NMCA Newsletter (8/15)

*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 northmaincomm@gmail.com in case there is a location or time change and to insure we are meeting that month.

School Starts Soon!

August 18 is the first day of school here in Greenville. For a copy of the calendar of important dates, holidays, etc. for the 2015-16 school year just click here. Please watch out for walkers and bikers on your morning and afternoon commutes. Be safe!

Welcome to Our Newest Business Members

The Sunnie and DeWorken Group is a pro-business government relations firm, helping businesses and business associations meet their goals in state government. Earning two degrees from Clemson University, Sunnie Harmon is a two-time Captain of the Clemson University Women’s Tennis Team and an Academic All-American. Sunnie began her career with Congressman Gresham Barrett. She was named the “2011 Economic Development Lobbyist of the Year” for obtaining $233M in direct appropriations in tax relief for thousands of South Carolina employers. John DeWorken is a graduate of Clemson University and has held key positions in the South Carolina Senate, the SC Chamber of Commerce, and the Greenville Chamber. John is an author and was twice named “The Top 50 Most Influential People in Greenville” by Greenville Magazine. Prior to establishing the Sunnie & DeWorken Group, Sunnie and John created the Upstate Chamber Coalition, a contractually-bound coalition of ten Upstate (SC) chambers of commerce, representing 250,000 employees at 8,000 businesses. It was the one of the first of its kind in the nation. Sunnie and John are also very active in the North Main Community Association where John serves on the Board and Sunnie is the Chair of the Social Committee.

Central Realty Holdings, LLC. William R. Timmons, Sr. formed Central Realty Corporation (CRC) in 1926, later adding insurance agency business activities through the formation of Canal Insurance. The second generation of the Timmons continued investing directly in real estate as well as forming several partnerships which are also heavily invested in real estate. The third generation focused on a continued commitment to simplify the planning, investing and decision-making processes; the newly formed Board of Directors consolidated all real estate assets into a single ownership entity, Central Realty Holdings, LLC, in October, 2012 with the primary goal of expanding its equity, joint venture, and development investments in the Southeastern United States.

Today, CRH Holdings LLC is owned by fourteen third generation descendants of William R. Timmons, Sr. The current freely traded value of all assets is approximately $150 million. All assets are debt free, unencumbered in any way, and managed in-house. Property types include retail shopping centers, office buildings, net single tenant leases, ground leases and substantial undeveloped land tracts. All assets are located in the Greenville, South Carolina area. Canal Insurance continues to be owned by the same fourteen third generation decedents of William R. Timmons, Sr. The current freely traded value of Canal Insurance is approximately $450 million.

City Council Candidate Forum

We would like to thank those who took the time to attend the candidate forum on July 29 at Stone Academy. We would also like to thank the Greenville News for their sponsorship and for live streaming of the event. Also, thanks to Coca Cola and SC Beverage Association. For those who were not able to attend, you still have the opportunity to watch the event at Greenvilleonline prior to the election.

August 11 Primary Election

The upcoming primary is somewhat unique in that it is your only chance to choose among the 5 candidates running for City Council seats in District 1 and At-Large. Many do not realize that you can vote in the August primary regardless of party affiliation. Even if you are a registered Democrat, you can still vote! Those elected on August 11 will have no opposition in the November general election, so this is it…your one chance to voice your opinion about the direction we are going in Greenville. Be informed, get to know the candidates and don’t waste the opportunity to let your voice be heard. Please go to the polls on August 11 and vote! PLEASE NOTE: Because this is a Republican run primary, some polling locations have combined. For example, if you are in Greenville 03 precinct, you will be voting in Brutontown. All registered voters will be receiving information telling you where you will be voting for this election. You can absentee vote at County Square this week if you are unable to get to the polls Aug 11!

Development Update and Other News

The proposal for the development between W. Mountainview and W. Hillcrest was approved unanimously at the July 16 Planning Commission Meeting, in spite of passionate and valid opposition by the surrounding neighbors. That is the only formal, publicly noticed hearing and approval unless there is an appeal by those who do not think the approval was proper. After 30 days the approval becomes final, after which the project will proceed, obtaining permits for grading, storm water and utility installation, street construction, etc. All of these steps require engineering approval for permits; but, unfortunately, these processes are not publicly noticed. To know what permit is being issued when, you would have to notify the City that you want to be notified.

