2011: The Year in Review
From an icy chill that turned the City of Greer into a winter wonderland in January to the warmth of holiday activities in December, 2011 held many memories.
January
Winter Storm Blankets Greer
Snow began falling in the early morning on January 10 and blanketed the city with eight inches before tapering off later in the day. For children and many adults, that meant days off from school and work.
For city employees, however, it meant the four days of around-the-clock vigilence to keep roads passable and emergency services active. As snow melted during the day and refroze overnight, roads became even more treacherous, so the city’s public services department had 12 workers man each day shift and four remain on duty overnight.
The crew logged 593 total hours, nearly 50 hours per person, over a three-and-a-half day period. In addition to manpower, the storm also put the city’s plows and spreaders to the test. All passed with flying colors.
“We used 120 tons of sand between three trucks,” said Skipper Burns, director of public services. “The six trucks we were running for both sanding and scraping covered 584 miles from early Monday through Wednesday night.”
Record Year for Parks and Recreation
The City of Greer Parks and Recreation Department raked in multiple state awards for both programming and leadership over the past two years. During her report to Greer City Council, department director Ann Cunningham pointed out a dramatic increase in athletic and recreation programs and special events that led to record participation by city residents.
A departmental reorganization included Red Watson’s promotion to assistant director of Recreation, to better serve city residents and to offer new programs and special events. Athletics programs for children and adults, the SOAR program for seniors, and programs ranging from the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Luncheon to summer camps were embraced by the community.
Growth was most noticeable in the three cornerstone programs hosted by the department: Moonlight Movies at Greer City Park, Greer Memorial Hospital Freedom Blast, and Village Hospital Christmas at Greer City Park. All experienced record crowds.
Greer police use forfeiture funds to help equip firefighters
Members of city departments regularly work together at festivals and special functions. Interdepartmental cooperation was particularly notable in January, when the City of Greer Police Department dipped into its shared assets fund to purchase four protective vests for city firefighters.
Emergency medical calls make up the majority of calls to the fire department and those first responders often arrive at the scene of an emergency before it has been completely secured. The vests provide security, allowing the emergency personnel to focus on treating injured individuals.
“We go to a lot of medical calls where there has been domestic violence or other crime,” Greer Fire Chief Chris Harvey said. “The vests should provide an extra measure of protection.”
February
Former Post Office is Historic
It’s been a New Deal-era post office, Greer City Hall, and now the Greer Heritage Museum. Thanks to Rose Marie Cooper Jordan, the building at 106 S. Main St. was added in February to the National Register of Historic Places.
Despite its three lives, the building owned by the City of Greer has remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1935. The three-year quest for a spot on the National Register of Historic Places included a full search of the building’s history, searching largely-forgotten documents, completing multiple forms, and repeated trips to Columbia. The National Park Service rewarded that effort in February and an official plaque from the S.C. Department of Archives and History was installed at the museum’s entrance in May.
"That is very significant as you come into the front door notifying that this a historic place here in Greer," planning and zoning coordinator Glenn Pace said. "It gives us great pride that this is a city building," said Glenn Pace,.
The City of Greer attained Certified Local Government status during 2010, permitting it to compete for state and federal grants designed to restore and preserve historic buildings. Pace was the city’s liaison in helping the building to earn historic status.
Dr. Jordan’s work was recognized in October by the Daughters of the American Revolution when she accepted the DAR Community Service Award.
March
Wireless Covers Greer Station
Thanks to a partnership between the City of Greer, Greer Commission of Public Works, and Main Street Wireless of Greenville, visitors to downtown Greer and Greer City Park were able to access free wireless Internet beginning in March. The service offers speeds of up to 3MG, which is comparable to basic DSL service.
Main Street Wireless installed three transmitters using Trade, Poinsett, Randall and Main streets as a perimeter. A transmitter also covers all of Greer City Park, where the only place you’ll find angry birds is on your mobile phone or PC.
You Are Now Free to Move About the Country
Local officials spoke excitedly when Southwest Airlines announced plans to begin service in March at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. The numbers have proven that such optimism was justified.
Through November, passenger traffic at GSP increased every month. With nonstop flights to Orlando, Houston, Nashville, Chicago, and Baltimore-Washington, local travelers discovered they no longer needed to drive to Charlotte or Atlanta for reasonable airfare. Southwest’s discount fares also sent notice to other carriers, which immediately reduced their fares from GSP.
The next domino fell in December, when GSP’s commissioners unanimously approved a $102 million renovation and expansion of the airport’s 49-year-old terminal.
“Basically, this project makes a great airport even better,” GSP spokeswoman Rosylin Weston said. “It furthers the dream that was here in the late 1950s, when people envisioned turning this farmland into a thriving regional airport.”
Tactical Analysis Leads to Drug Crackdown
Using prevention and enforcement strategies, including tactical analysis, to target illegal drug use and alcohol abuse, the Greer Police Department began targeting drug hot spots in the city with increased patrols assisted by the Criminal Investigation Division. The result was a 43.7 percent increase in total arrests.
Following the department’s planning retreat in March, Chief Dan Reynolds announced plans to reallocate existing resources to create a directed patrol unit to combat crime in the city by using pattern analysis and additional strategies.
City Dedicates the Wall Gallery
Don and Ellen Wall have always had their hearts set firmly in Greer. Following the dedication of the Wall Gallery in the Events Complex at Greer City Hall, the couple’s love of the city will forever be a part of the municipal center.
