*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 board meetings. Please email pgilreath@aol.com in case there is a location change and to insure we are meeting that month.
Your NMCA Membership IS a Renewable Resource!
Have you renewed your membership for 2015? If you lost your form, you can renew via Paypal or print a form from our website www.northmaincommunity.org/membership. If you need additional decals or have just joined and did not receive one, please email membership secretary, Leah Tollison, at leahtollision@gmail.com and she can help you. Additional decals are $5 each and the proceeds go into a special beautification fund.
Don’t Miss NMCA’s Annual Spring Social and Membership Drive!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 30, for the NMCA late spring Social. This year the new Social Committee has planned something a little different. It should be fun for the whole family. The event will be held Saturday, May 30, from 4-8pm at the corner of North Main and Earle Street (Think Drop-in-Store). NMCA and its sponsors will be providing food and drinks for those attending (you can join or renew at the ‘door’ if you are not a current member).
A huge THANK YOU! to our sponsors…The Drop-in Store, Highland Homes, Redhype, Jason Elliot Law Firm, Catherine Christophillis Law Firm, Sunnie & Deworken, Marchant Real Estate, The Universal Joint, and NMCA.
Hands on Greenville (HOG) Day at the North Main Rotary Park
We want to thank Child’s Haven for working Saturday, May 2 at the North Main Rotary Park, a project site for Hands on Greenville Day 2015, and at our Neighborhood Signs! And…we want to thank NMCA treasurer, Jim Gilreath, for coordinating this event for us…even if it did mean an early morning for someone who is definitely NOT a morning person! We had approximately 20 volunteers from Child’s Haven who spent the morning working hard…weeding, spreading pine straw, and spreading 7 yards of soil at two of our Neighborhood North Main signs (at Rutherford and Main and across from the Soda Shop). They still look a little bare right now, but they are still a work in progress. These are just two of the beautification projects that are underway to help make our neighborhood better. You can see more HOG pictures on our Facebook page.
Because of the opportunities around Greenville, a record number of volunteers participated throughout Greenville County on May 2nd. 7,221 people from 125 teams took on 187 projects! This equals an economic impact of approximately $685,000. If you are interested in recruiting volunteers from Hands On Greenville all year long don’t forget to check out www.handsongreenville.org!
Development Update and Other News
- Seems like every time you turn around there is a new subdivision either on the PC agenda or already under construction. A reminder…if someone demolishes one house on their property to put 2, it’s not considered a subdivision and not much is required from the city…no public hearings, etc.
- The two agenda items on the April 16 PC meeting were both approved unanimously. Those were the development between W. Hillcrest and W. Mountainview (The old ‘Cottages at Townes’). The other one was the subdivision on Mohawk. One comment made by city staff that came as a complete surprise to those of us in attendance was the fact that the new infill ordinance does not apply to the subdivision between Mtn. View and Hillcrest because it will be a new street going in off Townes. The infill ordinance only affects homes on existing streets or extensions of existing streets. So….the new infill ordinance has even fewer teeth than we thought!
- The North Main Road Diet is now complete. There seems to be a little confusion as to where to put yard debris such as grass from mowing, etc. Yard waste should be placed in front of your lot, not blocking the sidewalk or the bike lane, ideally the day before or morning of pick up.
- The Beach Co. project at Main and Stone seems to get higher and larger every time I pass. This dry weather is helping them stay on schedule. They should be able to meet their deadline of occupancy by the end of the year. They are interested in having a grocer in the development.
- There is an anchor tenant under contract to occupy a significantly large mixed-use development in the vacant lots across from Canal Insurance. The challenge is getting City approval to close Column St. which bisects the property. There have been several rumors re: who the tenant is.
- We have had a number of complaints over the years about run-down houses in the neighborhood, which are not only an eye-sore and probably a source of rodents, but depress surrounding property values, making them what I
consider a public nuisance. The photo at the right is an example that I’m sure most of you have seen. An out-of-state owner who really doesn’t care what the property looks like. The only thing the city can do is get them to mow the yard occasionally. If you think this is a problem, contact your city council representative(s) and see if the city can’t do something more via a new ordinance, etc.
Questions and Answers from Your City Council Representative
Recently, Amy Doyle posted on our Facebook page the answers to some frequently asked questions that she receives. Since not everyone is on Facebook, we are listing them here.
