NMCA Newsletter (10/2016)

Phyllis Gilreath Beautification Committee, Local Business, Public Safety Committee, Social Committee, Social Events

 halloween

*The Board of Directors now meets the first Tuesdays of most months at 6:30 PM at the Bobby Pearse Community Center.  Members are welcome to attend. Please email northmaincomm@gmail.com in case there is a location change and to insure we are meeting that month.

fall-socialMark your calendars!  Sunday afternoon, October 23.  Join us for the NMCA Fall Member Social. This will be a private event from 3-6 pm at the Bohemian on the corner of Stone Ave and N. Main. Come on out and visit with friends and neighbors and enjoy great food and drink!   If you haven’t renewed, you need to do so now so you don’t miss the fun.  Hope to see you there! 

Greenville 2015-16 Fiscal Year-end Results

City Manager John Castile and OMB Director Kai Nelson presented the City of Greenville’s FY2015-2016 preliminary year-end results at a City Council work session. The presentation included the unaudited financial results for all City funds, compared with the projections forecasted in the budget. According to Castile, the City’s major operating and special revenue funds exceeded expectations and the City ended the fiscal year with a General Fund balance of $5.5 million over the 20% reserve requirement. “The financial strength of our city is a product of our continuing practice of fiscal conservatism, combined with keen policy leadership on the part of City Council,” said Castile. “In addition, it is also a good indicator of the sustained vibrancy of the city of Greenville tax base.”

“The City’s consistently strong reserve level enables us to plan for the unexpected, serves as a contingency for the catastrophic and allows us to meet our daily cash flow requirements since our primary revenues – property taxes and licenses and permits – are collected during limited times of the budget year,” said Nelson. “Having a healthy reserve also provides the City with the flexibility to continue moving forward on a number of major budget initiatives, including the relocation of Public Works.”

“Our city’s strong financial position is a direct result of smart decisions to invest in projects that not only make for great quality of life but also build our tax base,” said Mayor Knox White. “We are now in a position to continue to focus on ways to make our residential neighborhoods and our commercial districts even better – and that’s our goal.”

Development and Other City News

  •  The City of Greenville Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 4:00 PM in the 10th Floor Council Chambers at City Hall. One of the agenda items may be of interest to North Main residents.   SD 16-544. Application by Reid Hipp for A SUBDIVISION from 9 Lots into 8 Lots On Approximately 2.22 Acres Located at 22 W MOUNTAINVIEW AV and TOWNES ST EXT in The R-6, Single-Family Residential District (TM# 017800-05-03700, -04100, -04200, -04300, -04400, -04600, -04700, -04800, -04900)    Documents:     A. SD 16-544 9 LOT SUBDIVISION AT 22 W MOUNTAINVIEW AV.PDF
  • The former Travel Inn property on Wade Hampton…tentatively named Highview Townes is slated to become 61 town-homes on approximately 5 acres, in groupings of 4 to 6 units, all with two-car garages on the lowest level, developed by Coleman Shouse Development, and constructed by Ryan Homes. After approval by the Planning Commission in January, and a lengthy permitting process, site grading finally began this week, with all asphalt now cleared…the parking for viewing downtown fireworks has been hauled away!  Those with younger children might enjoy watching the construction equipment at work in the coming weeks.  For additional information visit http://sc-greenville.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/2497?fileID=6718
  • The NorthPointe project is on the City Council agenda today, Oct 10, for a first reading of New Business, still in the process of getting their funding lined up.  “ If approved, funds will be appropriated from the ED capital projects account (former TIF surplus funds) for public roadway and streetscape improvements ($600,000) and streetlights and pedestrian lights ($200,000). An additional not to exceed $2 million will be payable from the City’s portion of future ad valorem tax increment revenues attributable to the Project over a period not to exceed 15 years.”  We will keep you posted on what happens.
  • Mayor Knox White has proclaimed October as “Try Transit Month” in the city of Greenville and Greenlink has a full schedule of events designed to raise awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of public transit and to encourage residents to leave their vehicles at home and use Greenlink. The highlight of the month-long celebration is Greenlink’s popular Fare Free Friday event, sponsored by MetroPCS. This year’s event is scheduled for October 28 when passengers will enjoy free rides and transfers on all of Greenlink’s 11 fixed routes. Routes 1-14 operate from 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Route 16 operates from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Schedules and estimated time stops for all routes are available at ridegreenlink.com.
  • Some of you have or will be receiving a ballot sent out by the traffic engineers from the city.  A group of North Main citizens formed a committee and proposed where traffic calming could take place based on their traffic volume/speed measurements.  The streets are Bennett between Hillcrest and Gallivan, Gallivan between Mohawk and Bennett, Parkwood, Woodbine, and Mohawk between Gallivan and E Hillcrest. That’s the “Bennett street study area“.  Now the bumps will be on Bennett, Parkwood and Gallivan. Woodbine had too little traffic and Mohawk had too much traffic to get traffic calming measures. The ballot is being sent to the residents in the study area and there has to be a majority “yes” vote to get it approved.  The study group urges you to take a minute to look at the survey and complete and return it.

