‘It’s like a dream come true:’ Greenline-Spartanburg Neighborhood Draft Plan Unveiled
An exciting development has emerged for the small, charming neighborhood nestled between East North Street and Wade Hampton Boulevard. This sector, known as Greenline-Spartanburg, which has been feeling the pressures from burgeoning growth and city development received a significant boost, courtesy of the City of Greenville. City officials and consultants unveiled the first draft of an all-new master plan for the neighborhood, marking the city’s first attempt in more than two decades to manage growth and development in the district.
Residents who form a part of the steering committee and have been liaising with the consultants, couldn’t be happier with the draft. “It’s like a dream come true,” expressed an exuberant resident.
An Inclusive Development Plan
Residents confirmed that the plan considered all crucial aspects discussed in the numerous meetings since the plan’s inception in February. Not only did it consider the charm of their close-knit community, but it equally recognized areas needing improvement.
The project manager with consulting firm Arcadis, believes that the Greenline-Spartanburg neighborhood has a rich narrative worth telling and echoed the residents’ sentiments about the master plan being the catalyst to amplify this unique neighborhood.
Prioritizing Traffic, Pedestrian Safety, and Affordable Housing
At the heart of the master plan is a comprehensive strategy addressing traffic woes, pedestrian safety, and affordable housing. The plan preserves 60% of the new housing as affordable, thereby ensuring the characteristic charm of the neighborhood, embodied by existing affordable residences, remains unscathed. This thoughtful approach also holds potential for residents forced to relocate, who could now potentially return to the place they once called home.
Shaping the Future of Greenline-Spartanburg Neighborhood
Further, the blueprint forms a vision for expansive street improvements to cater to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It proposes the creation of safe intersections, the addition of a new bridge to enhance connectivity, and other enhancements such as streetlights, swings, a downtown overlook site, and a community park. Residents envision that as the city expands, such dedicated measures allow for the history to be preserved and for residents to identify with their surroundings.
While the entire blueprint may not translate into reality, the draft will nonetheless serve as a valuable guide for city planners. The plan is awaiting further feedback from residents before it is submitted to the city council for final adoption.