“What are the results of the Wade Hampton Blvd survey I took?” The city’s planning department received over 1,500 survey responses from neighbors in the North End! Thank you! The goal of the survey was to provide potential developers the market needs for the Stone Avenue and Wade Hampton Boulevard corridors. The results are available at this website.
“Can my street be repaved?” This is the MOST frequently asked question by citizens. On average the city streets are repaved every 50+ years. Each street in the city is measured by a private company with a PQI (pavement quality indicator). The city’s policy is to address the “worst first”. The city has budgeted $750k for this upcoming year to repave streets. Unfortunately, this does address the true need of the road resurfacing projects. The city often will match funds to resurface streets with other agencies such as REWA and Greenville Water System following street work. Over half of the city streets are state roads and the funding would need to come from the State Department of Transportation budget.
What is a ‘snipe sign’? The city code describes a snipe sign as “A temporary sign which is attached in any manner to a tree, pole, stake, fence, or other object.” Snipe signs are not allowed in the city of Greenville right of way. “We Buy Houses”, “Garage Sale”, “Open House”, and “Mulch for sale” are common snipe signs. While effective in marketing, they junk up an intersection quickly and are rarely removed by the owner after the event. The city’s new Code Enforcement officer is picking up average of 200+ signs per month. If you are missing a sign, you may call the planning department at 467-4476. YOU MAY post them on PRIVATE PROPERTY. There are certain exceptions. You can check out the City’s sign ordinance here.
“How do I know what the trolley schedule will be?” A new routing system is currently being added to the Greenlink trolleys. With the smartphone app “RouteShout”, you can track the buses and trolleys. The app currently works for all Greenlink buses. The trolley routing system is coming soon.
“Can I close my residential street for a block party?” Yes! The application for a block party can be done online! It’s $50. View application here. Please allow for at least 3 weeks for the permit office to process the application.
“How can I find out when a rezoning hearing is?” The City of Greenville public info department sends out regular emails on rezoning applications, road closures, RFPS (requests for proposals), Bikeville Updates, TD Saturday Market and more. If you would like to be on the list, SiGN UP HERE.
Recycling!
The city’s recycling rate — about 48 percent participation — is woeful compared to its neighbor to the north, the city of Asheville, which recycles at an 82-percent rate. The cost of sanitation as a whole isn’t sustainable, since it costs almost double compared to the residential charge. The current system is also very inefficient.
In an effort to increase recycling, reduce trash to landfill and address financial sustainability, the city of Greenville is moving to automated trash pickup and single stream recycling for its 18,000 single family resident 
customers. A 90-gallon recycling bin (the size of your green trash can) will replace the small green recycling bins. You will be able to recycle everything in one bin. The new system will take many more types of recyclables, including yogurt and butter containers, etc. Yard waste stays same. They expect about a year for the switch to be completed. For more information, read the recent article in the Greenville News.
We urge everyone to recycle! We can do better and this new system will make it much easier. There is a list of what can and cannot be recycled at the city’s website.
As for yard debris, once again, the median is not a place to dump your yard debris. It makes it hard when the city comes to mow the medians. Please keep it in the edge of your yard as close to the curb as possible and it will get picked up. Remember, the City will collect: grass clippings, leaves, and limbs (no longer than 6 feet long or 6 inches in diameter). Also, do not mix leaves or grass with limbs and other pruning debris…the city uses different equipment to pick these up…they can’t be expected to get out and separate it by hand.
Keeping Your Pets Safe and at Home – Possible Coyote Alert
Repeating from last month, NMCA is happy to send out emails and post information on our FB page about lost or found pets. We have helped many pets find their way home. Just email northmaincomm@gmail.com and we’ll get the information out there. Also, check the ACS website page for lost and found pets. You can also check and post on the Lost and Found Pets of the Upstate Page. For other alternatives to help your pet find its way home, check out this website.
And we want to let you know that we are hearing from our residents about possible coyote problems in the neighborhood. One resident mentioned that she heard them calling to each other in the Avondale area last week. In addition, we have heard of small animals (cats and possums) which were killed and mutilated pretty badly. This could also be dogs, but I haven’t seen as many as in the past. Also, folks used to seeing rabbits or other small mammals are seeing fewer. We don’t want to alarm you, but we would encourage you to keep cats and dogs (esp. small dogs) inside, particularly at night.
