Greenville County Invites Residents to Shape Future Growth and Development
Greenville, S.C. – Five years ago, Greenville County took a big step towards its future by adopting a comprehensive plan designed to guide growth and development up until 2040. Now, as part of a necessary five-year review, county leaders are looking to hear from you, the community. This is a chance to share your thoughts on how Greenville should evolve over the coming years, and your input is invaluable!
Seeking Voices of the Community
On Wednesday evening, a community input meeting was held in Travelers Rest, where the Planning Director, Rashida Jeffers-Campbell, spoke about the importance of this comprehensive plan. “It provides us a guide on how we think about and the decisions we make relative to land use, housing, transportation, and environmental protection,” she shared. With recent census data and projections about population growth in hand, the planning team is keen to understand how much growth residents are ready to accept.
“Now that council has made progress in implementing regulations that focus growth in areas with existing infrastructure, it raises an important question,” Jeffers-Campbell continued. “How much can you take on, and how much are you willing to support?”
Concerns from Residents
As the discussion rolled on, it became clear that many residents have concerns regarding development and the impact on local roads. “We live in a fairly rural area, and traffic has already begun to exceed the capacity of the singular road we have,” expressed Gary Schwartz, a local resident. This sentiment resonates with many who fear that rapid development might overwhelm their tranquil lifestyle.
Take Part in the Survey
To facilitate community feedback, the county has opened a survey inviting residents to express their views on density and growth. However, not everyone is happy with the format. Resident Ruth Albright criticized the survey, stating, “The survey was really, in my opinion, not well designed because it only provided options like two units per acre, three units per acre, or five units per acre.” She and some others feel that there should be more flexible options available, especially for those who prefer lower density.
Residents hinted that many would like more choices in the survey regarding density, but Jeffers-Campbell clarified. The currently allowed lower densities are included, but the plan needs to reflect projected growth in urban areas. “We have to make space in the urbanized area,” she said. “It’s about aligning policy with reality instead of pushing for densities that might occur naturally.”
Realities of Development
Despite the community’s input sessions and the countless discussions, some residents, like Albright, remain skeptical. “Development is happening whether it’s consistent with the plan or not,” she commented, raising concern about the effectiveness of the planning efforts.
Next Steps and Meetings
For those eager to share their thoughts or learn more about how the process works, there’s another opportunity coming up! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 18th, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Piedmont Community Center. It’s a great chance to voice your opinions and perhaps influence how Greenville continues to grow and change. If you’d like to see the current plan or get additional details about the review process, check the appropriate county resources.
Greenville is on the cusp of new developments, and your voice matters! Don’t miss the chance to take part in shaping the community while balancing growth with the needs of residents. Every input counts in crafting a better future for all!
