City Council Update

Baby Yoda, Santa Claus, Dino Ranch Rancher, and Mom and Dad all had a great time at Boo in the Zoo. This event was a huge success with over 25,000 visitors!

Stone Ave Safety Study Moving Ahead

With 27,000 cars and trucks running on Stone Avenue every day through multiple residential neighborhoods that include parks, schools and plenty of children walking, real reform must be the goal for Stone Avenue.

That is why I lobbied and championed for a $250K Stone Avenue safety study to see how the City can make this road safer for people and vehicles.

Bids are now being accepted from traffic engineering companies to look at pedestrian and safety improvements on Stone Avenue from I-385 to Rutherford Street, which will include:

• A HAWK crosswalk at Wilton to more safely connect neighborhoods South of Stone Avenue to destinations like Stone Academy and North Main Rotary Park, while also making it easier for North Mainers to walk to downtown
• Improving the safety of all crosswalks, including Bennett Street
• Lowering the speed limit (data shows 82% of drivers drive within three MPH of the posted speed limit)
• Adding left turn lanes and prohibiting some left turns at high volume periods
• Improving the safety of the tight curve between the Church Street Bridge and East North Street
• Widening sidewalks and improving lighting
• Looking at road diet options for certain areas
• Improving ADA access

Also…

Many of you asked for increased traffic enforcement. I agree! I am glad to report that law enforcement more than doubled the number of warnings and citations issued on Stone Avenue for running red lights and speeding in September…and I look forward to seeing the report for October.

More storage proposed for Wade Hampton Boulevard Site

Thank you Greenville News and Macon Atkinson for your story that highlights the importance of making sure we focus on good quality growth that the citizens of Greenville deserve.

On November 10, a proposed storage facility is to appear before the Board of Zoning Appeals for its consideration. This storage facility, located near The Community Tap, would be the third storage facility located at the bottom of Wade Hampton Boulevard, just a block or two apart from each other.

I stand ready to help the developer create something that would benefit the thousands of surrounding neighbors, as indicated in the 2019 Wade Hampton Strategic Plan, which does not include constructing more storage facilities.

You can read that story by clicking here. And, you can read the storage facility application for consideration here.

New Playground Opens at North Main Rotary Park

Joy! Children from the Bobby Pearse Center and I cut the ribbon to the new playground at the North Main Rotary Park. The new equipment even includes a section for two to five year olds! Sunnie, my children and I hope to see you there!

You can watch the video here to see the new equipment:

New Economic Development Plan Nearing Completion

Greenville strives to be a business-friendly City. We focus on innovators and entrepreneurs, small businesses and corporate headquarters. We support all of our existing companies and local workforce. We recruit talent and job-creators. We understand the importance of supporting those who invest capital and create jobs in our City. In short, we understand that jobs create opportunities for all of our citizens.

That is why the City embarked on a long-range economic development plan that will position Greenville City as the place to do business. This Economic Development Strategic Plan will include the following focus areas:

• Support Entrepreneurs and Innovators
• Attract New Investment
• Build a Talent Base
• Ensure All Greenville City Residents Can Thrive
• Address Housing Affordability and Transportation
• Preserve & Celebrate Greenville City as a Sustainable Lifestyle Destination
• Adopt an Economic Development Structure to Support this Plan

Redistricting Continues

As you know, redistricting occurs every ten years. However, District 1 is not expected to change much, as it is very close to what is required in population. Regardless, there should be some changes and you are encouraged to participate. To do so, visit the Greenville City Redistricting site by clicking here.

North Main Medians Must be Addressed

It is not lost on me that the medians on North Main Street must look much better. From tree replacement to weeds, to simply cutting the grass, we must do better. That is why I am working with staff to come up with solutions so that the medians on North Main represent the very best of our neighborhood.

Thank you Summit Drive Elementary

Thank you Summit Drive 2nd graders and teachers for allowing me to discuss how to make a difference in your community. What a privilege!