Update on “Cottages on Townes”
The revised development plan originally scheduled to be presented to the Planning Commission on March 14 has been postponed to Thursday, April 11, at 4PM in the 1st Floor Meeting Room of City Hall. The postponement was at the request of the applicant. Many of you were at the Neighborhood Meeting on February 26 and heard and saw the changes. For more information on the details of the plan and detailed drawings, go to the PC website. If you wish to submit written comments in lieu of speaking at the public hearing, include your name and address, reference the application number, and submit to: Marie McClendon, Planning & Development Office, PO Box 2207, Greenville, SC 29602, by fax at 864-467-4510, or by email at mmcclendon@greenvillesc.gov. Written comments must be received by the Monday before the Hearing in order to be given adequate time for consideration by the Commission before the hearing and will be also be posted on this website. Comments received after that Monday will be provided to the Commission at the Hearing. All comments will be made part of the public record.
We urge all interested residents to make every effort to attend this important meeting and voice your opinions either in writing or in person. There is much debate about how it could affect other areas of the city.
Welcome to NMCA’s Newest Business Member
Nyla Beans, 1525 N Pleasantburg Dr., (292-5529) is a locally owned gift shop. It is operated by mother and daughter Katy and Sarah Watts. Many items are handcrafted by the owners, as well as other local artists and crafters. They carry lots of Fair Trade, recycled, up cycled, and just fun things for all ages. They have affordable prices on gifts, clothing, and accessories that they will gift bag for you free. Stop by and meet them and see what they have to offer. Also, visit their Facebook page. Welcome!!
NMCA Spring Membership Drive/Happy Hour
Mark your calendars now for the 2013 NMCA Spring Membership Drive/Happy Hour. April 25 from 5-7pm out back at the Northgate Soda Shop . This year we’ll have some special guests…local firefighters and engine 6…they would like to meet and greet the local neighbors. So if you see a fire truck in back of the Soda Shop that night, don’t panic! Plan to come on out and enjoy free beer and snacks, see your neighbors and meet new ones and welcome spring! With your help over the next few months we’ll be putting together a list of the 50 (or more?) things we like best about the North Main neighborhood. So bring us your ideas! We also challenge everyone to bring a new member! So come on… grab your neighbor and come on down!!
Contribution to Park Fund
A big ‘Thank You’ to Bob Bainbridge for his generous donation to the Park Fund. This will allow us to buy even more plants this spring to spruce up the park. In case you did not know, that’s one place your membership fees go…to maintain the park above and beyond what the city is able to do. We also fund replacement dogwoods in the North Main median.
Watch for More Changes in the Park this Spring
Under the leadership of new Park Committee Chairperson Joanne Conner, NMCA is partnering with HOG this year on May 4 to spruce up the park by getting rid of ivy in unwanted places. HOG volunteers will be helping clear ivy beds of debris, limbs, saplings and trash in specified areas of the part. They’ll also be trimming ivy from trees and shrubs and the split rail fence and removing debris and limbs from the creek bed and vicinity of the hawks nest.
Joanne has many great ideas for the park and will be soliciting volunteers this spring and summer. If you are interested in working in the park, either on work days or on select jobs on your own schedule, send us a note on our website at www.northmaincommunity.org
Spring Fever !
Have you caught it, yet? All it takes is exposure to a few days of warm temperatures and sunlight and you’re sure to get it! And….it’s contagious! If you’re like me you’ve already been flipping through the pages of the gardening catalogs and books, deciding what to plant this year and when to prune the stuff already there. Trees and shrubs are starting to bud…some are already blooming. Keep in mind a few simple tips. Summer-Flowering Plants: Prune before spring growth begins (produce flowers on current season’s growth) Spring-Flowering Plants: Prune after flowering (produce flowers on previous season’s growth). For more information on pruning, check out Clemson’s Guide to Pruning Shrubs.
Over-seeded lawns may need fertilization and now is the time to look at winter weeds in your lawn and how to prevent them from occurring next season. Some spring vegetables can also be planted. Warm-season turf grasses are best renovated in the spring or early summer (April to June).
Want a great place to buy plants? Check out the next article…
Native Plant Sale Next Month
The South Carolina Native Plant Society will hold their spring plant sale on April 6th from 9am – 1pm at University Center on the corner of South Pleasantburg Blvd. and Antrim Drive in Greenville. A huge selection of native trees, shrubs and perennials will be available in addition to experts in native landscaping and native ecosystems. The SCNPS plant sales are a great opportunity to find plants that attract beneficial insects, provide habitat for wildlife and serve as dependable, drought tolerant landscape plants. The proceeds from the spring plant sale go to support native plant projects such as plant rescues and ecosystem conservation.