Don, who served two terms as mayor, and Ellen, a philanthropist and member of numerous civic organizations, were among the most ardent supporters of the Municipal Complex completed in 2008. The Wall Gallery, which hosts monthly showings by local artists, was fittingly dedicated as part of the city’s annual juried art show.
April
Greer Fire Department awarded FEMA grant
The Greer Fire Department was awarded a $13,545 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and added a $1,500 match grant for equipment needs. The funds were used to replace aging 3-inch and 1¾-inch hoses, as well as installing reflective tape on the back of city fire trucks.
“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians," Sen. Lindsey Graham said. “These grants will help our local fire departments and rescue squads by providing them the means to obtain the best equipment and training available.”
New City Limits in Cyberspace
The city limits of cyberspace took on a new look in April as the City of Greer debuted the new www.cityofgreer.org website. The first redesign of the city's website since 2004, it offered new features for both residents and visitors.
"For many, websites are the first stop when they are seeking information. This new site provides an opportunity for the city to communicate quickly and through a variety of media," City Administrator Ed Driggers said. "We hope the website's video capabilities, direct links to social media, and city news at the click of a mouse will help all users feel more connected to what's happening and the services that are available in the City of Greer."
The city contracted with the Revize Software Sytems of Michigan to provide the platform for the new site, which was designed and created by the city's communications office.
Amnesty Day: If You Accept It, They Will Come
A new state law banning unwanted electronics – dubbed e-waste -- from South Carolina landfills had a dramatic impact on the City of Greer’s annual Amnesty Day. This was the sixth year the city invited residents to drop off bulky and nuisance trash items that are not collected curbside, but the e-waste restrictions helped draw more than 300 residents to the Recycling Center – more than double the number of the past three years combined.
In addition to normal items such as pesticides and paint, workers saw a steady stream of cars with such e-waste items as old computers, printers, televisions, and cell phones.
The crew collected 353 pieces of electronic equipment, 2,199 gallons of paint, 28 batteries, and 131 containers of chemicals.
GPD Takes Back Unneeded Prescriptions
Keeping unwanted and unneeded prescription drugs out of the hands of teens and out of the public water system is the goal of the Greer Police Department’s “Take it Back” program which enjoyed another successful day at Walgreen’s in April.
Sgt. Chad Richardson, who oversees the program, collected more than 80 pounds of prescription drugs during the four hour stint. Visitors were able to drop off the drugs anonymously and all prescriptions were incinerated at the police department.
“This is our second collection. During the gap between the first collection and this one, we collected about 80 pounds from people just bringing it in to the department,” Sgt. Richardson said. “We would like to get to the point where we could do it monthly with the goal of collecting about 50 pounds per month. The more we get, the better it is for everyone.”
May
Southwest Airlines Magazine Features Greer
Greer and the Upstate were flying high in May when Southwest Airlines’ Spirit magazine featured a 40-page spread on the region.
With nearly 10 million passengers flying Southwest during any given month, the opportunity to highlight Greer’s people, places, events, and businesses in the free in-flight magazine is expected to pay dividends for years to come.
“We can’t be anything but extremely pleased with the exposure and our association with Southwest,” said Reno Deaton, executive director of the Greer Development Corporation. “It’s sort of the culmination of years and years of work to cultivate those assets that hopefully will translate into more economic opportunities for Greer.”
The special section, “Meet the Upstate of South Carolina,” was filled with references to the city’s economic opportunities, downtown, restaurants, festivals, parks, infrastructure for growth, and quality of life.
“In many ways the airplane traveler is a captive audience,” Deaton said. “This is put in front of them as a piece of collateral and production to attract attention for would be travelers and provide them some baseline information for our area.”
Providing the Opportunity to Just be a Kid
The City of Greer and the Greenville County School District partnered on a unique program that would prove to serve not only students but also an entire community.
The city used approximately $60,000 from its Hampton Road Tax Increment Financing District to purchase playground equipment, install fencing, park benches, and mulch at the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Child Development Center. The school district maintains the equipment and makes it available to children in the community after school hours.
Dr. Phinnize Fisher, superintendent of Greenville County Schools, and Greer Mayor Rick Danner cut the ribbon to open the playground. Creating that usable space was something former Dunbar student Bobby Mays, who now lives adjacent to the school, was pleased to see.
"We didn't have all the amenities that we have now, and I'm very happy to see it because the children here didn't have anything to do," Mays said. "We have a high concentration of children, different types of children, and they need something to play on instead of in the streets," he said.
Bringing Back “Peace and Tranquility”
Residents of the Sunnyside Community had two ways to respond to violence that shook the area late in 2010. They could secure their homes and hide or they could send a clear message that such acts are not acceptable.
They chose the latter, when more than 200 residents gathered at B.P. Edwards Park for a block party sponsored by Shalom Community Outreach, Think2xtwice.org, and the City of Greer.
Children learned about the power of community as they played in an inflatable bounce house, enjoyed food and drink, watched young men play basketball, and listened to church pastors speak of the power of unity and nonviolence.
"What we wanted to do was just bring some peace and tranquility back to the neighborhood and be able to give something back," said Marilyn Styles of Shalom Community Outreach.
Trio Honored for Lifesaving Skills
Protecting and saving lives is the job of Greer Fire Department personnel. That job description was brought into clear focus when Christie Hunnicutt, Chuck McConnell, and Casey Paris received a Cardiac Lifesaver Award from Greenville County for one of the “Top 10 Saves of 2010.”