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2016 Presidential Election

Is anyone but me looking forward to this being over!!  Just a reminder that it is your civic responsibility and opportunity to participate in the democratic process by voting.  The Presidential Election is Tuesday, November 8.  The votedeadline to return absentee by mail application is November 4, but applications should be returned as early as possible.  The deadline to vote absentee in person is November 7.

You will be voting at your regular locations again by precinct.  For example, precinct 3 will vote at Summit, precinct 4 at Stone Academy, precinct 1 at League.  Don’t forget to bring proper identification.

 Crime and Suspicious Activity Notes

  • We have not heard of many recent crime outbreaks other than thefts of things like ladders and bicycles. Again, please keep such items out of site or locked up.  Too tempting for thieves.  In the case of the ladder, the owner suspected the construction crew next door, but has no proof. Anytime you have something stolen…please file a report.  The police will not know to increase patrols or keep closer eye on an area unless they know about it.
  • We sent an email out regarding the resident who came home one night to find an intruder in her house wearing boxer shorts. He appeared to be on drugs, as he talked to himself and waved his arms. She called 911. The officers arrived within minutes and were able to shout from the front door and convince the intruder to come out with his hands up.  He had gained access by breaking through a transom window next to the front door. The house alarm had not been activated that evening. We are relieved to know that he has been arrested and charged with 1st degree burglary.
  • There seems to be an increasing concern among residents regarding homeless people in and in close proximity to the North Main neighborhood. In fact, one resident was told by her neighbor that 3 homeless people were sleeping in the woods next to her home last week.  While this may be completely innocent, it is still worrisome to the homeowner. Also, there have been reports of inebriated individuals along Rutherford Rd, in and around businesses at night, and in local parks.  We have been in touch with the local police and Lt. Chi Blair has addressed the issue regarding the transient individuals in the neighborhood.  Enforcement is centered on no trespass agreements.  He asked us to please advise the community members of the following:
    • Call the Police Non-Emergency number 864-271-5333 to report any suspicious individual and/or activity
    • Community Officers will need to speak with the property owner to obtain a written agreement to enforce Trespass Authority
    • If an individual is renting or leasing a property, the officer can use that individual’s information for the Trespass Authority
    • Trespass Authority will only apply to the property listed on the report and separate properties require separate authorizations
    • They do provide a standard form letter that residents are welcome to use to grant Trespass Authority for their property
    • Each Trespass Authorization letter is issued its own Case Number that officers will use to enforce violations
    • It will be extremely helpful for residents to keep the Trespass Case Number handy should they require an officer to respond to their property
    • Officers will need to make contact with the suspicious individual to obtain their information to be placed on Trespass Notice
    • Once an individual has been placed on Trespass Notice they are barred from returning to the property
    • Should an individual placed on Trespass Notice return to the property, officers will have the authority to place the individual(s) in custody.

According to Officer Lentz, No Trespass signs need to be posted at all 4 corners of the property in highly visible locations if they are going to be able to enforce them.  According to state statute SECTION 16-11-600, “when any owner or tenant of any lands shall post a notice in four conspicuous places on the borders of such land prohibiting entry thereon, a proof of the posting shall be deemed and taken as notice conclusive against the person making entry, as aforesaid, for the purpose of trespassing.”

