Dear Neighbors and Friends,

It is my hope that this Update will provide you useful information about your City and community.  If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at jdeworken@greenvillesc.gov or on my cell phone at 864.905.5529.

Summer Memories

Sunnie and I hope that you are taking time this summer to make great memories with family and friends. Our oldest, Hatch, who just turned 3, caught his first fish this summer! However, he was very suspicious of the “fish with the whiskers.” Townsend, our youngest who turned 1 in June, took his first steps this past week. Since he may be the fastest crawler on the planet, it may be a while until he picks it up for good.

Roundabouts Slowing Cars Down on Chick Springs

In an effort to slow cars down on Chick Springs Road and for our children to more safely travel between North Main and Stone Lake neighborhoods, and to the pool, the City is implementing roundabouts at the intersections of Twin Lake Road and Northwood Ave. The roundabout at Twin Lake is about done (pictured below) and work should begin shortly at the Northwood Avenue intersection.

North Main Rotary Park Getting Some TLC

Although this park is a real gem of the neighborhood, it has been in subpar shape for some time now. Sparing you the details of disrepair, we pulled in City staff, community leaders, and experts to take a deep dive to assess the park. As a result, staff has done a good job sprucing up the park. I hope you’ve noticed. But, more importantly, we are in the process of putting together a plan to improve it even more and to do it with regularity. 

Saying that, I welcome your input and thoughts on improvements you’d like to see (email me at jdeworken@greenvillesc.gov).

City leadership, community leaders and I met this month to chart a path forward to provide the neighborhood with a park with which we all would be proud.

North Main Rotary Park Volunteer Day Scheduled

The Greenville Rotary Club and the North Main Community Association have scheduled a North Main Rotary Park volunteer day for August 29th.  Shift sign-ups are available HERE.

Pedestrian Safety Improving on Stone Avenue

The repaving of Stone Avenue is commencing over the next several weeks. As a result, SCDOT and City staff are taking this time to improve pedestrian crossings along the corridor, including the Stone Avenue and North Main Street intersection. In fact, as you see below, pedestrian crossing striping will be greatly improved; and, new bike lanes will be created, which will all make for a safer intersection for walkers, cyclists and drivers.

Downtown Large-Scale Mural In Progress

Award-winning Australian artist Guido van Helten is creating a photorealistic mural on the façade of the eight-story building located at 301 College Street. Watch out for it to be revealed over the next few weeks.  For more information, click HERE.

Important City Initiatives Underway

Citizens Advisory Committee on Public Safety continues its work in the areas of “Use of Force,” body worn cameras and reviewing the Public Safety Citizens Review Board. The Committee will provide Council and staff a full report in the coming weeks. The Infill Task Force also is working long hours to provide recommendations to Council on its findings related to infill and neighborhoods. And, Council should hear from staff regarding its recommendations on how to improve to the City’s Tree Ordinance. Council intends to significantly strengthen the tree ordinance to try to achieve no net loss in canopy.

South Downtown Master Plan Continues

To see the latest information about the area located between Augusta Street and Church Street, which is south of County Square, click HERE.

Be Informed and Prepared About Emergencies

The City of Greenville has launched a new communication tool called CodeRED to keep you informed and prepared for any emergencies that may occur in our community. To review or add your emergency contact information, click HERE and click on the CodeRED logo and enter your information.

Census Workers Begin Home Visits

This week, Census workers will begin visiting homes in our area that have not responded to the 2020 Census. If someone visits your home to collect information for the Census, please check to make sure they have a valid ID badge that includes their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. Or, you can complete form online HERE.

Register for Upstate Forever’s Citizens Planning Academy

This event is designed to appeal to a lunch-and-learn audience eager to better understand what comprehensive plans like GVL2040 can and CAN’T do, how comp plans actually get implemented and much more about the city’s land use decision-making processes. Click HERE to learn more about the fall academy. Registration closes Sunday, August 30.

Thank You

From my family to yours, thank you for all you do for Greenville. I truly believe that it is the amazing people who make this a wonderful community.

John

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

It is my hope that this Update will provide you useful information about your City and community. If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at jdeworken@greenvillesc.gov or on my cell phone at 864.905.5529.

Independence Day

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July and had time to spend it with family and friends. Sunnie and I spent the day with our family. We were even part of a parade of cars dressed to the patriotic nines at my Mom’s senior living facility.

Here is Hatch, our oldest, discovering for the first time the wonders of a Klondike Bar after the parade!

Lions Will Stay at the Greenville Zoo!

Our City Council has a commitment to creating the best small Zoo in America. “Either do it well or don’t do it at all” is what I believe. Thankfully, other Council members feel the same. So, we got to work this year to bring more financial sustainability back to the Zoo… and to save the lions! I am happy to say that the lions will stay. And, though there is more work to do on the financial side of things, we have taken the right initial steps.

