Greenwood: A Look into the City’s Future and Community Efforts
It’s a foggy morning in Greenwood, SC, where the weather seems to reflect the beginnings of a new day for both the city and county. Earlier today, around 200 enthusiastic residents gathered at the Harris Baptist Church Hall to engage in the annual “State of the City and County” event, showcasing an important dialogue among local leaders and the community.
This yearly event serves as a keystone in allowing citizens to connect with their public officials, learn about ongoing projects, and discuss future plans for the community. Moderated by Trentsie Williams, the president of the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, the event featured key speakers including Mayor Brandon Smith, County Council Chairman Chuck Moates, Assistant City Manager Draper Carlile, and County Manager Toby Chappell.
Addressing Recent Challenges
The conversation kicked off with a critical dissection of lessons learned from Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. There’s much to be thankful for regarding the unified efforts of the National Guard alongside the city and county fire departments. These partnerships ensured the swift removal of fallen trees and cleared roads, significantly aiding recovery efforts.
Chuck Moates suggested enhancements in traffic management during power outages to bolster public safety, especially at key intersections throughout Greenwood County. Additionally, the cleanup from the storm is set to continue, with a contracted effort between the county and the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). County Manager Chappell provided some valuable perspective: “It’s gonna be measured in months, not weeks,” he noted, indicating the scale of the cleanup operation.
The Capital Project Sales Tax Initiative
The focus then shifted to an eagerly anticipated decision regarding the Capital Project Sales Tax referendum, which could generate over $120 million in the coming seven years if approved. During the session, the panelists emphasized their unanimous support for the measure, urging attendees to vote ‘yes’ on November 5.
The funds from this tax aim to finance a broad range of projects designed to propel Greenwood from an everyday community to an extraordinary one. Mayor Smith shared his excitement about potential upgrades in the city’s infrastructure, such as the updated fire master plan, a new city shop, and enhancements to Uptown’s PALS Building, contingent on the tax’s approval.
Looking Forward to 2025
Touching on future aspirations, the officials outlined their strategies for 2025. Economic development, the Smart Growth Plan, and notable renovations are on the agenda. The city’s administration intends to address the impact of recent high-density housing developments by reviewing and refining its growth strategies.
Smith and Carlile emphasized upcoming construction projects on notable streets such as Waller Avenue and Edgefield Street, aimed at boosting the local economy and enhancing the city’s aesthetics. “We’re enthusiastic about these developments,” Smith remarked, highlighting the potential for creative transformation in the Uptown area.
A Fond Farewell
The gathering concluded by honoring two stalwarts of local governance: Chuck Moates and City Council member Betty Boles, both of whom are stepping down after decades of service. Their collective 38 years of dedication have left a significant mark on the community, and their contributions were celebrated warmly by all in attendance.
Overall, the State of the City and County event was not only a celebration of past efforts but also a springboard to launch Greenwood towards a promising future. As the fog lifted and the sun started to break through, there was a renewed sense of optimism and opportunity among both city officials and residents alike.