 

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Notes from Meeting with Greenville Police Chief Miller

Below is a summary of some of highlights of the meeting which covered a lot of information.  Chief Miller has been here a little over 2 years.  He discussed several current issues and outlined some of the department’s future plans.

Currently there are 5 neighborhood zones.  They are considering reducing this to 4 so they can better meet workload needs.  We are zone 5 and our contact is Lt. Chi Blair. He can be reached at cblair@greenvillesc.gov  or by calling 864-467-5760.  Another contact is Officer Michelle Lentz at mlentz@greenvillesc.gov .  She is part of the Community Response Team.

The department’s 5-year plan will focus on crime prevention, crime reduction and departmental reorganization.  He discussed the Strategic Prediction Analysis program…predicting days and times when an increase in crime can be expected based on past data.  They hope to have this plan in place by the first of the year.  Crime has a cyclical rhythm so the goal is to cut off the ‘peaks’.

From the 1970’s to the present, the increase in technology has reduced community contact with police.  They realize that public perception may not be reflected in data; thus, they will be trying to increase community involvement.

There are 4 patrol dogs in the K-9 unit, focusing on narcotics, defense, etc.  They have recently acquired a bomb detecting dog which also can detect a gun’s unique powder odor.  This dog will be used in large events of which there were over 500 last year.

Another plan is to have GPS ankle bracelets in combination with curfews, especially for repeat offenders.  The longer a criminal is in jail, the harder it is for them to get back into the workforce, etc.  There was an interesting discussion on the “bond scam” issue.  Sometimes bondsmen seem more in control than the police.  A criminal has a bond set…he doesn’t have the money…so he pays a bondsman on credit…he still doesn’t have the money to pay the credit off, so he robs again, and the cycle continues.

A question was asked about the demographics of the force versus the community.  In terms of women, Greenville has 14% compared to the national average of 11-12%.  It’s hard to attract women and even harder to attract African Americans.  One challenge is that minorities often don’t project themselves into the role model. It’s not that we need more minorities, we need the right person, regardless.  He admitted that sometimes there’s not a lot of trust with minority groups, partly due to events around the country which did not happen here.  Want to find out if problems are driven by the national climate or something else.

Someone can be hired without a college education but you have to be 21 to be a patrol officer.  They recruit heavily at colleges.  Salary is an issue.  They can’t compete with BMW, Michelin, etc.  Starting salary with a HS education is $31,907 – $38,000.  With BS this goes to $42,000.

Several audience members expressed concern about the homeless population in close proximity to the North Main neighborhood.  What ordinances come into play?  Panhandling is illegal in the city, so police should be called.  Would more cameras around the neighborhood help reduce crime?  Issues include police access to all videos, including schools, businesses, neighborhoods, etc.  Needs to be centralized in one place to increase response time.  Police are just now getting access to DOT cameras. Plus, they can’t put cameras on many power poles because they are not city owned.  The city is upgrading street vides downtown to grow the camera network and fixed tag readers.

What about body cams?  This has been slowed by the procurement process.  A vendor was selected in late July but with all the hurdles of purchasing in the government, it will be the end of January or early February before implementation.  All uniformed field officers will have them. The state is looking at implementing mobile texting app where one can sign up to provide tips, etc.  Hoping for an October-November roll-out.

What about police training to deal with mental health issues?  Of the 198 sworn officers, 137 have had 40 hours of NAMI training…among the highest percentage in the nation.

The GRAVITY program was discussed. This program is a multi-organizational approach to reach kids before they get involved in gangs.  This involves summer camp programs, working with families via advice from guidance counselors, etc.  Another program is “Cops on the Court”, a program for age 10–18-year old youth to come out and play basketball with officers.  Often get 35 to 60 kids.

Chief Miller closed by mentioning their fundraising organization, the Greenville Police Foundation.  It provides support for training and activities not covered by their budget which comes from general funding.  An example is the recent “crowd training” educational program attended by several local officers.