Also on this same agenda was an application by the City for a Text Amendment to establish 3 new single family residential zoning classifications: R-4: 4,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size; R15: 15,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size; and R-20: 20,000 sq. ft. minimum lot size. There was much concern and several citizens commented on this agenda item, especially the addition of R-4 zoning. They were very concerned about how it might allow developers to build homes on even smaller lots than the current R-6 zoning which is common in this area. While supposedly designed to ‘protect’ other areas of the city, residents asked for additional wording that would prevent its use in areas like North Main where it would not fit with the traditional feel and look of this area. This item was tabled until the next Planning Commission Meeting on August 20. You can see the agenda and additional information at http://www.greenvillesc.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/08202015-306?html=true

North Pointe Development Neighborhood Meeting

Over 60 North Main residents met on July 29 with Tori Wallace, project administrator, and Jim Burns, Director of Development, for the North Pointe Project. They are with Central Reality Holdings, a sister company of Canal Insurance. CRH Holdings, LLC is primarily owned by fourteen third-generation descendants of William R. Timmons, Sr. They are a development, landowner and investment company with no plans to sell this development.

North Pointe will be home to a 53,000 sq. ft. grocery (as yet unnamed as the tenant wants to make the announcement), 282 apartment units (60% studio and 1 BR, 38% 2 BR with a few larger ones) and 25,000 sq. ft. of additional commercial space. They foresee 2 large restaurants taking up 7500 sq. ft., with other retail establishments between 1500 (small boutique retail) and 5000 sq. ft. They have no tenants signed at present. There should be a great deal of diversity between this development and Main and Stone. The grocery at Main and Stone will be much smaller and should be announced soon.

CRH started talking with the city and DOT almost a year ago. They are trying to follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Stone Avenue Master Plan (SAMP). They hope to have plans to the Design Review Board next month (a sneak peek), requesting approval at the Oct 1^st meeting, with the second reading of the PD at the November 9^th meeting. They hope for PC and Council approval by the end of the year. Before that, they will be holding a public meeting (TBA) which we encourage you to attend (especially those that could not make it to the neighborhood meetings) and voice your concerns or comments. They hope to start roadwork mid-November with completion in approximately 3 months. Site construction is expected by February, 2016. Vertical construction should begin next June with an October 2017 completion date.

One of the biggest issues deals with the roads. All 3 are owned by the state. Although the SAMP called for narrowing the road, DOT said no. That was brought up as a concern to residents…the perceived disconnect between the SAMP and reality…more density and narrow roads. In this development Stone Ave. will have 2 lanes in both directions with turn lanes to avoid holding up traffic, taking land from both this property and Canal Insurance to widen the road and the traffic lanes. The road will still have to funnel down under the bridge…a necessary evil which concerned many residents; however, DOT engineers pronounced this bridge in good conditions with no plans to renovate any time soon. Roads, traffic and pedestrian access and safety were probably the major concerns of the participants. They are trying to maintain a compromise between widening the road and improving walkability. There will be well-marked cross walks, traffic lights and landscape barriers between the sidewalks and the road for safety, providing access from all sides. Some suggestions by the residents are not possible due to privately owned property which would be involved.

Another big issue brought up was the closing of Column Street. They have done traffic studies at peak hours, including traffic generated by their development, the development at Stone and Main, and the increase based on the projected growth factor. The result was that the road would handle the traffic. This study found that at present less than 200 cars use Column Street at peak hours. Exit from Earle Street onto Wade Hampton will be a right turn only…from Wade Hampton onto Earle also right turn only….a new median will prohibit left turns. They are still in meetings with DOT regarding some free flow lanes, turn lanes, etc. on the other roads. This should be worked out and presented at the public meeting. It was suggested that an overhead crosswalk would be helpful and they agreed to look into it. While many had reservations about traffic flow and impacts on the neighboring streets, most of the changes made will be improvements to both Wade Hampton, East Stone Ave. and North Church Street.

Why mixed use and not all commercial? They modeled several types of developments and when they looked at traffic and the number of cars, most of the models showed more traffic with just commercial compared to a mixed use. One interesting point is that they now own Capri’s and it will be included in the footprint of the PD.

