NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Nashville viewer's email about a tree still sitting on her home months after the January ice storm raised a bigger question: Where can people turn if they're still recovering?
Diane reached out to me in July, saying she didn't have the means to remove a tree that fell on her home during the ice storm. She said her situation fell through the cracks and she never received the assistance others did in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Her situation recently began to change, but her story highlighted how many families may still be struggling.
From debris removal to hotel stays to lost wages during days without power, families across Nashville faced very different challenges.
Several options are still available to help lower recovery costs for those who missed early deadlines, didn't qualify, or weren't able to get help.
Metro Codes permit fee waivers
Metro Codes is waiving permit fees for rebuilding and electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work that is storm-related. That option is available until the end of August.
Property tax break for damaged properties
Homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed may qualify for a property tax break. Because of the severity of the storm, the Assessor of Property may be able to lower a tax bill if a property was unusable for more than 30 days before repairs or rebuilding were complete. The deadline to apply for that discount is September 1.
Debris removal assistance
Nashville Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has closed its needs tracker, but crews are still helping about 200 homeowners clear storm debris left behind.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at hannah.mcdonald@newschannel5.com.
Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!
- Carrie Sharp