So start thinking about what you need for your yard this spring and get ready to buy! Great prices! For more information, visit http://scnps.org/event/upstate-spring-native-plant-sale.
For the Birds!
For those of you who are birdwatchers like me, spring is always a fun season due to migrations and the chance to see unusual species. Hummingbirds will be coming back and birds will begin nesting soon. If you’ve got birdhouses, make sure they are cleaned and ready to go. I’ve got a bark birdhouse that has been used for years by Carolina wrens and they were on it this morning for the first time, so it must be that time of year. If you are interested in the spring migration schedules for birds in various counties in South Carolina, check out this website. The closest county for us is Pickens county, but there are several species listed. For more on birdwatching, check out Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds page. For an upstate bird check list, visit the Greenville County Bird Club site.
Membership Update
Our 2013 membership drive is going well. You probably noticed we’re trying something different. In the last few weeks you should have received an invoice for $10 for dues for 2013. We did this in response to requests from folks who could never remember when they had paid their dues. Dues are based on a calendar year. So…this was your reminder. Note that if you are more than one year delinquent in your dues, you will no longer receive the newsletter to your inbox. It will still be accessible to you via our website. But…as a member, you also receive all the emails we send out about crime updates, community events, lost and found pets, social events, etc. There’s not a lot you can get for $10 these days and we hope you feel like we give you $10 worth. Remember, even though all the work of the association is done strictly by volunteers, it still takes money to fund projects in the park, social events, our website and PO Box, paper, ink, stamps, etc.
So…if you haven’t paid, go sort through that pile of ‘stuff’ on your desk that you’ve been meaning to get to…or, if you’re like me, that pile of unpaid bills that you’ve been meaning to pay, and drop your check in the mail. Send to PO Box 571, Greenville, 29602, or you can pay via Paypal at www.northmaincommunity.org/membership or just click on the little bird on the left.
A big Thank You to those who have already paid, especially those who paid for 2 or more years in advance …that saves us stamps in the future.
Newgeography – Learn More About Where You Live
NewGeography.com is a site “devoted to analyzing and discussing the places where we live and work.” You can find lots of interesting information there about how your state ranks in economic performance and in the five policy areas studied in the report. The full report includes a case for the nation beating the “new normal” and lists of best-performing states by policy area, and an index to select the top 10 states likely to continue to grow. For example, South Carolina rankings include:
- #2 Export Intensity
- #5 Small Business Survival Index
- #6 Growth in Share of National Exports
- #8 Export Intensity Growth
- #9 STEM Job Growth
- #11 Short-term Job Growth
- #11 Export Growth
- #14 Job Placement Efficiency
- #18 Bridge Quality
- #20 High School Advanced Placement Intensity
- #22 Business Birth Rate
- #22 Entrepreneurial Activity
- #24 Broadband Speed Availability
- #25 Long-term Job Growth
- #25 Road Quality
Read more at http://ncf.uschamber.com/library/enterprising-states/south-carolina
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in March is 63.5°F, the average low is 40.2°F and the average precipitation is 5.17”. The record maximum for the period 1962-2006 was 89°F on March 23, 1995. The record minimum was 11°F on March 3, 1980. Record high rainfall was in 1980 with 11.37”. Record minimum precipitation was 1.13” back in 1985. Average snowfall in March is 0.9”. The highest recorded for this period was 9.3” back in 1993. 
Tornadoes have touched down in South Carolina during every month of the year; however, the most likely months are in the spring, March through May, and later in the fall during September (see figure above). During spring, tornadoes result from active cold fronts and pre-frontal squall lines. March 28, 1984: The second highest loss of life from tornadoes occurred when 11 tornadoes touched down along a narrow band that extended from Anderson County through Marlboro County. These tornadoes caused 15 deaths, 448 injuries, and damage of over $100 million. These tornadoes also caused several other storm related fatalities.
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php
Greenville Capital Improvement Program
Greenville City Manager John Castile presented the City’s proposed 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to City Council at the first of two work sessions on March 4. The CIP is a five-year fiscal planning instrument used to identify needed capital projects and to identify the financing and timing required for those projects. The first year of the CIP serves as the City’s capital budget for the coming fiscal year. The next four years are considered planning years and are subject to annual appropriation. The proposed CIP totals$30,700,000 and includes $7,384,000 for FY 2013-14.
The proposed CIP can be viewed on the City’s website at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/OMB/forms/ProposedCIP_FY14-18.pdf and hard copies are available for review at City Hall in the Greenville Cares office on the 1st floor, the Office of Management & Budget on the 7th floor and the City Clerk’s office on the 10thfloor.
