Greenville implements multimodal improvements and affordable housing initiatives for community impact

The Greenville City Council held a work session on May 12, 2025, focusing on various infrastructure, recreation, sustainability, and economic development initiatives. The meeting highlighted significant progress made over the past two years in enhancing the city's transportation and recreational facilities.

The session began with an overview of recent infrastructure improvements, including the installation and repair of sidewalks and accessible ramps, totaling over 500 new ramps and enhancements to more than 11 miles of bicycle lanes. Notably, the East Perkins Mill traffic safety improvement project was discussed, which introduced raised intersections to improve safety at key intersections.

The Church Street Bridge project, which commenced on April 15, was also a focal point. The city has implemented detour routes to mitigate traffic congestion during construction, supported by a public awareness campaign titled "Scout Your Route." So far, these measures have successfully maintained traffic flow around the bridge.

The Swamp Rabbit Trail's expansion was announced, with a new extension through the North Main community expected to enhance connectivity. Additionally, the Verde Pedestrian Bridge project is set to improve access between key areas of the city, with bids received for construction.

The council also discussed the city's $36 million Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond, which aims to improve connectivity and infrastructure. The bond's success was underscored by the generation of nearly $2 million in premiums, increasing the total capital project budget.

In the realm of recreation and sustainability, the council celebrated the 20th anniversary of Falls Park and discussed ongoing projects at Unity Park, including the nearing completion of the Thomas and Vivian Wong Honor Tower and the construction of Mayberry Park, set to open in August. The city is also enhancing older parks and developing new community spaces, such as the inclusive Brooks Playground in Cleveland Park.

The Greenville Zoo received recognition for its continued accreditation and introduced new species and exhibits, furthering its commitment to conservation and education. The city has also made strides in sustainability, including the hiring of a sustainability coordinator and the establishment of a resilience hub in the new Nicholtown neighborhood community center.

Affordable housing initiatives were highlighted, with the city utilizing local and state accommodation tax revenue to support workforce housing projects. The council is actively engaging with community leaders to address homelessness through the Greenville Together initiative, which aims to reduce unsheltered homelessness.

Economic development efforts were emphasized, with the city attracting high-impact industries and facilitating significant projects, including the establishment of a new tax increment financing district to support redevelopment. The council reported streamlined permitting processes, resulting in reduced review times for residential and commercial projects.

In conclusion, the Greenville City Council's work session showcased a comprehensive approach to improving infrastructure, enhancing recreational spaces, promoting sustainability, and fostering economic growth, all aimed at enriching the quality of life for residents. The council plans to continue these initiatives, with several projects set to be completed in the coming months.