’t just buying goods; they’re investing in the community’s ongoing recovery. Before visiting, check which businesses have reopened and respect any ongoing construction. Be mindful of traffic and parking in the area.
Seeing a thriving Biltmore Village, despite the challenges, is an inspiration. By showing their support, visitors contribute to the community’s economic vitality and send a powerful message of resilience that will help.
Time.news: Dr. Stone, thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Dr. Stone: Thank you for having me.