Training and skill paid off and Hunnicutt and McConnell, both certified emergency medical technicians in addition to firefighters, and Paris, a volunteer working toward his certification, saved a heart attack victim. The basic training is something anyone can and should learn, according to Hunnicutt.
“Take CPR and first aid,” Hunnicutt said. “It doesn’t take long and plenty of agencies offer courses. The public needs to know these tools.”
June
No New Fees or Tax Increase in Budget
Good news greeted Greer City Council, when it approved a $17,588,375 million balanced budget for 2011-12 with no tax increase, no increase to millage, and no required mandatory furloughs or reduction to the city workforce.
Officials credited “zero based” budget planning for a strong 2010-11 budget that would return revenue to the city’s reserve fund tapped during the economic downturn, and planned accordingly for the new budget
July
The Upstate Celebrates Freedom in Greer
Falling on a date that made it the only Independence Weekend celebration in the Upstate, Greer Memorial Hospital Freedom Blast drew its largest-ever crowd for music, games, food, military salute, and a huge fireworks show.
In addition to contestants vying for the title of Greer Idol, entertainment included the Carolina All-Stars and the Professors of Souls. Greenville teen singer Kylie Hinze wrote and debuted “They Stand Tall” to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the festival presented by Greer Memorial Hospital created Patriots Pointe around the park’s pond with live patriotic music, the presentation of colors, a flag retirement ceremony, and the Missing Man Table Ceremony.
City’s PEG Channel Debuts on U-verse
A new group of Upstate residents gained access to City of Greer’s government television channel when AT&T U-verse began carrying the channel as part of its programming in late June.
The government channel, which includes information on local activities, services, programs, policies, and emergency information, as well as original programming, is also available on Channel 15 to Charter Cable subscribers in the City of Greer.
“The channel is one of the best sources of both general and specific information about city services and activities. We believe U-verse subscribers will discover what Charter subscribers have known for years — that the channel is a tremendous source for knowledge at a glance,” Assistant City Administrator Mike Sell said.
August
Earthquake Shakes Up Residents
The last thing anyone in the City of Greer was expecting on August 23 was to feel the earth move. However, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered northwest of Richmond, Va. was felt by many in the city.
Reports poured in from residents across the Upstate who were driving or at home or work, and Greer City Hall briefly swayed. Fortunately for all in the area, no damage or injuries were reported.
September
Harvest Market Returns to Greer City Park
An expanded Greer Harvest Market began its five-week run in September, offering fresh local produce, gourmet baked goods, jewelry, greenery and hand-crafted gifts from 22 vendors. Shoppers seemed to enjoy having a local market on Sunday afternoons.
“The market was everything we envisioned,” said Karl Rogozenski, city events coordinator for the city. “Other towns do the market on Saturday, but with football coming up it was best for us to have this on Sunday. People are more likely to come after church.”
October
City’s Fountain and Firefighters Look Good in Pink
The color pink has become synonymous with National Breast Cancer Awareness, particularly in October – the month designated to educate the public about breast cancer awareness. From national magazine covers to athletes’ clothing, the color pink dominates the landscape.
Visitors to Greer City Park found it difficult not to stop and stare as the fountain’s water was turned a vivid shade of pink for the month. Coins tossed into the fountain in October were donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to continue cancer research.
Members of the City of Greer Fire Department also joined the cause by wearing pink T-shirts during the month.
“First responders know how fragile life can be and this is a small way to remember those who have battled cancer, support those who currently have it or have beaten the disease, and honor those who are searching for a cure,” Greer Fire Chief Chris Harvey said.
Sandlapper Magazine Features Greer
Just five months after the City of Greer was included in Southwest Airlines’ in-flight magazine, the city stood alone in the spotlight in Sandlapper magazine.
The 2011 autumn edition of the magazine featured a five-page color spread entitled “Greer Finds its Niche”, highlighting the city’s history, public art, shopping, dining, business, and population.
Fun Meets Education at Lake Robinson Day
Hundreds attended the Lake Robinson Day of Celebration for an afternoon of fun. They also discovered it was a great opportunity to learn more about local services and programs.
The City of Greer’s stormwater division, parks and recreation department, and police department were all part of a stewardship fair held as part of the celebration, helping visitors discover safety tips, how to protect the lake and environs, enjoy the plant and animal life, and live in harmony with nature.
Greer Fire Department to Welcome Back 1941 Truck
An original 1941 Chevrolet open cab fire truck, formerly owned by the Greer Fire Department, will be donated back to the city after Greer City Council gave Fire Chief Chris Harvey approval to accept the gift from Allen Cullum of Texas.
A former city resident and developer of Bennett Business Park, Cullum purchased the truck in 1980 and offered it back to the city for use in parades and special events. Chief Harvey said GFD would like to refurbish the truck as a community project utilizing donations of services and money.
“Our plan is to refurbish the truck in time for the department’s 100th Fire Department anniversary in July 2014,” he said. “Mr. Cullum has kept the truck in reasonably good shape, using it around his neighborhood during Thanksgiving, July 4 and holidays.”
November
Economic Indicators Strong in Greer
Reno Deaton, executive director of Greer Development Corp., shared exciting news with Greer City Council: “We have the largest gross retail sales report we have ever had in the community,” he said, noting that the city’s $604 million in gross retail sales through October of 2011 outperformed 17 South Carolina counties, according to the state Department of Revenue.