Flash From the Past
Here are two ‘new’ old photographs for you to identify…
From Last Month:
The Stradley and Barr Dry Goods Store is significant as an excellent and largely intact example of late nineteenth century Romanesque Revival commercial architecture. It is also significant for its role in the development and evolution of the South Main Street business district in Greenville from the late nineteenth through the mid twentieth centuries. Built ca. 1898, this three-story-with-basement brick building possesses numerous architectural features typical of the Romanesque Revival style and was one of downtown Greenville’s most prominent commercial buildings when completed. Among the most notable features are its prominent elongated windows lined and arched on the second and third floors. The second floor windows are capped with granite flat arches, while the third floor windows feature ashlar round arches. Granite lintels and patterned brickwork further accent these windows. Belt courses emphasize the division of the upper floors. The top of the building has a distinctive stone and masonry parapet with dentils and the original flagstaff. Beneath the parapet and running the entire length of the facade are small inset stone arches and Doric columns accenting the building’s handsome exterior. The interior of the building is characterized by exposed masonry walls, pressed-metal ceilings, and turned load-bearing columns. As Greenville’s economy expanded in the post-Civil War era, the South Main Street corridor became the heart of the city’s business district, including grocery stores, tobacco shops, banks, drug stores, bookstores, clothiers, and hotels. This building housed the Stradley and Barr Dry Goods Store until 1919 when it became home to Efird’s Department Store. Listed in the National Register June 24, 2008.
The Earle Town House is an architectural, historical, and aesthetic asset. An architecturally distinguished example of a late Georgian dwelling, one of the few extant in upper South Carolina, the residence is one of two houses within Greenville remaining from the city’s earliest history. Its park-like grounds, shaded by old trees and enclosed by an ivy-covered grillwork fence, feature the sanded front walk typical of its earlier years, a handsome garden front entrance of grillwork and brick, and an ivy mound approximately 100 years old (built after 1856). A rear garden with fountain is patterned after Edgar Allen Poe’s Richmond, Virginia garden. That the home now known as the Earle Town House was built at least by 1810 is indicated by the 1910 birthday celebration marking its 100th anniversary. Outstanding features include distinctive wood and glass detailing surrounding the front door, double front steps, a Palladian window on the second story, hand carved mantels, six paneled doors, and raised paneled dado. The Earle House site was originally part of the plantation of the pioneer Earle family. The family came from Virginia shortly after the Revolution and settled in this wooded, Blue Ridge foothills section. Elias T. Earle, whose father was an early member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, was one of the first members of the family in South Carolina, figuring prominently in the history and development of the Greenville area and of the state. He was a state senator from Greenville District, a U.S. Congressman, a silk grower, a manufacturer, and first Commissioner of Indian Affairs under the U.S. government. Also born in the house was another leading figure, Judge and U.S. Senator Joseph Haynsworth Earle, great grandson of Elias T. Listed in the National Register August 5, 1969.
For interesting information about Greenville historic sites and history, check out Upstate Forever’s “Special Places Inventory for Greenville County”, the result of a grant in August, 2005.
Connections for Sustainability Community Events
Connections for Sustainability will offer a variety of community events in the coming months through its Livability Studio that are designed to educate the community on livability and create a greater awareness of urban sustainability, with a focus on Greenville’s west side.
A speaker series, entitled Sustainable Conversations, will begin on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hughes Main Library with a presentation by Art Hushen from the National Institute of Crime Prevention. Hushen will discuss how Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can create safer, more vibrant neighborhoods. The Sustainable Conversations series will feature both local and non-local experts in the field of sustainability, who will discuss a variety of topics, and each presentation will be followed by a group question and answer period to further explore the ideas presented. For other programs, check out their website.
All programs are free and open to the public.
Calendar
City Council Formal Meeting and Work Session schedules can be found at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/city_government/meet.asp
The Hughes Main Library has numerous programs for adults and children. Check out their March Calendar
Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities. Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.
Greenville County Museum of Art – The Museum is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm and on Sundays 1 – 5 pm. As always, admission is free. The Greenville Collection is now the largest and the most complete collection of Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors owned by any public museum in the world. Discover this magnificent collection of works by America’s iconic watercolor master. Highlights include Four Poster and Dusk.
Now through April 7 – Looking Through the Lens: A Photographic History of Greenville. Upcountry History Museum. Explore Greenville through a century of photographs. See how it has gone from a small town with dirt roads and horse-drawn carriages to the vibrant, bustling city it is today. Notable people, businesses, and events are chronicled through historic images, and bygone street scenes are paired with modern views of the city.
March 14 – Hillcrest Garden Club. Greenville Women’s Club on Bennett Street. 10am. Members will create Easter baskets for children and ladies at Safe Harbor. There will be a light lunch at 11:30. Guests and those interested in joining are always invited. Please call Mary Roberts at 458-7735.