NMCA Beautification Projects
One of the reasons for the dues increase this year was to help fund a number of beautification projects around the neighborhood, not just on North Main, but in other areas as well. Remember, not everything will be done this year…this is a long term effort and we’ll be seeking input from our members along the way. As mentioned earlier, one thing the HOG day volunteers helped with was work around the sign at the corner of North Main and Rutherford and the one by the ball field at the Park. Many of the shrubs had gotten quite tall and were blocking the beautiful stone walls and signs. Most of the plants had been removed from the first area and they helped finish weeding the area, including liriope, and spread 7 yards of topsoil on the site. We then planted new plants, some evergreen and many perennials. While it may look bare now (see second photo) that’s partly because many of the perennials are covered with straw; but we hope that once established and the plants grow, this gateway will help welcome all to our community.
At the second site on the corner of the ball field across from the Soda Shop, the HOG group removed the rest of the liriope and spread topsoil, and we will be planting new evergreen plants and perennials soon…and watering them. These are just two of the ongoing beautification projects underway. Much of the planting at other sites will have to wait until winter or early spring when conditions are more conducive.
Crime Update
Spring and summer time means it is time to start bringing out the lawn equipment and doing more yard work. So, remember to keep all your tools out of site and locked up when not in use. One rather odd theft reported this week by one member was the theft of 5 large 3-gallon peony plants from the side of her house where she intended to plant them. In addition, they cut all the blooms off the ones already growing in her yard…leaving one lone bloom. Blooms were cut in another yard also. Obviously the work of kids, but a crime none the less. And she did call the police non-emergency number. Also, a garden statue was taken from an E. Hillcrest yard and a large planter of ferns (100-150 lbs) was stolen from a W. Hillcrest front porch between 8-11am one morning. The thieves are getting more brazen. One thing you can do is keep an eye out for your neighbors and report anything suspicious. We haven’t been notified of many crimes recently. If you hear of crimes or are a victim, please let us know or post on our Facebook page so we can warn other residents.
A Busy Time in the Garden…
- You should be planting summer- and fall-flowering bulbs in April and May, such as dahlias, gladioli , cannas, and lilies. Be sure to plant after the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees F. See Summer- and Fall-Flowering Bulbs for more information
- Time to prune back perennials and other shrubs, depending on the bloom time. Remember: 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). And try to resist the urge to commit ‘Crepe-murder’. Topping is not the correct way to prune crepe myrtles!
- Planting season is coming to an end unless you have an irrigation system or some way to water frequently until plants are established. This heat and sun makes it hard to survive.
- You should apply a complete fertilizer to your warm season lawn this month. See Fertilizing Lawns for more information. When fertilizing shrubs and trees, be sure to scatter the fertilizer out around the drip line and not up close to the trunk to prevent burning roots. If using liquid foliar fertilizer, be sure to wait until leaves are fully expanded so they will be able to take up the fertilizer.
- Lawn Establishment – if you plan to plant a warm-season (centipede, zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine) lawn, the best time to plant is in the spring and summer. If you are planting Bermuda by seed, use the hulled seed at this time of year (you can seed with unhulled seed in the fall). Wait until next fall for cool-season grasses (fescue). See Lawn Establishment for more information.
- Now is a good time to inspect your irrigation system for repairs and upgrades. You should also make sure the timer is set properly for the season and consider a rain shut off device. See the Home and Garden Center’s irrigation publications for more information.
- Spring is also when we’ll be seeing baby birds and other baby wildlife. I’ve already got chickadees and titmice that have fledged from my boxes. I’m hearing baby birds all around. One member reported that where trees are being taken down in what used to be Thornton Hall, there are baby birds being dislodged when the trees fall. I guess progress ($$$) waits for no one, even baby birds. Sad.
Weather Tidbits
According to climate data from 1884 to the present, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in May is 80°F, and the average low is 57°F. The maximum high was 10 on May 28, 1916. The maximum low temperature was 73 on May 24, 1953. The minimum high temperature was 46 on May 7, 1992 and the minimum low was 27 on May 3. 1885. Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24 hour period was 39.2” on May 8, 1910. Believe it or not, we had a trace of snow back on May 7, 1997…who remembers that? http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .
