Residents urge continued parks investment, new tree ordinance and changes to downtown liquor rules; Camping World dispute draws criticism

Greenville residents used the city council’s public comment period Monday to press the council on parks funding and care, adopt a stronger tree canopy ordinance, revisit downtown liquor rules and raise concerns about a local Camping World business's compliance with city ordinances.

Why it matters: Public comment highlighted recurring issues—park maintenance and investments, preserving mature canopy trees, and downtown regulatory barriers for small businesses—that affect quality of life and local commerce. One speaker also criticized Camping World for violating a city ordinance, a topic that has generated public attention.

What speakers said - Parks and Recreation: Gary Fenton, a former director of Greenville Recreation & Parks, urged the council to maintain financial support for parks and facilities and called parks “part of the cake itself,” saying, “So please take care of it as well as Greenville's other great parks and facilities.” He described Elm Street Park and Wildwood Park as long‑term community assets.

- Downtown liquor rules/bar 2022: Mickey Ragsdale, owner of the Aji store in Downtown Greenville, said she pivoted her downtown retail business to add wine service and was blocked by a local ordinance she said is outdated. She told council she had been “turned down” for a liquor license; Kevin Morris (speaking after her) and Council members noted Bar 2022 was intended to allow limited liquor privileges downtown but currently restricts eligibility by a 2,000‑square‑foot footprint rule that can exclude otherwise qualifying businesses. Council and staff said the matter is scheduled for a workshop next month to consider Bar 2022 and the 500‑foot separation rule.

- Tree canopy and ordinance requests: Roseanne Davis and Jill…