March 16 – St. Patty’s Day Dash and Bash 5K and 10K. 8-10am. Fluor Field. A run/walk to raise awareness and funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina, Camp Spearhead and Let There Be Mom. Registration begins at 6:30am at Fluor Field and 10K run/walk starts at 8:00am and 5K run/walk starts begins at 8:15am. The start line begins at South Main and Augusta Street.
March 18 – Greenville Humane Society Volunteer Orientation. 6 PM. All volunteers must go through orientation before they can start volunteer work. Your volunteer schedule will be based on availability of the time slots you prefer (usually a two-hour time period). http://www.greenvillehumane.com/join-the-cause/volunteer *If you are looking for a group community service project for your school, company or organization, please contact Paula Church.
Greenville County ACS is also looking for volunteers. Click here to download the volunteer information form or go to their website for more information.
March 23 – Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Churches. 9am – 1pm. Buncombe Street United Methodist Church. Walking Tour of the worship spaces of four historic downtown churches: Christ Episcopal, First Presbyterian, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Buncombe St Churches. Free. For info contact Chris Malaska at chris.malaska@bsumc.com or call 371-6085.
March 23 – Silver Screen Café Dinner and a Movie. 7PM. Doors open at 6:15. Seating is limited. For menu and details go to their website. And try your luck at the “My Man Godfrey” Photo Scavenger Hunt Contest. Click here for contest details.
March 22 – Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, 6:30 – 9pm. Gateway Park, Travelers Rest. You haven’t lived until you’ve hunted glowing eggs after dark. Join us for face painting, clown bounces, carnival games, and concessions. This free event is done in partnership with the North Greenville Baptist Association.
April 13 – Northgate Soda Shop/Other Side Golf Tournament. 10am. Summersett Golf Club. $65 per person includes golf, 2 mulligans, lunch, beer cart and Charity. This year’s charity is Shepherd’s Gate, a shelter for homeless women and their children. Registration deadline: Monday, April 4. Questions? Call 420-6636.
April 18 – Humane Society Pet Project Runway. More information to come!
Visit Event Website: www.petprojectrunway.com
April 20&21 – Greenville Paracycling Open 2013. 11am – 4pm. CU-ICAR at TD Bank. 200 Carolina Point Parkway. The only advance opportunity for the world’s best athletes to compete on, ride and experience the course for the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championship. The athletes will compete in a Time Trial on April 20th with the first athlete starting at 11:00am and a Road Race on April 21st with the 1st race starting at 8:00am. The start finish line will be on Carolina Point Parkway in front of TD Bank
More Info: Click to open URL Contact: Keri Hall Telephone: 864-467-5751
April 25 – NMCA Spring Membership Drive/Happy Hour. Northgate Soda Shop. 5-7 PM. See article at front of newsletter.
April 26 – Stone Academy Spring Carnival. Open to the community. Watch for more details next month or go to www.ArtsAlive2013.com
April 27 – North Main Neighborhood Yard Sale. Back parking lot of Northgate Soda Shop. 7am – 2pm. First come, first served. Please bring your table, come and unload and then park on the street to leave more room for others and for parking for the Soda Shop. Sell what you can, keep the money for yourself and if you have anything left that you do not want, they will collect it and take it to a charity.
April 30 – North Main Blood Drive. Northgate Soda Shop. Watch for more details.
For other community events, check the Greenville City calendar
Or, the Greenville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Spring Programs at Greenville Community Centers
Program Instructors Needed
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is seeking instructors to offer fun and exciting recreational and educational classes to our community. Our department offers a wide variety of recreational programs to citizens of all ages. These programs take place in city parks, community centers and other locations. For a full listing of programs visit http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/RecPrograms.aspx
Spring 2013 Program Schedule
- To view the winter/spring program calendar for the Bobby Pearse Center, go to the Parks and Rec website
- To view the winter/spring program calendar for the Sears Recreation Center, go to the Parks and Rec website You will be able to view program information and pay directly online.
For additional information about each of the programs listed below, call the contact number or visit http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/RecPrograms.aspx
….Or pick up a program brochure at your local community center.
Community Center Rental
Both the Bobby Pearse Center and the Sears Shelter are available for rent. For information about renting the Bobby Pearse Center, email Jonathan Jones or call 467-4331.
Planning a special event like a wedding reception, birthday, anniversary or family reunion? Why not have your events at the Sears Recreation Center? It is conveniently located in McPherson Park at the corner of North Main Street and E. Park Avenue (100 E. Park Avenue).
Some of the Community Center features are:
- Kitchen
- Restrooms
- Handicapped accessible
- Piano
- Banquet tables & chairs
- Plenty of parking
- Sound system
Contact Jan Cox at 864-467-4326 or jbcox@greenvillesc.gov for more information and availability.
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation is working with LiveWell Greenville to promote healthy eating among our athletes. Watch this short video to learn more about eating healthy snacks at youth sports!
The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