The April contiguous U.S. average temperature was 53.1°F, 2.1°F above the 20th century average—the 17th warmest April on record and warmest since 2012. Much of the contiguous U.S. was warmer than average, especially the Southeast. The April Lower 48 precipitation total was 2.78 inches, 0.26 inch above average, and ranking in the wettest one-third of the historical record.
NOAA findings indicate that global warming of the past 50 years is primarily due to human activities, predominantly the burning of fossil fuels. Planning for adaptation and mitigation to global climate warming is becoming more widespread, but current implementation efforts are insufficient to avoid increasingly negative social, environmental, and economic consequences.
This Month’s Trivia – Is Yawning Really Contagious?
Yes! Contagious yawning is a phenomenon that only occurs in humans and chimpanzees (and possibly dogs) as a response to hearing, seeing, or even thinking about yawning. Some studies suggest it is a sign of empathy and a form of social bonding. Spontaneous yawning typically occurs when someone is tired or bored. Spontaneous yawning is first observed in the womb as early as 11 weeks after conception, said Robert Provine, a developmental neuroscientist at the University of Maryland, while contagious yawning doesn’t begin until early childhood, around 4 years old. Experiments in adults find that between 40 and 60 percent of healthy adults yawn after seeing someone yawn, thinking about yawning or even reading the word “yawn.” http://news.discovery.com/human/health/yawning-social-behavior1.htm
While there are several hypotheses about the physiological reason for yawning, scientists have yet to agree on the cause, but feel it may lead to important answers to some health issues. Want to test your susceptibility to contagious yawning? Watch this “Yawn-O-Meter” video and see how long you can last. (Didn’t take me long at all…I tend to yawn just reading the word yawn.)
Flash from the Past
From last month:
McBee Millstone. Stonework abounds in Falls Park and many probably pass this stone, not knowing its unique position in Greenville’s history. It is underneath the Main Street Bridge and is from one of the old gristmills on the banks of Reedy River Falls, probably from Vardry BcBee’s gristmill which was later converted to a textile mill. It probably dates to the mid-1800s and could even be salvaged stone used from Richard Pearis’s gristmill from the late 1700s. Cement has been filled into the central hole where a large wooden beam would have originally been. The cut grooves in the surface betray that it was once used as the runner stone to help remove the outer husks and allow the grain to flow out while grinding. This granite stone may be one of the oldest know artifacts from Greenville’s early history.
T
he Greenville & Northern 2-8-0 No. 5 was built by Brooks in 1902. The 2-8-0 designation means that it has 2 leading unpowered wheels, eight larger drive wheels and no unpowered trailing wheels – oOOOO. She operated on the Greenville & Northern, known as “The Swamp Rabbit”, that ran approximately 15 miles from Greenville to Travelers Rest and beyond. This view shows G&N 5 in Greenville, SC on June 29, 1941. The southern valve gear on G&N 5 suggests that this locomotive was purchased from the Southern Railroad.
For This Month:
Shop Local
Keep your dollars in your community. We have numerous business members 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. You can find a list by checking our local business web page. Hover your mouse over each company name to read a brief description:
If you would like to see your company list, please join the NMCA today! If you know of businesses you work with or shop at, please encourage them to join.
Businesses do not have to be located in the North Main Neighborhood to be members. They only need to provide service to North Main residents
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.
- The Children’s Museum has great programs for kids. Check them out at their website calendar
- 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.
For other events in this area bookmark Go-greenevents for a listing of various events with registration, etc., handled online to save needless waste of paper.
Every Tuesday Line Dancing at the Sears Shelter at McPhearson Park from 6:15 – 8pm. Dances are taught in a fun and easy way with a variety of music – Hip Hop, R&B, Rock & Roll, Latin, Country, Shag, and Swing. Party dances include Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Bikers Shuffle, and Cha Cha Slide. Second hour moves into mainstream dances -Good Time, Tush Push, R&B Boogie and more. No partner or dance knowledge required. Two left feet are fine. Bring your friends and have some fun. Cost – $5 (Greenville City Residents -$4)
May – There’s always lots going on at the Community Tap. Check out their calendar.
