Business owners, residents press Greenville leaders for action on downtown encampments and safety

Business owners and residents told the Greenville City Council at its meeting that persistent downtown encampments and related behavior — from people charging appliances at public outlets and sleeping on benches to public urination and occasional threats — are harming commerce and public safety.

Paul Fellers, a downtown resident, told the council: "We need to get it cleaned up," and urged officials to act after business owners and customers reported trash, public urination and people congregating near the gazebo and sidewalks.

Ken Steep, who lives at and operates a business at 607 South Broadway, asked the council to "please help us solve this problem," suggesting removal of a bench outside his building as a targeted, immediate measure to reduce congregations that customers avoid. His wife, Michelle Steo, said patrons have left the splash pad and stores because they felt unsafe; "We were scared at the splash pad. We packed up and left," she said.

City officials described a two-track response: short-term enforcement of offenses that are prosecutable (littering, disorderly conduct, menacing, trespassing where parks are closed) and a longer-term, multi-agency effort to address root causes. The mayor and council said they convened a meeting for Friday with community-action and Tri-County mental-health representatives to coordinate housing, addiction and behavioral-health options.

Police Chief Benji urged residents to document incidents and report time-sensitive violations to officers, saying photos and calls help prosecutions: "If you see something and you can take a picture... that'll help us with our case." City staff also said they will disable downtown electrical outlets used to power microwaves and small refrigerators in congregating spots and will reinforce posted park hours; officials reiterated that city-owned parks are closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

City leaders acknowledged legal constraints on blanket enforcement of homelessness. Council members and the law director cited the city encampment ordinance and the constitutional limits courts have applied; they said encampment enforcement typically requires offering a placement option or shelter first, and that many private shelters are full or have eligibility limits. Officials therefore described the planned meeting as an attempt to assemble alternatives that would permit stronger enforcement when individuals repeatedly refuse offered placements.

The council did not adopt new ordinances at the meeting; members instead mapped out operational steps (outlet disablement, signage, targeted enforcement) and a Friday coordination meeting to pursue both service and enforcement pathways. Grace Resurrection Church reported that its meal service has roughly doubled (to about 600 meals per month), a sign to officials of rising demand for social supports.

Council members urged business owners and residents to report incidents promptly to the police business line so officers can respond and document violations for potential court action. The council plans follow-up discussion after the Friday meeting and asked staff to return with implementation options and any needed legislative steps.