The news came on the heels of other economic indicators that suggest Greer is trending in the right direction economically after a decade of rapid population growth. The city was experiencing an increase in both commercial and residential construction, and median household income climbed to $62,727 – more than double the median household in 1989.
“This is huge for us,” Mayor Rick Danner said. “We have positioned ourselves to take advantage of any turnaround in the economy. All indicators are that 2012 will be another good year.”
City Among 15 Communities to Receive Smart Growth Grant
The future of the Highway 29 corridor prompted the City of Greer to apply in October for a technical assistance grant from Smart Growth America. The city’s compelling application paid off, as it was one of just 15 communities awarded a grant made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.
The grant, which does not require matching funds, will make possible a transit oriented development 101 workshop to display both the short and long-term benefits to transportation and planning staff members from across the region, as well as business and community leaders.
“If we are successful in implementing a TOD vision for the Highway 29 corridor, we will link three major municipalities and a regional airport with enhanced transit service and foster economic development along the route. The creation of a regional transportation connection will increase employment opportunities for those without access to cars,” Danner said.
Former Gym Getting a Fresh New Look
Ask around and you’ll find that many still refer to the Horace McKown Center as the Cannon Street Gym. Construction crews moved onto the site in November, dramatically changing the interior of the building to the point that few would recognize it.
Constructed in 1936 as the Greer National Guard Armory, the facility is being renovated and will be put into use as part of the Events Complex at Greer City Hall. In addition to multipurpose event space, the building will accommodate Greer Cultural Arts with a black box theatre and office space.
With renovations expected to be completed in late spring of 2012, the facility will complement the rental space at Greer City Hall and provide an additional source of revenue for the city. Financing for the renovation was made possibly largely through the Hampton Roads TIF (tax increment financing) District supplemented by Community Block Development Grant funds. No general operating funds will be used.
“These are funds that must be used for a specific purpose,” Assistant City Administrator Mike Sell said. “They fit this renovation project perfectly.”
GPD Joins Effort to Curb Impaired Driving
The City of Greer partnered with the Town of Lyman and the Town of Duncan, pooling forfeiture money to purchase a new teaching tool they hope will curb the number of teen drivers who have died as a result of drunken driving.
The Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience (SIDNE) vehicle is a go-kart with controls that can simulate the effects of drugs and alcohol on a motorist's driving skills. It is the only teaching tool of its kind in the state according to Greer Police Chief Dan Reynolds.
"We can talk about impaired driving and what it's like and show videos, but this gives a person that actual experience so they know what it's like to drive impaired," Reynolds said.
Once a driver is comfortable with the kart, a trainer sends a signal to the vehicle causing the driver to lose control of steering. In addition to being used in schools and Alive at 25 programs, the system will be made available to local organizations.
December
City Council approves redistricting
Greer City Council marked a major milestone in the redistricting process it began in May, approving the redistricting ordinance and setting in motion the procedure for the Justice Department to approve the plan.
The process, which forced postponement of the city’s municipal election in November, was required after population growth reflected in the 2010 Census made the city’s six voting districts unbalanced. Mayor Rick Danner and councilmen Wayne Griffin and Wryley Bettis comprised an ad hoc committee that worked with the Office of Research and Statistics for the South Carolina Budget and Control Board in Columbia to draw up four potential maps with new districts based on census blocks.
Following discussion and public hearings, city council agreed on one map because it met redistricting guidelines and the districts remained similar by roads.
The Justice Department may take up to 60 days before approving or denying the map, and requests for additional information may add as many as 60 additional days.
Residents Love Village Hospital Christmas at Greer City Park
Village Hospital’s Christmas at Greer City Park provided the perfect setting for city residents ready to celebrate the holidays, selling out three sessions of Breakfast with Santa in just over one week and packing Greer City Park for a new twist on the City Tree Lighting Ceremony.
With the new “Holidays Around the World,” giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn more about the holidays in France, Haiti, Colombia, Germany and the traditions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, the Greer City Park promenade became an international gateway to inflatables, a drawing wall, and entertainment by The Foothills Philharmonic Orchestra. After arriving on a city fire truck complete with a police escort, Santa read “The Night Before Christmas” before joining Mayor Rick Danner to light the City Christmas Tree.
Decorations Had Visitors Seeing Red
Visitors to downtown Greer during December had an opportunity to win one of three restaurant gift cards by locating three red bulbs among the thousands of white lights in the city’s Christmas decorations in Greer Station.
The “Odd Bulb Out Holiday Hunt,” sponsored by the Greer Station Association and the City of Greer, had visitors looking up and seeing red during the holidays, drawing participants from as far away as Piedmont and Travelers Rest.
EPA, DHEC Share Results of Victor Mill Soil Evaluations
It took more than four months of demolishing old buildings and a water tower and removing nearly 24,000 tons of soil and debris, but the 21-acre Victor Mill site in Spartanburg County was transformed from an apparent war zone to an open grassy field
In December, Spartanburg County officials joined representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to share information about soil evaluations taken from the cleanup site and land use restrictions – a key to future redevelopment of the site.
They announced that groundwater use will be prohibited, access to Victor Creek limited, and covers will have to be installed over most of the property to protect against residual levels of PAHs, an organic chemical caused by burning coal. Any residential reuse would require a property management group responsible for maintaining the covers, which could range from buildings, pavement or even clean soil brought off-site.
