Biltmore Village Recovery in Full Swing After Helene’s Muddy DestructionCorner Kitchen, a beloved local restaurant, was one of the hardest-hit businesses. Co-owner Kevin Westmoreland described the overwhelming mud problem they’ve had to tackle just to access the building.
"It was about six to eight inches of really heavy, toxic mud covering the sidewalks and steps," said Westmoreland. "We’ve dealt with floods before, but this time, it was much worse. The mud was denser and weighed a lot more than what we’ve seen before."Devastation Leads to Total Rebuild
Westmoreland shared that the damage forced them to strip their building completely. Everything on the first floor was destroyed by the floodwaters and had to be removed.“All the walls, ceilings, and floors had to come out. Once that’s done, we have to treat the building for mold and mildew and let it sit for at least a week before we can start rebuilding,” he explained.Despite the overwhelming task, Westmoreland is optimistic. Their aim is to rebuild the Corner Kitchen so it will feel like home to the community again.Precautions for Safety
Westmoreland noted that their cleanup team is following strict safety protocols to avoid exposure to hazardous materials.“We wear long sleeves, N95 masks, and gloves. We even layer rubber gloves under regular gloves to prevent any liquid from touching the skin,” he said.Air quality has also been a concern in Biltmore Village since the storm. A week ago, Westmoreland said it was difficult to breathe due to the dust and lingering odor. Thankfully, conditions are improving. “The air and the smell are getting better, and now all you really notice is the dirt,” he added.
Buncombe County spokesperson Lillian Govus emphasized that residents should take similar precautions when cleaning out their homes. "We recommend people wear gloves, goggles, and respirators, such as N95 masks, to protect themselves from harmful substances in the mud," said Govus.Cleaning Up and Looking Ahead
The Corner Kitchen crew is now focusing on pressure-washing patios and porches, working hard to clear the remaining mud.“We’re trying to get as much of the mud off as possible—at least in the area around our square,” said Westmoreland.While there’s still a lot of work to be done, the local business community is determined to come back stronger. Westmoreland emphasized their commitment to restoring the Corner Kitchen to the cherished place it has always been.Biltmore Estate Joins Recovery Efforts
Meanwhile, nearby Biltmore Estate, which also faced closures due to the storm, plans to reopen on November 2. They announced a $2 million contribution toward local recovery efforts, demonstrating their support for the wider community. Despite the challenges, Westmoreland and other business owners are focused on restoring Biltmore Village and providing a sense of normalcy for residents and visitors alike.
"It was about six to eight inches of really heavy, toxic mud covering the sidewalks and steps," said Westmoreland. "We’ve dealt with floods before, but this time, it was much worse. The mud was denser and weighed a lot more than what we’ve seen before."Devastation Leads to Total RebuildWestmoreland shared that the damage forced them to strip their building completely. Everything on the first floor was destroyed by the floodwaters and had to be removed.“All the walls, ceilings, and floors had to come out. Once that’s done, we have to treat the building for mold and mildew and let it sit for at least a week before we can start rebuilding,” he explained.Despite the overwhelming task, Westmoreland is optimistic. Their aim is to rebuild the Corner Kitchen so it will feel like home to the community again.Precautions for Safety
Westmoreland noted that their cleanup team is following strict safety protocols to avoid exposure to hazardous materials.“We wear long sleeves, N95 masks, and gloves. We even layer rubber gloves under regular gloves to prevent any liquid from touching the skin,” he said.Air quality has also been a concern in Biltmore Village since the storm. A week ago, Westmoreland said it was difficult to breathe due to the dust and lingering odor. Thankfully, conditions are improving. “The air and the smell are getting better, and now all you really notice is the dirt,” he added.
Buncombe County spokesperson Lillian Govus emphasized that residents should take similar precautions when cleaning out their homes. "We recommend people wear gloves, goggles, and respirators, such as N95 masks, to protect themselves from harmful substances in the mud," said Govus.Cleaning Up and Looking AheadThe Corner Kitchen crew is now focusing on pressure-washing patios and porches, working hard to clear the remaining mud.“We’re trying to get as much of the mud off as possible—at least in the area around our square,” said Westmoreland.While there’s still a lot of work to be done, the local business community is determined to come back stronger. Westmoreland emphasized their commitment to restoring the Corner Kitchen to the cherished place it has always been.Biltmore Estate Joins Recovery Efforts
Meanwhile, nearby Biltmore Estate, which also faced closures due to the storm, plans to reopen on November 2. They announced a $2 million contribution toward local recovery efforts, demonstrating their support for the wider community. Despite the challenges, Westmoreland and other business owners are focused on restoring Biltmore Village and providing a sense of normalcy for residents and visitors alike.
