Community Of Hope

Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 12-22-24

As I write this week’s newsletter, I’m camped out next to my sick little one. He’s a trooper and will bounce back soon! But being home all day with him has given me plenty of time to think (and write), so this edition might be a bit longer than usual. If long reads aren’t your thing, thanks for sticking with me anyway—I promise there’s plenty of good stuff ahead!

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A Collaborative Spirit in Greenville County

I want to take a moment to thank Fountain Inn Mayor GP McLeer for his kind words about my newsletter and for highlighting the importance of staying informed about the work we’re doing across the county. Mayor McLeer’s newsletter, On the Agenda, is a fantastic addition to the conversations we’re having about the future of our communities.

It’s always refreshing to see local leaders embrace transparency and communication, and Mayor McLeer is setting a great example for how we can keep citizens in the loop about what’s happening at the municipal level. I encourage everyone to check out his newsletter and subscribe for updates from Fountain Inn. His thoughtful insights and forward-thinking leadership are worth following.

I’m inspired by the collaborative energy in our area, and I look forward to working together with Mayor McLeer and others across the Upstate as we tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

To subscribe to his updates, visit Mayor McLeer’s Substack

I would also like to echo his sentiment from the newsletter—Facebook is awful!!!

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LEO Santa Toy Drive Brings Christmas Cheer to Greenville County

The LEO Santa Toy Drive, an initiative led by local first responders, has once again brightened the holiday season for children and families in Greenville County. This year, the drive saw remarkable participation, with over 30 schools and 34 businesses collecting toys for distribution.

On December 5th and 6th, 2024, the community came together at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena for a 28-hour toy drive, contributing thousands of toys. These efforts culminated in the distribution of toys on December 21st at various sites across the county, ensuring that children in need experienced the joy of the holiday season.

The success of this year’s toy drive is a testament to the generosity and collaborative spirit of our community. Special thanks go to Pratt Industries for donating 300 collection boxes, which were instrumental in gathering toys across the county.

For more information about the LEO Santa Toy Drive and to view photos from this year’s events, please visit their official website: LEO SANTA

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Berea Fire Chief Gary Brock, a valued member of the LEO Santa Board of Directors and a distinguished leader in District 19. Chief Brock, a lifelong resident of Greenville and graduate of Berea High School, began his career with the Berea Fire Department as a volunteer in 1982. He advanced through the ranks, becoming a full-time firefighter in 1985 and serving as Fire Chief since 1996. His dedication to public service is further exemplified by his roles within the Greenville County Fire Chief’s Association, including serving as President in 2021.

District 19 is truly blessed to have Chief Brock as one of our leaders. His unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community, along with his active involvement in initiatives like the toy drive, reflects the spirit of service that makes our district exceptional.

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Upcoming Special Events in 2025 from Greenville County Parks and Recreation

Greenville County’s Parks and Recreation department offers more than just places to play—they provide opportunities for connection, endurance, and celebration that enhance our quality of life. Mark your calendars for these exciting events coming in 2025, each offering something unique for our communities:

January 26–27: Pleasant Ridge Backyard Ultra

Location: Pleasant Ridge Park

A race unlike any other—this event isn’t about speed but endurance. Test yourself to see how far you can go, whether you’re an ultra-runner or simply looking to push your limits.

February 22: 6 Hours on the Ridge

Location: Pleasant Ridge Park

Mountain bike enthusiasts, get ready! Tackle the JFA Trail in this endurance race designed to challenge even the toughest riders.

April 24–27: Greenville County Spring Smash

Location: East Riverside Park

Show off your skills in this fun doubles tournament for men and women ages 18+. With skill levels from 2.5 to 4.5+, it’s an event for everyone from seasoned players to newcomers.

April 9: Special Olympics Spring Games

Come cheer on our incredible Special Olympics athletes as they compete in 15 track and field events. Celebrate their dedication, courage, and achievements this spring. As a former powerlifting coach for the Special Olympics World Games, this fills my heart with happiness and I can’t wait to attend the event!

August 23: Super D Race

Location: Pleasant Ridge Park

Mountain bikers, race the JFA Trail with two runs on the course. Fastest times win—are you up for the challenge?

September 6: Waggin’ at the Waterpark @ Discovery Island

It’s the dogs’ turn to enjoy the waterpark! Bring your furry friends for a day of splashes and fun. Proof of vaccinations required; check GreenvilleRec.com for details.

September 13: Waggin’ at the Waterpark @ Otter Creek

It’s the dogs’ turn to enjoy the waterpark! Bring your furry friends for a day of splashes and fun. Proof of vaccinations required; check GreenvilleRec.com for details.

November 7: Harvest Ball

Location: Staunton Bridge Community Center

Join us for an elegant evening of dinner, dancing, and fellowship with friends and loved ones. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the season in style.

Parks and Recreation: Vital to Our Quality of Life

These events are just a glimpse of what Greenville County Parks and Recreation offers. Beyond the programs, our parks provide spaces to gather, play, and recharge. They improve physical and mental health, foster community connections, and contribute to the county’s vibrancy.

Whether it’s a race on a trail, a friendly game on the court, or a splash at the waterpark, these experiences create lasting memories and bring us closer together as a community. Greenville County’s investment in parks and recreation is an investment in the well-being of every resident.