Spartanburg County planned to offer the property to interested developers with the intent of at least recouping its $1.2 million investment to clean the site.
January
Winter Storm Blankets Greer
Snow began falling in the early morning on January 10 and blanketed the city with eight inches before tapering off later in the day. For children and many adults, that meant days off from school and work.
For city employees, however, it meant the four days of around-the-clock vigilence to keep roads passable and emergency services active. As snow melted during the day and refroze overnight, roads became even more treacherous, so the city’s public services department had 12 workers man each day shift and four remain on duty overnight.
The crew logged 593 total hours, nearly 50 hours per person, over a three-and-a-half day period. In addition to manpower, the storm also put the city’s plows and spreaders to the test. All passed with flying colors.
“We used 120 tons of sand between three trucks,” said Skipper Burns, director of public services. “The six trucks we were running for both sanding and scraping covered 584 miles from early Monday through Wednesday night.”
Record Year for Parks and Recreation
The City of Greer Parks and Recreation Department raked in multiple state awards for both programming and leadership over the past two years. During her report to Greer City Council, department director Ann Cunningham pointed out a dramatic increase in athletic and recreation programs and special events that led to record participation by city residents.
A departmental reorganization included Red Watson’s promotion to assistant director of Recreation, to better serve city residents and to offer new programs and special events. Athletics programs for children and adults, the SOAR program for seniors, and programs ranging from the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Luncheon to summer camps were embraced by the community.
Growth was most noticeable in the three cornerstone programs hosted by the department: Moonlight Movies at Greer City Park, Greer Memorial Hospital Freedom Blast, and Village Hospital Christmas at Greer City Park. All experienced record crowds.
Greer police use forfeiture funds to help equip firefighters
Members of city departments regularly work together at festivals and special functions. Interdepartmental cooperation was particularly notable in January, when the City of Greer Police Department dipped into its shared assets fund to purchase four protective vests for city firefighters.
Emergency medical calls make up the majority of calls to the fire department and those first responders often arrive at the scene of an emergency before it has been completely secured. The vests provide security, allowing the emergency personnel to focus on treating injured individuals.
“We go to a lot of medical calls where there has been domestic violence or other crime,” Greer Fire Chief Chris Harvey said. “The vests should provide an extra measure of protection.”
February
Former Post Office is Historic
It’s been a New Deal-era post office, Greer City Hall, and now the Greer Heritage Museum. Thanks to Rose Marie Cooper Jordan, the building at 106 S. Main St. was added in February to the National Register of Historic Places.
Despite its three lives, the building owned by the City of Greer has remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1935. The three-year quest for a spot on the National Register of Historic Places included a full search of the building’s history, searching largely-forgotten documents, completing multiple forms, and repeated trips to Columbia. The National Park Service rewarded that effort in February and an official plaque from the S.C. Department of Archives and History was installed at the museum’s entrance in May.
"That is very significant as you come into the front door notifying that this a historic place here in Greer," planning and zoning coordinator Glenn Pace said. "It gives us great pride that this is a city building," said Glenn Pace,.
The City of Greer attained Certified Local Government status during 2010, permitting it to compete for state and federal grants designed to restore and preserve historic buildings. Pace was the city’s liaison in helping the building to earn historic status.
Dr. Jordan’s work was recognized in October by the Daughters of the American Revolution when she accepted the DAR Community Service Award.
March
Wireless Covers Greer Station
Thanks to a partnership between the City of Greer, Greer Commission of Public Works, and Main Street Wireless of Greenville, visitors to downtown Greer and Greer City Park were able to access free wireless Internet beginning in March. The service offers speeds of up to 3MG, which is comparable to basic DSL service.
Main Street Wireless installed three transmitters using Trade, Poinsett, Randall and Main streets as a perimeter. A transmitter also covers all of Greer City Park, where the only place you’ll find angry birds is on your mobile phone or PC.
You Are Now Free to Move About the Country
Local officials spoke excitedly when Southwest Airlines announced plans to begin service in March at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. The numbers have proven that such optimism was justified.
Through November, passenger traffic at GSP increased every month. With nonstop flights to Orlando, Houston, Nashville, Chicago, and Baltimore-Washington, local travelers discovered they no longer needed to drive to Charlotte or Atlanta for reasonable airfare. Southwest’s discount fares also sent notice to other carriers, which immediately reduced their fares from GSP.
The next domino fell in December, when GSP’s commissioners unanimously approved a $102 million renovation and expansion of the airport’s 49-year-old terminal.
“Basically, this project makes a great airport even better,” GSP spokeswoman Rosylin Weston said. “It furthers the dream that was here in the late 1950s, when people envisioned turning this farmland into a thriving regional airport.”
Tactical Analysis Leads to Drug Crackdown
Using prevention and enforcement strategies, including tactical analysis, to target illegal drug use and alcohol abuse, the Greer Police Department began targeting drug hot spots in the city with increased patrols assisted by the Criminal Investigation Division. The result was a 43.7 percent increase in total arrests.
Following the department’s planning retreat in March, Chief Dan Reynolds announced plans to reallocate existing resources to create a directed patrol unit to combat crime in the city by using pattern analysis and additional strategies.
City Dedicates the Wall Gallery
Don and Ellen Wall have always had their hearts set firmly in Greer. Following the dedication of the Wall Gallery in the Events Complex at Greer City Hall, the couple’s love of the city will forever be a part of the municipal center.
