Greenwood’s Sidewalk Safety: A Growing Concern for Pedestrians
A pleasant morning stroll in Greenwood, SC today might reveal a picture-perfect mix of clouds and sun, with high temperatures reaching 87°F. The weather, mostly clear and slightly cooler at night with lows around 64°F, invites many residents to enjoy outdoor activities. But for some, like newcomer Adele Moreau, the reality of walking around Greenwood isn’t as sunny as the weather forecast.
When Adele Moreau moved from Providence, RI to Greenwood in February 2024, she was drawn by the city’s promises of “safe streets and walkable neighborhoods.” The very first line on the Greenwood city website’s “Move to Greenwood” section claimed these attributes, making it appealing for Adele, who relies on her feet for transportation. But after settling in, she’s found that the sidewalks lead to a much different story.
Safe Streets – but Not for Walkers
Moreau’s daily routine involves walking to the Uptown YMCA for classes every weekday. Yet, her route isn’t exactly a health walk – it’s often a perilous journey avoiding thousands of hurdles. She highlights that some sidewalks are burdened with piles of trash or unchecked flora growth, which can force pedestrians dangerously close to traffic. This condition is especially evident on Presley Street, right before she reaches the Y and across from where Rick’s Cafeteria once stood.
“Greenwood may have safe streets for cars but not for walkers,” Adele remarks, noting the prominent difference between her expectations and reality. Despite having raised her concerns to City Hall over two months ago, she’s still tiptoeing around trash and dodging overgrown foliage, often stepping into the street just to continue down her path.
A Love Letter to Greenwood
Despite the abrasions to her strolls, Adele’s affection for Greenwood remains evident. “I am in Love with Greenwood and all that it has to offer,” she says, praising the community and the relationships she’s built since moving. It’s this bond that motivates her to voice her concerns not out of frustration but out of a sincere desire to see Greenwood truly live up to its self-proclaimed accolades.
Adela’s experience is echoed by other residents too. Many agree that while Greenwood’s infrastructure excels in supporting vehicular traffic, pedestrian accommodations fall behind. **The consensus is clear: sidewalks must be better maintained and kept free of hindrances to offer a truly walkable experience.**
Community’s Role in Change
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen without the community’s effort. Adele urges the residents of Greenwood to come together to align reality with the city’s mission statement. She believes that if the community actively participates in reporting maintenance issues and helps in small cleaning tasks, the city’s walkability can significantly improve.
In closing, the city’s weather might be characterized by a pleasant mix of clouds and sun, but for Greenwood to truly shine as a **walker’s haven,** there needs to be a concerted effort to ensure clean, unobstructed sidewalks. Let’s hope the sunny days inspire residents and city officials alike to take strides towards a better walkable future.
Get Involved
If you’re a resident of Greenwood and have noticed similar issues, don’t hesitate to raise your voice. Consider submitting your concerns to City Hall or joining local groups dedicated to urban improvement. As Adele Moreau aptly put it, “We the people of Greenwood need to come together to make OUR mission statement a true statement.”