Harris Teeter Not Far from Opening

I recently was given a tour of the Northpointe location, including the new Harris Teeter. Wow! 56,000 square feet of grocery store space, including its produce section that didn’t seem to end. And, this is not just some average grocery store – this is the flagship store model for Harris Teeter, which includes an extended hot foods bar, a beer and wine bar, drive through pharmacy, and expanded organic and specialty food section, as well as a sit-down eating area.

Opening date? Sooner than you may think!

Chick Springs Getting More Lighting

In a large-scale effort to make Chick Springs Road safer for pedestrians and children, the City is working with Duke Energy to provide more and better lighting on Chick Springs Road. You should see changes in the next couple of weeks!

Stone Ave Ready for a Makeover

The City will spend the next couple of months improving Stone Avenue’s infrastructure. In the next week or so, more on-site cameras will be installed. This smart technology helps with traffic flow (Note: state law prohibits cameras from being used for traffic violations).

Following the cameras, ADA ramps along the road will be improved. And, finally, patching, milling and paving will occur in August. Though that is good news, we must continue to work to slow the cars down!

East Park Gets Speed Humps, Reduced Speed Limit

This historic neighborhood, which is situated between three major thoroughfares (Stone Ave, Academy, and Church Street) and which includes a major park, residential homes, and a school, has been abused for years by relentless cut-through traffic and cars going too fast.

Now, relief has come in the form of speed humps, called “speed tables,” which will slow traffic down. Additionally, the speed limit was reduced to 25 MPH from 30 MPH. Special thanks goes to SC DOT for allowing the City to alter this state road.

Stone Academy Gets New Sidewalks

Thanks to the leadership of former three-term City Council member Amy Ryberg Doyle, who represented the North Main area for 12 years, and other community leaders, including Susan McLarty and PTA members, Stone Academy has some new sidewalks!

The sidewalks around Stone Academy are part of the “Safe Routes to School” grant with the SCDOT, which is awarded to schools that demonstrate the need and have the established key partnerships to carry it through.

According to the USDOT, Safe Routes to School (SRTS) promotes walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools, safety education, and incentives to encourage walking and bicycling to school. Nationally, 10%–14% of car trips during morning rush hour are for school travel. SRTS initiatives improve safety and levels of physical activity for students.

NCAA Sports in Greenville City

Congratulations to Greenville City’s Bob Jones University for being provisionally accepted into NCAA Div. III sports! Dr. Neal Ring, BJU’s director of athletics said, “This is a great day for Bob Jones University.” The provisional status lasts for three years before BJU has the opportunity to join as a full member.

Scandinavian-Inspired Day Spa Coming to East North!

New development continues to grow along the E. North Street corridor! Located at 1617 E. North Street near downtown and opening in August, just a couple of blocks down from Fork and Plough, here is what owner Karen Weaver says about her new day spa:

“OASE: oh-ay-suh {Danish for oasis} oasis: a pleasant or peaceful area in the midst of a hectic place or situation.

We all need a bit of a resting place, a refuge, if you will, from the pull of each day’s responsibilities. At OASE Day Spa, we are carefully curating the experience everyone deserves when they take a break for self care.”

Thank you for all that you do for our community.

John

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

It is my hope that this Update will provide you useful information about your City and community. If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at jdeworken@greenvillesc.gov or on my cell phone at 864.905.5529.

Thank you for all that you do for our community.

– John

Taking a Stand Against Racism

I was proud to stand against racism at a rally in downtown Greenville with hundreds of neighbors and friends, and alongside Mayor Knox White, Rep. Chandra Dillard, Rep. Jason Elliott, Councilwoman Lillian Flemming, and Councilman Ken Gibson.

Greenville Mayor Knox White, who spoke to the crowd, had this to say about the event: “I believe words have power, but it takes action to create meaningful change. Less than two weeks ago I stood on the steps of the Peace Center plaza and mourned the loss of George Floyd with a group of young activists. I asked the black men in the crowd to raise their hands. I told them, “This is your City.” I meant it and I mean it for all people of color in Greenville.”

Greenville PD Use of Force Policy Being Reviewed

I am a proud supporter of our police. And, I am proud that our citizens and law enforcement clearly set themselves apart from other cities in the last few weeks. However, we must intentionally listen and we must work harder to continue improving the way in which public safety is carried out in Greenville City.

That is why Council and staff are proposing a nine-member Citizen Advisory Panel on Public Safety to be formally established at the June 22 Council meeting; and for the Panel to provide a report to Council within 60 days.

The Panel is intended to improve the communication flow between the police department and the community and develop a dialogue about Greenville policing. The panel will review the GPD Use of Force policy and the composition, duties and responsibilities of the Public Safety Citizens Review Board. Panel members will be asked to review GPD training and minority hiring practices, as well.

