2025 Year in Review

​

Happy New Year from Chimney Rock Village. The past year has been maybe the craziest year that we can remember.  A year of challenges but also a year that showed the Village’s powers of resiliency and resolve.  An unprecedented event was met with an unprecedented response of strength and unity.   As the year draws to a close, we invite you to join us in looking back at everything we’ve accomplished together.

​

January:

• The Chimney Rock TASK Force, led by Don Cason, met regularly to develop a rebuilding plan, which was approved by the Planning Board and adopted by the Village Council in August. They are now implementing and refining the “Raisetherock.com” initiative.

• Water and access were restored to Southside Drive.

 

February:

• The Amish Community of Lancaster, PA started rebuilding the Village with Spokes of Hope via their “Great Needs Trust” outreach. They still assist today and have expanded into Bat Cave and other areas.

• The Village began receiving FEMA reimbursement checks for debris removal.

 

March

• The Chimney Rock Village Council is once again meeting at the Volunteer Fire Department. We thank Chimney Rock Baptist Church and Pastor Alex Heafner for hosting our meetings during the interim.

• The NC DOT highway re-opened westward to local traffic in the spring.

 

April

• The Village finished distributing about $475,000 in donations to roughly 75 property owners, residents, and business owners for storm-related expenses.

​​

May, June, July, and August

• Chimney Rock State Park reopened on June 25, marking a significant step in the area’s recovery. We appreciate our State Parks' efforts to make this possible.

• Short term rentals, with correct permits, in the Village were allowed to resume operating in late June.

• Sewer and water to the downtown area was reconnected and began operating on July 25 which allowed downtown businesses to reopen.  Currently approximately 19 businesses have reopened.

• Three businesses which were destroyed by the flood are back open. Village Scoop and Coffee On the Rocks reopened in temporary locations within the Village limits and Hickory Nut has a roadside shop in their original location until they can build back.

• The Village received a $5.5 million grant from the NC Commerce Department to upgrade downtown sidewalk infrastructure, thanks to the CRV TASK Force's Raise the Rock plan.

​​

September:

• On September 27, we honored Spokes of Hope and presented a key to the Village to their leader, Shane Zoccole. Their generosity and hard work made a huge difference in our recovery. We're deeply grateful to Spokes of Hope, City Serve, and the Amish Great Needs Trust for helping rebuild our community. Thank you!

 

October, November, and December

• The Village secured nearly $700,000 in grants from the Community Foundation of Western NC and Dogwood Health Trust to fund planning and engineering for the Raise the Rock plan over the next two years.

• Mountain True launched a 16-month river cleanup plan, including the Rocky Broad River, with three cleanups completed and monthly events scheduled through spring.

• In December, the Village resumed using parking gates at the Main Central lot, helping restore an important source of revenue.

• Whistle Hop Brewery of Fairview has bought Bayou Billy’s property near Chimney Rock Park historic gate and plans to open a tap room by summer 2026. This is the first new business announced in the Village since the flood, spurred by the Raise the Rock plan. Other businesses are considering relocating to the area, suggesting recovery and growth.

 

As the year ends, we extend heartfelt thanks to everyone—volunteers, officials, organizations, and individuals—who supported our recovery. Your dedication has made a lasting impact on our Village and its legacy. Whether mentioned by name or not, please know your help is valued and remembered. Thank you for your contributions - The 3500 plus volunteers, the 101st Airborne, Steve and Laura Duncan, Buck and Barbara Meliski, J. Meliski, the Chimney Rock Village Council, Precision Grading, NC State Parks, Chimney Rock Economic Development and Investment Team (CREDIT), FEMA, SBA, Governor Stein, Congressman Moore, Representatives Jake Johnson and Chuck Edwards, Senator Tim Moffit, Rutherford County and Manager Steve Garrison, Foothills Regional Commission, CR Fire Chief Chris Melton and the CR Volunteer Fire Department, and Chimney Rock TASK Force Members.

​

This year has truly been a journey filled with significant challenges and remarkable progress. Together, we have accomplished so much, yet we recognize there is still important work ahead. The positive momentum in the Village is undeniable, and I am optimistic as we look forward to 2026. I am eager to see what the new year holds for us and the continued growth of our community. Please stay connected for more updates—there are great things on the horizon.