Don, who served two terms as mayor, and Ellen, a philanthropist and member of numerous civic organizations, were among the most ardent supporters of the Municipal Complex completed in 2008. The Wall Gallery, which hosts monthly showings by local artists, was fittingly dedicated as part of the city’s annual juried art show.
April
Greer Fire Department awarded FEMA grant
The Greer Fire Department was awarded a $13,545 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and added a $1,500 match grant for equipment needs. The funds were used to replace aging 3-inch and 1¾-inch hoses, as well as installing reflective tape on the back of city fire trucks.
“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians," Sen. Lindsey Graham said. “These grants will help our local fire departments and rescue squads by providing them the means to obtain the best equipment and training available.”
New City Limits in Cyberspace
The city limits of cyberspace took on a new look in April as the City of Greer debuted the new www.cityofgreer.org website. The first redesign of the city's website since 2004, it offered new features for both residents and visitors.
"For many, websites are the first stop when they are seeking information. This new site provides an opportunity for the city to communicate quickly and through a variety of media," City Administrator Ed Driggers said. "We hope the website's video capabilities, direct links to social media, and city news at the click of a mouse will help all users feel more connected to what's happening and the services that are available in the City of Greer."
The city contracted with the Revize Software Sytems of Michigan to provide the platform for the new site, which was designed and created by the city's communications office.
Amnesty Day: If You Accept It, They Will Come
A new state law banning unwanted electronics – dubbed e-waste -- from South Carolina landfills had a dramatic impact on the City of Greer’s annual Amnesty Day. This was the sixth year the city invited residents to drop off bulky and nuisance trash items that are not collected curbside, but the e-waste restrictions helped draw more than 300 residents to the Recycling Center – more than double the number of the past three years combined.
In addition to normal items such as pesticides and paint, workers saw a steady stream of cars with such e-waste items as old computers, printers, televisions, and cell phones.
The crew collected 353 pieces of electronic equipment, 2,199 gallons of paint, 28 batteries, and 131 containers of chemicals.
GPD Takes Back Unneeded Prescriptions
Keeping unwanted and unneeded prescription drugs out of the hands of teens and out of the public water system is the goal of the Greer Police Department’s “Take it Back” program which enjoyed another successful day at Walgreen’s in April.
Sgt. Chad Richardson, who oversees the program, collected more than 80 pounds of prescription drugs during the four hour stint. Visitors were able to drop off the drugs anonymously and all prescriptions were incinerated at the police department.
“This is our second collection. During the gap between the first collection and this one, we collected about 80 pounds from people just bringing it in to the department,” Sgt. Richardson said. “We would like to get to the point where we could do it monthly with the goal of collecting about 50 pounds per month. The more we get, the better it is for everyone.”
May
Southwest Airlines Magazine Features Greer
Greer and the Upstate were flying high in May when Southwest Airlines’ Spirit magazine featured a 40-page spread on the region.
With nearly 10 million passengers flying Southwest during any given month, the opportunity to highlight Greer’s people, places, events, and businesses in the free in-flight magazine is expected to pay dividends for years to come.
“We can’t be anything but extremely pleased with the exposure and our association with Southwest,” said Reno Deaton, executive director of the Greer Development Corporation. “It’s sort of the culmination of years and years of work to cultivate those assets that hopefully will translate into more economic opportunities for Greer.”
The special section, “Meet the Upstate of South Carolina,” was filled with references to the city’s economic opportunities, downtown, restaurants, festivals, parks, infrastructure for growth, and quality of life.
“In many ways the airplane traveler is a captive audience,” Deaton said. “This is put in front of them as a piece of collateral and production to attract attention for would be travelers and provide them some baseline information for our area.”
Providing the Opportunity to Just be a Kid
The City of Greer and the Greenville County School District partnered on a unique program that would prove to serve not only students but also an entire community.
The city used approximately $60,000 from its Hampton Road Tax Increment Financing District to purchase playground equipment, install fencing, park benches, and mulch at the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Child Development Center. The school district maintains the equipment and makes it available to children in the community after school hours.
Dr. Phinnize Fisher, superintendent of Greenville County Schools, and Greer Mayor Rick Danner cut the ribbon to open the playground. Creating that usable space was something former Dunbar student Bobby Mays, who now lives adjacent to the school, was pleased to see.
"We didn't have all the amenities that we have now, and I'm very happy to see it because the children here didn't have anything to do," Mays said. "We have a high concentration of children, different types of children, and they need something to play on instead of in the streets," he said.
Bringing Back “Peace and Tranquility”
Residents of the Sunnyside Community had two ways to respond to violence that shook the area late in 2010. They could secure their homes and hide or they could send a clear message that such acts are not acceptable.
They chose the latter, when more than 200 residents gathered at B.P. Edwards Park for a block party sponsored by Shalom Community Outreach, Think2xtwice.org, and the City of Greer.
Children learned about the power of community as they played in an inflatable bounce house, enjoyed food and drink, watched young men play basketball, and listened to church pastors speak of the power of unity and nonviolence.
"What we wanted to do was just bring some peace and tranquility back to the neighborhood and be able to give something back," said Marilyn Styles of Shalom Community Outreach.
Trio Honored for Lifesaving Skills
Protecting and saving lives is the job of Greer Fire Department personnel. That job description was brought into clear focus when Christie Hunnicutt, Chuck McConnell, and Casey Paris received a Cardiac Lifesaver Award from Greenville County for one of the “Top 10 Saves of 2010.”