Furthermore, it is important to note that GPD adheres to #8can’twait recommendations. The GPD:

• Bans the use of chokeholds, strangleholds and neck restraint
• Requires de-escalation before the use of force
• Requires verbal warning before the discharge of weapon where practical
• Mandates intervention when another officer witnesses improper conduct
• Requires comprehensive reporting to a supervisor when force is used
• Utilizes a use-of-force continuum
• Requires an officer get out of the way of a moving vehicle rather than fire into it

City Seeking Your Input on Residential Infill Development

Neighborhoods are an essential fabric of our community. It is where we live, play, and raise our families. That is why we must make sure any growth or new infill compliments existing neighborhoods. As a result, the City recently created an Infill Task Force to look at what the City is doing well and where it needs work; and then incorporate those recommendations into policy.

As part of that process, the City is launching the first of a series of short surveys to determine how residents and community stakeholders view infill development in residential areas today. Please take a moment to fill out this survey HERE.

Last Day for the GVL2040 Virtual Open House

Today is the last day that the City of Greenville will be hosting a live virtual open house for the comprehensive plan update process. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with members of the consultant team from czb and Ingalls Planning & Design during a live virtual meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The meeting password is GVL2040 and the zoom link can be found HERE.

Friendly Reminders

Don’t forget to fill out your 2020 census.  Information can be found HERE. And, don’t forget to wear your mask to slow the spread of COVID-19.

City Council Approves Next Year’s Budget

Greenville City Council unanimously approved the City’s FY 2021 budget.  Expenditures are at $101 million.

Greenville will continue to invest in:

• Public safety and first responders
• Economic development
• Affordable housing
• Road safety, neighborhood traffic calming, trail improvements
• Day-to-day service to our community

Budget highlights include:

• $1 million for new sidewalk construction
• $2 million for affordable housing
• $500,000 for intersection safety improvements
• $750,000 for new Economic Development Initiatives
• $3.75 million for wastewater system rehabilitation
• $3.5 million for bridges for Swamp Rabbit Trail expansion
• $1.3 million Stormwater improvement projects
• $1 million for street resurfacing

Let me know if you have a question about one of these line items or another not listed.

TD Saturday Market Resumes

The City was excited to have South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers officially open this year’s TD Saturday Market. It was great to see all of the vendors, farmers and neighbors enjoying downtown.

I was honored to join Commissioner Weathers in officially opening the TD Saturday Market.

Remembering the Emanuel Nine

It was five years ago this week that South Carolina lost nine of her citizens with the senseless killing at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. Included in those lost was a friend to all of us who worked at the South Carolina State House. His name, Clementa Pinckney. Clementa was a reverend and state senator from Jasper County. He was larger than life, with a soft deep voice, who cared deeply for people. Please take a moment this week to pray for Senator Pinckney, the Mother Emanuel Nine and their families.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you. It is my honor.

– John

Parade Route Set to Honor Graduating Seniors!

Well done to all of our graduating seniors; and well done parents! To celebrate these accomplished young people and honor their hard work, parents organized a parade of seniors (in cars) this Friday, beginning at 5PM. The seniors will be escorted by the Greenville Police Department and even a Greenville fire engine!

To Honor These Seniors:

• Help spread the word to neighbors and friends.
• Decorate homes/sidewalks along the route to help celebrate!
• Walk to the parade route if convenient.
• Pull cars into driveways to help clear the route.
• And, follow social distancing guidelines.

Business Recovery Task Force Continues Work

As a member of the Greenville Business Recovery Task Force, which was a coordinated effort between the City, the County, the Chamber and the GADC, I and others were tasked with determining how to best support businesses in their efforts to open their doors. Issues include but are not limited to: supporting small businesses, looking at grants and loans, travel & tourism, office space, getting back to work, and communications. These efforts will be ongoing.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

TD Market Coming Soon!

Staff and Council are working with farmers, vendors and others to open the Saturday Market sometime in June.

City/State Ease Restrictions on COVID Issues

The City has been focused on how to best address COVID-19.  Here are some of the recent actions by the City and State:

• Governor eased restrictions on dining-in, so as to allow capacity at 50%
• City expanded service areas for restaurants in many public spaces
• Falls Park and Cleveland Park now open
• Swamp Rabbit Trail now open
• TD Saturday Market opening in June
• City conducting business by phone and on-line
• Support to local businesses provided through the Business Recovery Committee
• Eliminated late penalties for business license fees, essentially delaying payments for businesses if they so desired

To view City information on COVID-19, CLICK HERE.

To view business resources regarding COVID-19, CLICK HERE.

Other Pertinent Information:

To view the Governor’s Executive Orders, CLICK HERE.

SC Department of Employment and Workforce COVID-19 info, CLICK HERE.

Infill Task Force to Begin Work

Neighborhoods are an essential fabric of our community. It is where we live, play and raise our families. That is why we must make sure any growth or infill compliments existing neighborhoods. As a result, the City recently created an Infill Task Force to look at what the City is doing well and what needs work; and then incorporate those recommendations into policy.

If you have any suggestions for this Task Force or issue, please email me at JDeWorken@GreenvilleSC.gov.

I hope this provides you a highlight of some issues we are discussing. Always feel free to contact me. You can call my cell (or text) at 864.905.5529 or email me at JDeWorken@GreenvilleSC.gov.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you. It is my honor.

John