Greenville Rethinks Neighborhood Planning with Focus on Haynie-Sirrine
In a city that’s buzzing with growth and development, Greenville, South Carolina is rolling up its sleeves to tackle some outdated neighborhood master plans. The first target? The Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood, a lovely area located near the heart of downtown at County Square. A recent meeting held by the city’s planning commission marked an exciting step forward, as they voted to push the updated master plan to the city council for consideration.
Time for a Change
It’s been more than 20 years since the previous master plan for Haynie-Sirrine was created, and as you can imagine, a lot has changed since 2002. Local resident, John Slipke, expressed his enthusiasm about the new draft plan, stating that it covers essential priorities and concerns of homeowners and sets a fresh vision for the future.
The city has witnessed significant developments over the years, leading to some pressing development pressures in the area. “As these communities evolve based on development and jobs, it’s vital to maintain the initial plan of what you’re trying to do,” said planning commissioner Pamela Adams, highlighting the need to adapt while also honoring the neighborhood’s identity.
Listening to the Residents
One of the most exciting aspects of the new plan is that it directly reflects what the local residents want. The community voiced its top priorities, which include affordable housing, traffic control, and greenspace. According to city development planner Michael Frixen, these are crucial values that need to be addressed as Greenville looks toward the future, particularly with the city’s vision for 2040 in mind.
It’s clear that the city is not just drafting plans but is also ready to put those plans into action. Already, investments are being made as the city gears up to purchase six acres of land for housing and construct a new road to improve traffic flow. This proactive approach could be a game-changer for Haynie-Sirrine.
Next Steps for Approval
The next step involves the city council, who will vote on whether to officially adopt the new master plan. This vote will be a vital step in ensuring that the community’s desires are translated into tangible outcomes.
Wider Community Plans
But it’s not just Haynie-Sirrine that’s getting some love. The city is also working on revising other neighborhood plans, including Greenline-Spartanburg and the Village of West Greenville. The hope is to bring those neighborhoods into alignment with the modern needs and aspirations of their residents as well.
Development Code Changes
Interestingly, the affordable housing incentives available for developers to build taller buildings in exchange for including affordable units have yet to be utilized. Frixen mentioned that there are upcoming projects that may take advantage of this incentive, which could create more affordable housing options as Greenville continues to grow.
Looking Ahead
Commissioners have suggested that city staff organize a workshop session in the near future to allow for more discussion about the development code as a whole. There’s a collective understanding that active participation will help shape the future of Greenville, ensuring it truly reflects the needs and desires of its residents.
With all these exciting changes on the horizon, it’s an exciting time to be a resident of Greenville. The community spirit is alive and well, and as plans move closer to becoming a reality, it’s clear that Haynie-Sirrine and other neighborhoods will have the chance to thrive in the years to come.