Training and skill paid off and Hunnicutt and McConnell, both certified emergency medical technicians in addition to firefighters, and Paris, a volunteer working toward his certification, saved a heart attack victim. The basic training is something anyone can and should learn, according to Hunnicutt.
“Take CPR and first aid,” Hunnicutt said. “It doesn’t take long and plenty of agencies offer courses. The public needs to know these tools.”
June
No New Fees or Tax Increase in Budget
Good news greeted Greer City Council, when it approved a $17,588,375 million balanced budget for 2011-12 with no tax increase, no increase to millage, and no required mandatory furloughs or reduction to the city workforce.
Officials credited “zero based” budget planning for a strong 2010-11 budget that would return revenue to the city’s reserve fund tapped during the economic downturn, and planned accordingly for the new budget
July
The Upstate Celebrates Freedom in Greer
Falling on a date that made it the only Independence Weekend celebration in the Upstate, Greer Memorial Hospital Freedom Blast drew its largest-ever crowd for music, games, food, military salute, and a huge fireworks show.
In addition to contestants vying for the title of Greer Idol, entertainment included the Carolina All-Stars and the Professors of Souls. Greenville teen singer Kylie Hinze wrote and debuted “They Stand Tall” to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the festival presented by Greer Memorial Hospital created Patriots Pointe around the park’s pond with live patriotic music, the presentation of colors, a flag retirement ceremony, and the Missing Man Table Ceremony.
City’s PEG Channel Debuts on U-verse
A new group of Upstate residents gained access to City of Greer’s government television channel when AT&T U-verse began carrying the channel as part of its programming in late June.
The government channel, which includes information on local activities, services, programs, policies, and emergency information, as well as original programming, is also available on Channel 15 to Charter Cable subscribers in the City of Greer.
“The channel is one of the best sources of both general and specific information about city services and activities. We believe U-verse subscribers will discover what Charter subscribers have known for years — that the channel is a tremendous source for knowledge at a glance,” Assistant City Administrator Mike Sell said.
August
Earthquake Shakes Up Residents
The last thing anyone in the City of Greer was expecting on August 23 was to feel the earth move. However, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered northwest of Richmond, Va. was felt by many in the city.
Reports poured in from residents across the Upstate who were driving or at home or work, and Greer City Hall briefly swayed. Fortunately for all in the area, no damage or injuries were reported.
September
Harvest Market Returns to Greer City Park
An expanded Greer Harvest Market began its five-week run in September, offering fresh local produce, gourmet baked goods, jewelry, greenery and hand-crafted gifts from 22 vendors. Shoppers seemed to enjoy having a local market on Sunday afternoons.
“The market was everything we envisioned,” said Karl Rogozenski, city events coordinator for the city. “Other towns do the market on Saturday, but with football coming up it was best for us to have this on Sunday. People are more likely to come after church.”
October
City’s Fountain and Firefighters Look Good in Pink
The color pink has become synonymous with National Breast Cancer Awareness, particularly in October – the month designated to educate the public about breast cancer awareness. From national magazine covers to athletes’ clothing, the color pink dominates the landscape.
Visitors to Greer City Park found it difficult not to stop and stare as the fountain’s water was turned a vivid shade of pink for the month. Coins tossed into the fountain in October were donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to continue cancer research.
Members of the City of Greer Fire Department also joined the cause by wearing pink T-shirts during the month.
“First responders know how fragile life can be and this is a small way to remember those who have battled cancer, support those who currently have it or have beaten the disease, and honor those who are searching for a cure,” Greer Fire Chief Chris Harvey said.
Sandlapper Magazine Features Greer
Just five months after the City of Greer was included in Southwest Airlines’ in-flight magazine, the city stood alone in the spotlight in Sandlapper magazine.
The 2011 autumn edition of the magazine featured a five-page color spread entitled “Greer Finds its Niche”, highlighting the city’s history, public art, shopping, dining, business, and population.
Fun Meets Education at Lake Robinson Day
Hundreds attended the Lake Robinson Day of Celebration for an afternoon of fun. They also discovered it was a great opportunity to learn more about local services and programs.
The City of Greer’s stormwater division, parks and recreation department, and police department were all part of a stewardship fair held as part of the celebration, helping visitors discover safety tips, how to protect the lake and environs, enjoy the plant and animal life, and live in harmony with nature.
Greer Fire Department to Welcome Back 1941 Truck
An original 1941 Chevrolet open cab fire truck, formerly owned by the Greer Fire Department, will be donated back to the city after Greer City Council gave Fire Chief Chris Harvey approval to accept the gift from Allen Cullum of Texas.
A former city resident and developer of Bennett Business Park, Cullum purchased the truck in 1980 and offered it back to the city for use in parades and special events. Chief Harvey said GFD would like to refurbish the truck as a community project utilizing donations of services and money.
“Our plan is to refurbish the truck in time for the department’s 100th Fire Department anniversary in July 2014,” he said. “Mr. Cullum has kept the truck in reasonably good shape, using it around his neighborhood during Thanksgiving, July 4 and holidays.”
November
Economic Indicators Strong in Greer
Reno Deaton, executive director of Greer Development Corp., shared exciting news with Greer City Council: “We have the largest gross retail sales report we have ever had in the community,” he said, noting that the city’s $604 million in gross retail sales through October of 2011 outperformed 17 South Carolina counties, according to the state Department of Revenue.