There will be an underground detention system under the parking garage. The land slopes 40 feet from one end of the property to the other as you go down Wade Hampton. This actually gives them the opportunity to incorporate architectural features into the parking garage so that the view is not degraded coming down Wade Hampton. The 5 level parking deck will accommodate extra parking for the grocery store on the bottom level with other levels available for retail and residential parking (free). They plan 739 spaces in both the parking deck and a surface lot, of which 228 are designated for the grocery and their employees.

At one of the other neighborhood meetings, schools was a topic. Greenville County School District confirmed that any children will attend East North Street Academy, Greenville Middle, and Greenville High.

We cannot possibly cover all of the information and questions from the meeting. We would encourage you to attend the upcoming public meeting to learn the latest plans. We will keep you posted on when and where that meeting will take place. Should you have questions, suggestions, concerns or comments (which were not brought up that night) you can address them to Tori Wallace at twallace@crhsc.comhide For information and a copy of the brochure on North Pointe, go to this website and click on brochure and master plan.

One More Membership Renewal Reminder

One more time….have you renewed your membership for 2015? If you lost your form or forgot, you can renew via Paypal or print a form from our website www.northmaincommunity.org/membership. If you need additional decals for your car or business, 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. Some at the social did not have money and were going to send in their dues. Please do that today…if you do not renew, this will be your last newsletter. Thanks!

Crime Update

For those who did not receive the email or do not use Facebook, a member informed us that several cars (reportedly 5 or 6) were broken into the night of July 31 on East and West Montclair. An E. Montclair resident also had their home broken into while they were sleeping and a purse, cash and credit cards were stolen. In addition, we also heard Ashley Avenue was hit hard. The thief left his shirt in one car and managed to find time to smoke a cigarette. Forensics took all that and prints from the car. The police are pretty sure it was the same guy. According to the resident, the thief went across the street and stole a truck. It wound up totaled in Spartanburg. The guy walked away and was reportedly hit by a car. The officer here told them they have him in custody. He stole the car and broke into theirs around 7:00-7:30 am.

Reportedly this happened on Randall a month or so ago! A residents’ security camera caught him breaking into the neighbor’s car and then walking across the street to sit on their front porch and smoke!

Folks, these thieves are getting very bold, breaking in and stealing valuables in broad daylight. Not to belabor the issue, but we all need to make sure we are not making ourselves vulnerable, and watch out for each other. If you see anything suspicious, call the police. You are not bothering them. If they don’t know, they can’t do anything.

Call for Nominations – 2016 NMCA Board

In accordance with the by-laws, this is the first call for nominations for the 2016 NMCA Board of Directors. All officers must reside within the geographical boundaries of the NMCA for the entire period they hold office, Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2016. All officers must be 18 years or older. The President and Vice President may serve 2 consecutive terms and may then run for any office other than the one currently held. The Treasurer, Recording Secretary and Membership Secretary will be able to succeed her or himself as elected by the members. Any member may nominate someone for office. The nomination must be submitted no later than November 1. You may email the nomination to northmaincomm@gmail.com or mail to PO Box 571, Greenville, SC 29602. The person nominated must agree to serve if elected and a brief statement of their qualifications and past contributions would be helpful. Election ballots will be emailed or mailed to all members in late November.

Weather Tidbits

According to climate data, the average maximum temperature for Greenville in August is 89°F, and the average low is 69°F. The average rainfall for the month is 4.48”. The maximum high was 105 on August 10, 2007. The maximum low temperature was 78 on August 11 & 16, 2007 & 1995. The minimum high temperature was 61 on August 21, 1949 and August 27, 1944. The minimum low was 50 on August 29 & 30, 1905. Maximum precipitation (rain) in a 24 hour period was 9.32” on August 26, 1995. Records are from 1884 to Present. Normals are from 1981 to 2010. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/index.php .