Local Halloween Events

As we do each year, we try to get a list of local Halloween events that welcome kids in the North Main area.  If you are having an event, or know of one, please email us at northmaincomm@gmail.com and let us know.  We’ll try to provide a more complete list of events closer to Halloween.  As of now, here are a few we are aware of between now and Halloween.  Some streets in the area (such as East Hillcrest) often have their own Halloween parade.

  • Northside United Methodist Church on Summit has its Pumpkin Patch open.
  • The annual Boo on Buist will be Saturday, Oct 29 from 2 – 5pm at the intersection of Buist and Robinson St. Live DJ.  Chili Cook-off. Lots of games and fun.  Bring snacks/drinks to share. Costume Parade at 2:30. Decorate your golf cart!  Fun for the whole family!
  • Boo in the Zoo – October 21-23, 28-30, 2016 at Greenville Zoo. Dress the kids up for an unforgettable visit to the zoo that includes trick-or-treating, friendly-spooky decorations, and a walk through an un-haunted house.
  • Enchanted Forest – October 27-38, 2016 at The Pavilion. Trick-or-Treat through an enchanted forest filled with storybook characters. This event also includes bounce houses, carnival games, and a costume contest with the price of admission. Each child also receives a bounce house pass for use on a later date with their admission (only $5 in advance or $7 at the door).
  • Earle Street Parade – With Halloween falling on a Monday this year, if anyone has a schedule for the parade, please let us know.  Thanks.

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in October is 73°F, and the average low is 50°F.  The average rainfall for the month is 3.44”. The maximum high was 97 on Oct 6th (1954) and 9th (1939). The maximum low temperature was 72 on Oct 4th (1941).  The minimum high temperature was 41 on Oct 26th, 1926.  The minimum low was 25 on Oct 29, 30 & 31 in 1976, 1910 and 1893, respectively.  Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24-hour period was 7.24” on Oct 16, 1932.  We actually had a trace of snow on Oct 20 (1923) and the 21 (1926). Obviously this was prior to global warming.  http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .

moonNov. 14th. November Full Beaver Moon. November’s first full Moon was called the Beaver Moon because it was the time to set traps, before the waters froze over. This Moon was also called the Full Frost Moon.  On that day at 6 p.m., the moon will be low in the sky, about 30 percent brighter than normal, and the moon will loom larger, thanks to the effects of the moon illusion. While the Moon will be 14% larger, this Supermoon will have a dramatic effect on the tides (Especially on Nov 15 as apparently tides require a day to maximally catch up with the Moon’s influence).  The moon will appear most impressive soon after rising, in the evening’s fading twilight. The Full Moon on November 14, 2016 will be an extraordinary sight! In fact, not only will it be a Supermoon (a.k.a., a “Perigee” Moon, when the Full Moon rises on the same day that the Moon orbits nearest Earth), but it will be nearer to Earth than it’s been since January 26, 1948!  and, for many people, November’s Full Moon will be the largest and brightest Full Moon of a lifetime.  http://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-november

      New Sign for North Main Community

You may recall that one of our projects has been a new sign for the entrance to the community as you turn off of Stone onto N. Main.  It is on the right just before the light at Earle rockStreet.  The project is underway, as you can see by the picture and in person if you drive by.  More details will be obvious in the weeks to come.  Stay tuned.

September Gardening

Hope you’re enjoying this cooler weather.  We’ve sure waited long enough.  Now if we can just get some rain.  Now is the time to start planting trees and shrubs.  If you found you put a shrub in the wrong spot, fall and winter are the best times to move it.  And don’t forget to adjust your irrigation system as the weather cools and plants are transpiring less and require less water.

pansiesOctober is a great time for planting pansies and purchasing spring bulbs to plant in late October or November.  Limit pruning of shrubs to sniping stray branches and removing dead or damaged stems.  As dry as it’s been, be sure your plants don’t get stressed, especially shallow rooted plants like camellias and azaleas that are getting ready for winter and spring bloom, and everything in containers.  In our area the risk of frost is from October 28 through April 12 with the average date being October 30.     