The news came on the heels of other economic indicators that suggest Greer is trending in the right direction economically after a decade of rapid population growth. The city was experiencing an increase in both commercial and residential construction, and median household income climbed to $62,727 – more than double the median household in 1989.
“This is huge for us,” Mayor Rick Danner said. “We have positioned ourselves to take advantage of any turnaround in the economy. All indicators are that 2012 will be another good year.”
City Among 15 Communities to Receive Smart Growth Grant
The future of the Highway 29 corridor prompted the City of Greer to apply in October for a technical assistance grant from Smart Growth America. The city’s compelling application paid off, as it was one of just 15 communities awarded a grant made possible by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program.
The grant, which does not require matching funds, will make possible a transit oriented development 101 workshop to display both the short and long-term benefits to transportation and planning staff members from across the region, as well as business and community leaders.
“If we are successful in implementing a TOD vision for the Highway 29 corridor, we will link three major municipalities and a regional airport with enhanced transit service and foster economic development along the route. The creation of a regional transportation connection will increase employment opportunities for those without access to cars,” Danner said.
Former Gym Getting a Fresh New Look
Ask around and you’ll find that many still refer to the Horace McKown Center as the Cannon Street Gym. Construction crews moved onto the site in November, dramatically changing the interior of the building to the point that few would recognize it.
Constructed in 1936 as the Greer National Guard Armory, the facility is being renovated and will be put into use as part of the Events Complex at Greer City Hall. In addition to multipurpose event space, the building will accommodate Greer Cultural Arts with a black box theatre and office space.
With renovations expected to be completed in late spring of 2012, the facility will complement the rental space at Greer City Hall and provide an additional source of revenue for the city. Financing for the renovation was made possibly largely through the Hampton Roads TIF (tax increment financing) District supplemented by Community Block Development Grant funds. No general operating funds will be used.
“These are funds that must be used for a specific purpose,” Assistant City Administrator Mike Sell said. “They fit this renovation project perfectly.”
GPD Joins Effort to Curb Impaired Driving
The City of Greer partnered with the Town of Lyman and the Town of Duncan, pooling forfeiture money to purchase a new teaching tool they hope will curb the number of teen drivers who have died as a result of drunken driving.
The Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience (SIDNE) vehicle is a go-kart with controls that can simulate the effects of drugs and alcohol on a motorist's driving skills. It is the only teaching tool of its kind in the state according to Greer Police Chief Dan Reynolds.
"We can talk about impaired driving and what it's like and show videos, but this gives a person that actual experience so they know what it's like to drive impaired," Reynolds said.
Once a driver is comfortable with the kart, a trainer sends a signal to the vehicle causing the driver to lose control of steering. In addition to being used in schools and Alive at 25 programs, the system will be made available to local organizations.
December
City Council approves redistricting
Greer City Council marked a major milestone in the redistricting process it began in May, approving the redistricting ordinance and setting in motion the procedure for the Justice Department to approve the plan.
The process, which forced postponement of the city’s municipal election in November, was required after population growth reflected in the 2010 Census made the city’s six voting districts unbalanced. Mayor Rick Danner and councilmen Wayne Griffin and Wryley Bettis comprised an ad hoc committee that worked with the Office of Research and Statistics for the South Carolina Budget and Control Board in Columbia to draw up four potential maps with new districts based on census blocks.
Following discussion and public hearings, city council agreed on one map because it met redistricting guidelines and the districts remained similar by roads.
The Justice Department may take up to 60 days before approving or denying the map, and requests for additional information may add as many as 60 additional days.
Residents Love Village Hospital Christmas at Greer City Park
Village Hospital’s Christmas at Greer City Park provided the perfect setting for city residents ready to celebrate the holidays, selling out three sessions of Breakfast with Santa in just over one week and packing Greer City Park for a new twist on the City Tree Lighting Ceremony.
With the new “Holidays Around the World,” giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn more about the holidays in France, Haiti, Colombia, Germany and the traditions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, the Greer City Park promenade became an international gateway to inflatables, a drawing wall, and entertainment by The Foothills Philharmonic Orchestra. After arriving on a city fire truck complete with a police escort, Santa read “The Night Before Christmas” before joining Mayor Rick Danner to light the City Christmas Tree.
Decorations Had Visitors Seeing Red
Visitors to downtown Greer during December had an opportunity to win one of three restaurant gift cards by locating three red bulbs among the thousands of white lights in the city’s Christmas decorations in Greer Station.
The “Odd Bulb Out Holiday Hunt,” sponsored by the Greer Station Association and the City of Greer, had visitors looking up and seeing red during the holidays, drawing participants from as far away as Piedmont and Travelers Rest.
EPA, DHEC Share Results of Victor Mill Soil Evaluations
It took more than four months of demolishing old buildings and a water tower and removing nearly 24,000 tons of soil and debris, but the 21-acre Victor Mill site in Spartanburg County was transformed from an apparent war zone to an open grassy field
In December, Spartanburg County officials joined representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to share information about soil evaluations taken from the cleanup site and land use restrictions – a key to future redevelopment of the site.
They announced that groundwater use will be prohibited, access to Victor Creek limited, and covers will have to be installed over most of the property to protect against residual levels of PAHs, an organic chemical caused by burning coal. Any residential reuse would require a property management group responsible for maintaining the covers, which could range from buildings, pavement or even clean soil brought off-site.
Spartanburg County planned to offer the property to interested developers with the intent of at least recouping its $1.2 million investment to clean the site.