New School, New McDonalds, UDO, Penny Sales Tax, and Disaster Relief
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 10-25-24
I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you’ve had a wonderful week. It’s always a pleasure to connect with you and share the latest happenings in our community. This newsletter highlights some exciting news, including the groundbreaking for the new Northwest Middle School in Travelers Rest. We also celebrate the reopening of McDonald’s on Old Buncombe Road. Additionally, I want to address the ongoing discussions about the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which could significantly impact how our community is developed, as well as the recent forum on the penny sales tax. It’s crucial for us to stay informed about these issues to ensure that all of our voices are heard.
Northwest Middle School Ground Breaking
An exciting event was held recently for the groundbreaking and announcement of the new Northwest Middle School location at the corner of U.S. Highway 25 and Belvue Road in Travelers Rest, which is expected to be ready by August 2027 and will accommodate 1,000 students. This new facility will alleviate overcrowding at the current school on U.S. Highway 276, which serves around 800 students—just a 10 minute drive away.
THE HAMBUGLAR VISITS DISTRICT 19!!!
Meanwhile, local businesses are thriving, with several new shops and restaurants opening in the district. A highlight this week was the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5050 Old Buncombe Road, which celebrated its new look. The event featured a special appearance by Hamburglar!
Congratulations to the hardworking Patel McFamily for making this transformation possible.
UDO - Unified Development Ordinance
I want to draw your attention to a significant issue currently facing our community—the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This proposal is being pushed through at an alarming pace, with council members aiming to pass it before the new session begins next year. It’s crucial that we stay vigilant during this time, as multiple special called meetings are set to take place where this ordinance will be discussed.
I will be going into much more detail in the future on issues I currently have with this ordinance, but here are a few things to consider in the meantime:
The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is a set of rules that guide how land can be developed in Greenville County. However, there are several concerns that citizens should be aware of, especially regarding their voices being heard and the risk of overdevelopment.
Here are some key points:
• Increased Power for County Employees: The UDO gives significant authority to county employees, which could lead to decisions that don’t fully reflect community input or concerns. This means your opinions may not carry the weight they should in development decisions.
• Lack of Infill Standards: The UDO does not include standards for infill development, which is essential for managing growth and preventing urban sprawl. This absence could lead to uncontrolled development that disrupts our neighborhoods and infrastructure.
• Limited Open Space Requirements: For un-zoned cluster subdivisions, the UDO only requires 30% open space. This is lower than what is needed to maintain a healthy environment and community feel, especially compared to other residential categories.
• Unconditional Density Bonuses: It allows a 20% density bonus for affordable housing in several zoning districts without considering whether these areas are near jobs or public transit. This could result in developments that are not well-integrated into the community.
The UDO aims to urbanize all of Greenville County, stripping decision-making power from both the County Council and the Planning Commission. This shift could lead to developers entering areas and increasing density, effectively bypassing the voices of our citizens. I’ve been informed that the UDO is not yet in its proper form, yet there’s a rush to get it passed regardless. This is both careless and concerning, leading me to believe there may be aspects within the UDO that they prefer you and the community do not discover before it is enacted. There are some good things that the UDO provides for development in Greenville County, but the way in which this is being handled has sadly spoiled it for many already.
Importantly, I’ve confirmed that this ordinance can be legally repealed, and I am actively exploring and preparing for that option in the upcoming year. I will not allow your voice to be silenced as long as I serve on this Council.
For those interested, you can find more details about the UDO and its implications at Greenville County Planning’s UDO page.
While I have been trying to digest this enormous document, much of the information above was actually pointed out to me by a concerned citizen! This shows you the power you have when you choose to become engaged! Stay informed, stay engaged, and together we can protect our community’s future.
Penny Sales Tax Forum Recap
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a vital discussion regarding the penny sales tax on The Charlie James Show. I want to extend my gratitude to both Charlie for hosting this forum and the Greenville Patriot Caucus for organizing the event. Their commitment to keeping Greenville County accountable and fostering open dialogue is commendable. You can learn more about their work at Greenville Patriot Caucus.
All members of the county council, including those newly elected, were invited to this crucial discussion. Yet, it was telling that only the seven members opposed to the tax attended. If this tax is as beneficial as its proponents claim, why did the others choose not to show up? This absence raises important questions about the viability and necessity of the tax.
Thank you to Steve Shaw, Rick Bradley, Curt McGahey, Garey Collins, Frank Farmer, and Kelly Long for not only joining in on the discussion, but showing that they have spent time really thinking through this and how it truly impacts our citizens.
As you prepare to make informed decisions at the polls, I urge you to investigate what the sales tax truly means for you and your family. Understanding the implications of this tax will empower you to make the best choice for our community.
For more insights, be sure to listen to the discussion on The Charlie James Show:
Stay engaged with our community discussions and follow us on social media:
• Facebook: 989word
• Rumble: 989word Channel
• X: @989word
• Instagram: @989word
Let’s continue to hold our leadership accountable (myself included) and ensure our voices are heard.
Helene Emergency Operations & Assistance
Greenville County’s resilience is inspiring, and we’re committed to supporting residents, businesses, and nonprofits through this recovery period.
• Apply for Assistance: Visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
• In-Person Help: The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Freetown Community Center (200 Alice Ave, Greenville) is open 8AM-7PM daily until Friday, November 15, 2024.
The Greenville County Business Recovery Center at the Next Innovation Center (411 University Ridge) is also available to assist business owners from 9AM-6PM, Monday-Friday, and 10AM-2PM on Saturdays.
Deadlines for Recovery Assistance
1. Public Assistance: County departments have already submitted the Request for Public Assistance (RPA) on behalf of all departments, but non-county organizations must complete their own RPA on the FEMA Grants Portal by October 29th.
2. Grant Eligibility: Some organizations, including nonprofits like houses of worship, may qualify for public assistance reimbursement. A flyer with eligibility details and steps for applying is attached here.
Key Trainings & Resources
This Friday, FEMA will host virtual training sessions on the Request for Public Assistance (RPA) process, documentation, and debris management:
• Friday, Oct 25, 9AM: FEMA RPA and Grants Portal Training
• Friday, Oct 25, 1PM: Documentation & CAT A/B Training
• Friday, Oct 25, 3PM: Q & A on Hurricane Helene
To join these sessions by phone, dial 408-418-9388. Additional details, meeting codes, and future training schedules can be found in the attached document here.
Debris Removal & Emergency Assistance
Our debris removal teams have made significant progress, clearing 195,000 cubic yards of debris. For questions on debris removal from public or private roads, please reach out to County Roads and Bridges at 864-467-7016 or visit www.greenvillecounty.org.
Individuals displaced by the storm can find shelter and support at Mauldin Methodist Church. For immediate assistance, please contact the United Way by dialing 211.
Support for Houses of Worship & Nonprofits
Houses of Worship affected by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA Public Assistance but must first apply for a low-interest loan through the SBA. Full details on this process, including insurance requirements, are available in the “Houses of Worship” section. For More Information Visit: fema.gov/faith
Who is paying for the mail and signs urging you to vote for the tax for roads? The mail lists “paid for by Fix Greenville Roads” . I sincerely hope no Greenville County government office is funding this.
Instead of a penny tax increase I suggest local governments tax media outlets for every big pharma commercial they run. It would bring in much more money!