You’ve probably seen more yellow jackets around lately. Yellow jackets are beneficial around home gardens because they feed on caterpillars and harmful flies. But when the populations peak in late summeryellow-jacket and early fall, the yellow jackets’ feeding habits become a problem. At this time of year, they have a healthy appetite for many of the same foods and drinks we eat. Yellow jacket stings can result in a life threatening situation if the person is allergic to the venom.  They often have colonies in the ground or hollow tree cavities so be careful when working in the yard this time of year.

When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage?

fall-colorsIt appears Fall colors are lagging behind just a bit from prior years.  This is due to a combination of the drought conditions and warmer temperatures we’ve had.   However, forecasters are not seeing a big enough difference to justify changing their Forecast date ranges.  You can also use the Fall Colors Tracker to help estimate timing.According to the Blue Ridge Mountain Foliage Guide for 2016, this means “September 28th – October 5th: Peak time for areas above 5,000 feet.  This would include: Clingmans Dome, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell and Graveyard fields (the first location on the Parkway to turn) and higher elevations of The Blue Ridge Parkway.  October 5 – 16: Peak time for areas above 4,000 feet.  This would include: Devil’s Courthouse, Waterrock Knob.  This is peak time for the majority of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fall Colors as well.  This is a great time to visit places like:  Porters Creek Trail, Alum Cave Trail, Deepcreek, Big Creek, Cataloochee Valley, Hen Wallow Falls and Flat Creek Trail.  Many of our Top 10 Family Friendly hiking trails are included in this elevation as well, along with our favorite trails in the Smokies.  Included in this elevation are the Boone and Blowing Rock areas.”  Check out their website for more information and good locations for later in the season.

For Our Furry Friends

hsAs you can see from the photo, the Humane Society has broken ground on their new medical building as part of their expansion. Soon, they will have even more space to fill up the shelter with animals in need.  The past week they have been pulling as many animals as they could from coastal shelters to get them out of harm’s way and to make space for the countless animals who will need a place to stay.

NOTE:  They are currently in need of gently used bath towels.  You can drop them off at the shelter. You can also check out their wish list of urgent and general needs.

jogGreenville County Animal Care Services has also been running an extended schedule in order to serve the needs of evacuees who need assistance with their pets.  When it comes to animals, we live in a great community!

Need a jogging partner?  “Jog with a Dog” offers the opportunity to run with one of their adoptable dogs for the day.  Must complete volunteer registration and training to participate.

                     North Main Community Yard Sale

This fall’s yard sale will be held Saturday, October 29, from 8am – 1pm in the back parking lot of the Northgate Soda Shop.  Bring your “stuff”, sell it and keep the money.  As usual, no charge for yard-salespace. Please bring whatever you will need ….  table, chair, change, etc.  What you do not want to take back home, we will collect and donate to charity.  Please set up around the perimeter and leave the center for the customers.

                                                                   

 Buy Local

grow your communityKeep your dollars in your community. The following companies are committed to preserving the beauty and economic well-being of the North Main Community and the greater Greenville area.  Please thank them and give them your business when you can. Hover your mouse over each company name to read a brief description or click to go to their website:


Gardening and Plants

 Law Firms/CPAs/Financial

Insurance

Retail/Home Décor

Realtors

Food/Drink/Catering

Personal Health/Well Being

 Home Improvement/Builders/Architects

Miscellaneous Professional Services

 

If you would like to see your company listed here, please join the NMCA today!  Businesses do not have to be located in the North Main Neighborhood to be members.  They only need to provide services to North Main residents.

 

Calendar

 

City Council Formal Meeting and Work Session schedules can be found at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/city_government/meet.aspcalendar

  • The Hughes Main Library has numerous programs for adults and children. Check out their October calendar.
  • The Children’s Museum has summer camps and other great programs for kids. Check them out on their website.
  • Check out the current exhibits and other programs at the Upstate History Museum.
  • Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities. Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.
  • And check out Kidding around Greenville, a great site for fun things to do in Greenville.

