‘It’s like a dream come true:’ Greenline-Spartanburg neighborhood draft plan revealed

GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – It’s a small neighborhood tucked between East North Street and Wade Hampton Boulevard. And it’s facing pressure from growth and development. ​

That’s why the City of Greenville is working to adopt a new neighborhood master plan for Greenline-Spartanburg.

The last time the city planned for growth in the neighborhood was 2001. Consultants presented the first draft of the plan to the city council and residents Thursday.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said resident Jannul Mennazz.

Mennazz and Kendarrah Mennezz, were both residents on the steering committee. They worked with the consultants to create the draft.

“I think it’s perfect because they actually utilize everything that we sat down and talked to them about from February all the way to now, and to see it actually be sketched versus hearing it, it’s remarkable, it’s beautiful, I like it,” said Mannez.

Both have lived in the neighborhood for 2 years. They love the people there and how neighbors look out for each other, but also know some things could be improved.

“The Greenline-Spartanburg neighborhood is a special place and it has a story that deserves to be told and I hope that this master plan process is the beginning,” said Amanda Morrell, the Project manager with Arcadis, the consulting firm.

The new master plan aims to address several issues. Residents say their priorities are traffic, pedestrian safety and affordable housing.

“So much of what is there today is affordable naturally occurring and we want to make sure that we’re protecting that preserving it for the future but making sure that folks that have had to move away have this opportunity to come back and be a part of this neighborhood, maybe they grew up,” Morrell said.

In addition to ensuring 60% of new housing is affordable, the plan calls for street improvements for traffic and walking — since many roads are narrow and dangerous. Creating safe intersections and a new bridge to connect both sides. Also, enhancements like streetlights, swings, a downtown overlook site, and community park.

The plan is aiming to keep the existing character neighbors love.

“With the city expanding, Greenville gets to keep some of its history so a lot of the people who live here get to still identify with some of the surroundings,” said Mennazz.

Not everything in the plan may become reality, but it would serve as a guide for city planners moving forward. The consultants are still getting feedback from residents, but soon they’ll submit the plan to the city council for adoption.

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