Greenville City Council Approves Major Redevelopment Plans to Transform Laurens Road and Alleviate West End Parking Issues

Exciting Developments on the Horizon for Greenville, S.C.

Greenville, South Carolina, is buzzing with energy following a city council meeting held Monday night. A host of key topics were on the agenda, promising to bring about some positive changes to the area. Let’s take a closer look at what was discussed, including the much-anticipated redevelopment of Laurens Road and plans to relieve parking issues in the West End.

LThe Laurens Road Redevelopment Project

First up on the discussion board was the Laurens Road Redevelopment Project, an initiative aimed at revitalizing a stretch of road that, while home to popular chain stores and car dealerships, has plenty of vacant spaces waiting for new ideas. Mayor Knox White expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the city’s desire to see high-quality development rather than just “a bunch of big box stores” and endless asphalt parking lots. This is a chance to create something special!

The council has voted to work with Verdae Development to create a vision plan for the area stretching from Verdae Boulevard to Haywood Road. With over 100 land parcels on this mile-long stretch, the potential for growth is immense. “We want to support and preserve all of the existing businesses on the corridor while complementing them with new entries and more people who can live, work, and play in that particular section of our city,” said Councilman Wil Brasington, who represents the area.

But that’s not all! Following this meeting, the city is gearing up for a series of public input opportunities. Residents will have a chance to share their thoughts through a public hearing and a second vote slated for December 9th. Brasington added that the team is considering projects that could include workforce housing, improved streetscapes, and more diverse businesses that will benefit the community.

West End Parking Garage Initiative

Another hot topic of discussion was the city council’s initial approval for a new parking garage in the West End. Folks living and visiting the area are well aware of the ongoing parking struggles, and developers from RocaPointe, who have also worked on University Ridge, have stepped up to help. They plan to build and operate a brand new 400-space parking garage on Howe Street, with the project expected to be completed by February of 2026. The city plans to assist in funding the project once the contract is signed, bringing some much-needed relief to the area.

Debris Hauling Update

Dave Derrick, who reported that crews have collected a whopping 150,000 cubic yards of debris in just one week! That’s quite an achievement, but Derrick urged the public to remain patient as the city’s 18 large trucks make multiple rounds throughout Greenville. The crews are handling all types of debris but may leave behind larger tree trunks for later pickup.

Additionally, Derrick is working with FEMA to get permission for debris pickup in gated communities and commercial businesses, making sure that no one is left behind. For anyone curious about the timeline and procedures, the city has set up a FAQ section to provide further information.

Abandoned Building Certifications

Wrapping up the meeting, the council received a briefing about two projects looking to secure state income tax credits for buildings located on what are perceived as abandoned sites. These projects are another step towards breathing new life into overlooked areas of the city.

With all these initiatives in motion, it’s clear that Greenville is working hard to enhance the community for residents and visitors alike. Exciting times lie ahead as city leaders focus on creating a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive environment throughout Greenville.