Don’t forget, we are still in Hurricane season, approaching the more active period. Based on lowest atmospheric pressure, the five most intense U.S. hurricanes have all made landfall in a 17-day period between Aug. 17 and Sept. 2. This 17-day period is just a 9-percent slice of the entire Atlantic hurricane season, which spans six months from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year. These hurricanes also struck before the Sept. 10 climatological peak of the hurricane season. They include Camille (1969), Indianola 1886 in Texas), Andrew (1992) Katrina (2005), and the Labor Day Storm of 1935. These were the most intense, not the deadliest. http://www.weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/hurricane-season-not-so-sweet-spot-20130822

We are officially in the ‘dog days of summer’ and it definitely feels like it! Originally the phrase actually had nothing to do with dogs, or even with the lazy days of summer. Instead, it turns out, the dog days refer to the dog star, Sirius, and its position in the heavens. To the Greeks and Romans, the “dog days” occurred around the day when Sirius appeared to rise just before the sun, in late July. They referred to these days as the hottest time of the year, a period that could bring fever, or even catastrophe. So, did the Greeks get it right? Are the dog days, around when Sirius rises, really the hottest days of the year? Well, no. Although July and August are generally known as the hottest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the hottest period can vary from year to year. And depending on your latitude, the astronomical dog days can come at different times. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/07/150710-dog-days-summer-sirius-star-astronomy-weather-language/

Gardening in August

Have you noticed that ever so slight feel of fall in the air? Maybe just a wee bit drier some mornings? Although this week it feels like summer may never be over, the end is in sight. Some plants are already starting to lose that bright green hue and looking a little duller in color, partly due to the dry, hot weather. Your fescue lawn may be a little thin (after all, it’s a cool season grass). Annuals are starting to fade. What should you be paying attention to now?

If you have vegetables, you may see splitting and/or rain check on tomatoes (cracks around the stem end) due to the fluctuations of heat and rain. Another problem that is caused by the excess or a lack of (or alternation in) moisture, but may not show up until later, is blossom end rot…seen on both tomatoes and peppers.

This is a good month to apply a complete fertilizer to warm season lawns (centipede, zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine). It’s also a great time to aerate cool season lawns such as fescue.

Summer perennials and annuals are starting to fade, but don’t be too quick to remove those seed heads. I’ve had goldfinches on my Echinacea, eating the seed from seed heads. I’ve also heard of goldfinches dining on the seed of spent flowers on native salvia. This is an important source of food for birds in the fall and winter.

If you plan to plant trees or shrubs, start planning now, but it’s far too hot and dry to plant! Late fall and winter are the best times to plant. If you found you put a shrub in the wrong spot, fall and winter are the best times to move it. For large shrubs, consider slowly root pruning starting in October to reduce transplant shock when it’s moved.

You’re also probably seeing more butterflies in your garden lately, such as the black swallowtail pictured here. Of the three butterfly periods each year, late summer to fall is the most active. That’s why it’s important to plan and have some late blooming butterfly attracting plants in your garden.

And speaking of wildlife, the increased density in housing development has taken a toll on wildlife — especially the raptors — that also call the area home. If you weren’t lucky enough to see the release of the hawk in person on Summit Drive a week or so ago, you can read about it and see photos on Greenvilleonline. Hopefully there will still be enough trees around to support him. Obtaining the hawk and the release were brought about by one of our NMCA members, Thomas Clark. Thank you!!

For Our 4-Legged Friends

Animal Care Services has a new Facebook Page for lost and found pets. This is just one more tool to help find your lost pet or the home of a pet you found. Don’t forget to post on Pets Lost and Found of the Upstate Face book page. A picture is a must. And you can always send the information and a picture to northmaincomm@gmail.com and we’ll get it out to our members. And don’t forget to post on our Facebook page. Not a Facebook user, that’s ok…we’ll post it for you.

And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Greenville Humane Society’s August 22 Mutt Strut presented by Papa John’s. It’s South Carolina’s largest dog-friendly race. Click HERE to register. GHS is also offering free spaying and neutering of pit bulls for the month of August.

Flash from the Past

This is a view of the Poinsett Bridge you may not recognize as this is the top…the path over the bridge. Poinsett Bridge is the oldest bridge in South Carolina. Named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, it was built in 1820 as part of a road from Columbia, South Carolina to Saluda Mountain. The stone bridge, which includes a 14-foot Gothic arch and stretches 130 feet over Little Gap Creek, may have been designed by Robert Mills, architect of the Washington Monument. Though no longer in use, the bridge remains largely intact and is part of the 120-acre Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve. There is a nature trail a few hundred yards from the bridge. The bridge was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

This photo was taken many years ago in the Upcountry History Museum which was host to dances and weddings. In 1983, the Greenville County Historic Preservation Commission formed a new section 501(c) (3) educational, not-for-profit corporation titled the Historic Greenville Foundation. Over the next decade the Foundation and its mission shifted from a focus on building preservation toward the goal of promoting greater public awareness of the history of Greenville and the Upcountry of South Carolina through educational programming. In 2012 Furman University and the Upcountry History Museum entered into a partnership that united the intellectual and cultural resources of both institutions to advance the Museum’s mission of promoting, presenting, and preserving the history of Upcountry South Carolina.