Now–June 8 – Spring Yoga. Monday evenings from 6:30 – 7:15. Bobby Pearse Community Center on Townes St. (North Main Rotary Park). $5 per class (Greenville City Residents $4). The summer session will run June 23 – Aug. 11. You can register for the entire session or just come as you can to single sessions.
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, March–October – Yappy Hour at the Greenville Humane Society. 6-8pm. For $8, you and your friends can unwind with cold brews and live music from local artists. Meanwhile, your dog (neutered and vaccinated) can run off leash in our canine courtyard and take a dip in our “doggie pools”. For more details or in case of inclement weather: consult our Facebook page or event calendar. (Don’t be confused with the one at NOMA square. The HS Yappy Hour is at their facility on Airport Road.)
May 15 – Endangered Species Day. 9am – 1pm. Greenville Zoo. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is committed to protecting wildlife and wild spaces around the globe. On May 15, stop by as the Greenville Zoo joins hundreds of zoos around the world to raise awareness for rapidly decreasing animal species around the world.
May 15 – Trivia with Judy Mc. Northgate Soda Shop. 7:30-8:30pm. This will be the last trivia until Sept. Karaoke with BJ the DJ from 8:30 PM – 1 AM. Food served until 9 pm
May 16 – Park Hop 2015 kickoff. Conestee Park. 1-4pm. The event will feature physical activity themed vendors, an onsite scavenger hunt, music, food, fun and games!
May 16 – Mess Fest. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. 9am – 5pm. Some seriously messy science and art projects! Put on your oldest play clothes and come see some explosive demonstrations and much more hands-on fun. $10 adult; $9 child.
May 16 – Armed Forces Day Parade. 5pm – 8pm. Main Street and One City Plaza. Free.
May 17 – Slow Food Upstate Upcountry Seafood Boil. 3-7pm. Timberock at Hopkins Farm, Simpsonville. Tickets – $25.
May 19 – Upstate Native Plant Society Program: Trillium of the Carolinas with Tim Lee. 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – S 216 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville.
May 20 – Summer Concert Series. 6:30pm – 10pm. TD Stage at Peace Center Amphitheatre
May 22 – Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays. 5:30pm – 9:30pm. NOMA Square. Weekly Concert Series. Free.
May 23 – Project Dance. 9am – 6pm. TD Stage at the Peace Center Amphitheatre. 300 S Main St. Taking dance out of the studios and theaters and onto the streets, making dance accessible to anyone and everyone. Every style is welcome and what unites dancers who gather for Project Dance is the desire to dance with integrity to inspire. Free.
May 23 – Upstate Propagation Workshop . 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Instructor: Ryan Merck with assistance from Joe Townsend and Betsy George Location: Miller Putnam’s greenhouse, 180 Lakewood Dr., Greenville. Limit 15. Preference given to currently paid-up members. Bring your lunch and drink for a social time on the patio after the workshop. To reserve your spot, email judy_seeley@hotmail.com. Please include your cell phone number for last minute information.
May 25 – Memorial Day Service/Picnic. Vietnam Memorial. Cleveland Park. 10 am – 1:30pm. Free. Telephone: 864-380-6434.
May 29 – Brew in the Zoo. Greenville Zoo. 6:30pm – 9pm. Fundraiser for the Greenville Zoo. Ages 21 and up.
May 30 – Yard Sale at Northgate Soda Shop back parking lot. 7am – 1pm. Come sell your items and keep the money. No charge for your space. What you DO NOT want to take home with you, will be given to charity. The charity this year is Red Ribbon (Red Ribbon Resale is a wholly owned subsidiary of AID Upstate. All profits from the sale of donated items in Red Ribbon Resale are used to provide supportive services to men and women and their families affected by HIV in Upstate South Carolina.) There will be a truck at the light pole at the entrance to the parking lot and they will help load. If you have items that you would like to donate and are NOT participating in the yard sale, feel free to bring them on down after 9am. You can also get a receipt.
Please set up around the edge of the back parking lot. Leave the middle open for customers. Please bring change, tables or whatever you need to set up to sell.
June 6 – Affair at the West End. 10am – 7pm. S. Main (Augusta to Markley). Event put on by West End Artists and Friends
The use of trade names or advertisements in this publication does not constitute endorsement or discrimination by the North Main Community Association.
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