 

Every Tuesday – Line Dancing at the Sears Shelter at McPhearson Park from 6 – 8pm.  Swing Dance – McPherson Log Cabin each Tuesday evening. Lessons begin at 7pm. $4 for City residents! No partner or dance knowledge required. Two left feet are fine. Bring your friends and have some fun.

October– There’s always lots going on at the Community Tap.  Check out their calendar.

October– Check out the classes and events at the Swamp Rabbit Café

Now – Fall Yoga Session at Bobby Pearse Center.  Monday evenings from 6:30 – 7:15. Bobby Pearse Community Center on Townes St. (North Main Rotary Park).  Only $6 per class (Greenville City Residents $5).  You can register for the entire session or just come as you can to single sessions and see what it’s all about.  It can’t hurt to try.  Come start the week out feeling great!  Bring your own mat if you have one.

Oct 14-16 – Belk Fall for Greenville.  5-11pm.  Main Street. Three-day food festival. Fall for Greenville relies on the support of over 1,800 dedicated community volunteers during the course of the three-day event.  Check out the food line-up at http://lineup.fallforgreenville.net/?sort=food

Oct 22 – GCGC Fall Plant Sale – “Cornucopia:  Gifts, Plants and Inspiration from the Garden,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lots of plants, creative vendors, a silent auction and a raffle, & fine gift opportunities.  In addition, there will be dancing on the front lawn at 11:00 a.m. by Beth Disharoon Wright and others in the style of Isadora Duncan.   Come and enjoy artistic surprises as well as our wonderful array of plants raised by our members.  This is their annual Fall fundraiser to support the Kilgore-Lewis House, lovely grounds, and the educational programs of the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs.

Oct 22 – County-wide “Litter Pick Up Day” Email ddamato@greenvillecounty.org to volunteer.

Oct 22 – Euro Auto Festival – Embassy Suites Greenville Gold Resort & Conference Center, Largest European-only automotive festival in the USA.  Admission: $15.

Oct 23 – NMCA Fall Social. Mark your calendars now and don’t miss it.  Help us welcome in fall and visit with your friends and neighbors.  See first page for more info.

Oct 21-23, 28-30 – Boo in the Zoo at Greenville Zoo. Dress the kids up for an unforgettable visit to the zoo that includes trick-or-treating, friendly-spooky decorations, and a walk through an un-haunted house.

Oct 27-28 –  Enchanted Forest at The Pavilion. Trick-or-Treat through an enchanted forest filled with storybook characters. This event also includes bounce houses, carnival games, and a costume contest with the price of admission. Each child also receives a bounce house pass for use on a later date with their admission (only $5 in advance or $7 at the door).

Oct 28 – Greenville Health System Family YMCA Harvest Festival.  Sponsored by Greer Pediatric Dentistry.  6-8:30pm at YMCA Program Center – GHS. Activities include games and prizes from Dave & Busters, haunted trail carnival games, inflatables & obstacle course, hay ride, food/snacks, heritage craft project (from Hollingsworth), campfire marshmallows, face painting and more!  Costumes welcome.

Oct 28 – Frank-Ein-Stein Gala.  6:30-11pm at Embassy Suites at Verdae. A Spooktacular Gala, Golf, and Spa Event benefitting Einstein Academy, a non-profit school serving grades 4-8 for students with Autism, ADD/ADHD and Learning Difficulties.

Oct 30 – Halloween Bat Count. 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.  Sunrift Adventures, 1 Center Street, Travelers Rest.  Sunrift and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources invite you to the 1st annual Halloween Bat Count! batsTheir bat colony has grown a bit. Mary Bunch and Jennifer Kindel with SCDNR are coming out to educate about bats, boxes, and to count our bats. Sunrift bat houses foster many beneficial insect-eating bats that emerge in an impressive display at sunset. Please join us in observing and counting these mysterious creatures, and learn why a world without bats would be scary indeed! Cost is FREE.

Nov 6 – Daylight Saving Time Ends

Nov 12 – Greenville County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. 9:00am – 2:00pm.  VLS Recovery.  306 S. Main St., Mauldin.  Want to find out about hard-to-recycle items?  Just visit the county’s websitse.

 

The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.

NMCA Newsletter (10/2016)
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