And for this month:

Recognize this landmark?

Do you know what river this old bridge crosses?

Shop Local

Keep 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. This month we will begin listing them by services provided. Please thank them and give them your business when you can. Hover your mouse over each company name to read a brief description, or hit Ctrl + click to take you to their website. (And a note to our business members…if you have a special event planned, send us the info or post it on our FB page.)

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 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 August calendar.
The Children’s Museum has great programs for kids. Check them out at their website calendar
Don’t forget about a great local resource for family activities. Macaroni Kid lists all kinds of local activities for kids and families.
For a list of August and September events at the Upcountry History Museum, check out their website listing.
For other community events including info on Main Street Fridays, Shakespeare Festival, Downtown Alive, TD Saturday Market, Reedy River Concerts, and other special events, check out the City Calendar.

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)

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

Now till Aug 11 – Summer Yoga Session. 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). You can come to single sessions or as many as you have time for. Come start the week out feeling great! Watch for the dates for the fall session.

June 3 – August 26 – Music fans can enjoy live musical entertainment all summer long at the South Carolina BLUE Reedy River Concerts. 7-9pm. The free series returns to the TD Stage behind the Peace Center and will showcase 13 weeks of local and regional musical entertainers.

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 their 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.)

July 16 – (and every third Thursday through Nov 19). Earth Market. 2 – 6pm. They have moved!! New Place: The corner of I-85 and Roper Mountain Road.

August 11 – Greenville Primary Election. 7am -7pm. You should receive a notice regarding where your polling location will be as they have combined some precincts.

August 15 – 1^st Annual Great Futures 5K. 8am -12pm. Kroc Center. The Great Futures 5K was created to support the life changing programs of The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club and to ensure that all children in Greenville have Great Futures.

August 20-30 – Foodie Fest. Local restaurants team up to offer you a chance to experience some of the areas’ best cuisine at an appetizing price. Check out their FB page for participating restaurants and how to win a $50 gift card.

August 21 – Karaoke with BJ the DJ. 8:30pm – 1am. Northgate Soda Shop. Trivia with Judy Mc will start back the 3rd Friday in September. Preview questions…Summer Trivia and subjects TBD.

August 22 – Greenville Humane Society Mutt Strut. 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Greenville Tech campus and along the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail. Sponsored by Papa John’s, the Mutt Strut is South Carolina’s largest dog-friendly race with a 2-mile run/walk course. Proceeds benefit the Greenville Humane Society and the homeless pets in their care. This year’s event features an expanded vendor village called the Mutt Market, complimentary refreshments, live entertainment and special attractions. Last year more than 1,800 people and 1,500 dogs participated in the race and this year’s event is expected to be even larger.

August 29 – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Certificate in Native Plant Studies… BASIC BOTANY. Certificate in Native Plant Studies. The South Carolina Botanical Garden (SCBG) and the South Carolina Native Plant Society (SCNPS) are excited to announce a Certificate in Native Plant Studies program that will begin in August. It is offered three times this fall and twice this coming February.

September 19 – Project Rx. An opportunity to dispose of unwanted or expired prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and veterinary medications. 10am -2pm at various locations, including McAlister Square, ST. FRANCIS millennium near CU-ICAR, and Greenville Memorial Hospital.

September 27 – Safe Harbor’s True Grit Oyster Roast at The Community Tap. The ultimate “Sunday Funday” for the North Main community – come celebrate Fall with oysters, barbecue, libations from The Community Tap, live music, childrens’ activities, a silent auction and more! All proceeds will support Safe Harbor, a local nonprofit organization providing services for victims of domestic violence and their children. Tickets are $40 per person; children ages 12 and younger are free of charge. Ticket price includes oysters, barbeque buffet, beverages, and live music. Register online today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/true-grit-oyster-roast-at-the-community-tap-tickets-17033875

October 24 – North Main Yard Sale. Northgate Soda Shop. Watch for more details.

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

NMCA Newsletter (8/15)

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