Let’s come together in 2025 to enjoy these events, support our parks, and celebrate the incredible quality of life they help provide. For more details, visit GreenvilleRec.com

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Councilman’s Corner

Rejecting the Push for Density in Greenville County: The ongoing UDO saga

A recent article from Redfin highlights growing support for increased density and affordable housing measures across the country, framed as a solution to rising housing costs. The author’s perspective paints density and expanded housing supply as the inevitable and necessary future for all communities. While this may work in some urbanized areas, it’s a fundamentally flawed approach when applied to Greenville County—and it’s the same mentality driving the recently passed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).

The author argues that creating more multifamily developments and increasing density will resolve the housing crisis. But the cost of blindly pursuing density is far greater than the benefits promised. These policies risk eroding the very character of communities, overburdening infrastructure, and destabilizing property values—issues we will absolutely see take shape here in Greenville County under the new UDO.

Greenville County is not a one-size-fits-all community. What works for dense urban centers like Chicago or Atlanta is not suitable for our unique blend of suburban and rural charm. While the article celebrates density and views it as progress, I see it as a cautionary tale. Once density-focused policies take root, communities lose their individuality, quality of life declines, and the very reasons people sought to live there in the first place are erased.

The Redfin author’s support for policies promoting urbanization reflects the same thinking that led to the adoption of the UDO—a mindset that prioritizes attracting new residents at the expense of those already here. The assumption that we must accommodate unlimited growth and embrace high-density living undermines the wishes of the majority of Greenville County citizens who value responsible, measured growth.

Policies like these don’t just increase supply—they fundamentally reshape communities without regard for the people who call them home. Under the guise of addressing housing affordability, they diminish property values, strain public safety and infrastructure, and destroy the suburban and rural lifestyle that residents treasure.

The article also ignores the broader consequences of these policies. The focus on housing supply fails to account for the strain on schools, roads, and public services that comes with rapid, unbalanced growth. In communities like Greenville County, the pursuit of density doesn’t just impact housing—it reshapes EVERYTHING.

I firmly believe that communities should have the right to determine their own future. The Redfin article and the UDO represent a top-down approach, one that prioritizes the demands of external forces over the desires of local citizens. This is not how government should operate. Growth must be managed responsibly, in a way that preserves the unique identity of our community while addressing housing needs through collaboration with the people who live here.

Greenville County should not become another example of what happens when density is forced upon a community that values its independence and character. We deserve better than policies that diminish our quality of life in the name of progress. I will continue to fight against this harmful direction—whether through outright repealing the ordinance or if they choose to play legal and political games, we will amend it into oblivion! Greenville County’s future should be shaped by its citizens, not disconnected planners or misplaced priorities.

Let’s stand together to protect the Greenville County we love and reject the path toward unchecked urbanization and density. As your representative, I am honored to take on the battle that will begin next year of ensuring that your voices are truly what we base our decisions on in Greenville County. Many entrenched government staff and department heads count on a clever game of chicken to see that their agendas are pushed through. Unfortunately for them, I will keep my foot on the gas and will NEVER swerve when it comes to the wishes of the people I serve!

Here’s to directing Government back in the direction it belongs in 2025 and beyond!

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Constituents’ Corner

This has become one of my favorite sections of the newsletter and is allowing me to further gage the temperature of the most concerning issues in our County. Your input is invaluable as we work together to shape a thriving and sustainable future for all. Here’s what’s on the minds of your neighbors this past week:

Strengthening Flood Prevention and Drainage Systems

Community Feedback: Residents in flood-prone areas such as Berea and along the Reedy River are concerned about inadequate drainage systems and the increased risk of flooding, particularly after Hurricane Helene.

What can be done:

• Improving Infrastructure: We can prioritize upgrades to stormwater systems in vulnerable areas, ensuring our infrastructure is better equipped to handle heavy rainfall.

• Community Resources: We can develop an accessible database where residents can report flooding issues and track progress on solutions, increasing accountability and transparency.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Community Feedback: Constituents have asked about resources to support small businesses.

What can be done:

• Increased Resources: By partnering with local organizations, we can offer workshops, mentorship programs, and grant opportunities tailored to small business owners.

• Streamlining Permits: We can focus on addressing delays in the permitting process to make it easier for businesses to establish themselves and grow in Greenville County.

Expanding Access to Parks and Green Spaces

Community Feedback: Many residents have expressed a desire for more parks, recreational facilities, and walking trails, especially in underserved areas.

What can be done:

• New Projects: We can invest in creating community parks and trails, particularly in areas like Berea, to ensure equitable access to recreational spaces.

• Leveraging Grants: By securing grants for trail systems and recreational facilities, we can fund these projects without overburdening local taxpayers.

Addressing Concerns about Short-Term Rentals

Community Feedback: Residents have raised concerns about the impact of short-term rental properties on neighborhood stability, including noise and parking issues.

What can be done:

• Implementing Regulations: We can develop guidelines that balance the rights of property owners with the needs of the community, such as zoning restrictions and occupancy limits.

• Enforcing Compliance: By enhancing enforcement measures, we can ensure that all short-term rental properties operate responsibly and adhere to County rules.

Every concern you raise helps guide our shared efforts to build a stronger Greenville County. While not all solutions can be implemented immediately, by working together, we can address these challenges thoughtfully and responsibly. Your feedback is critical to shaping meaningful change, and I am committed to making sure your voices are heard.

If you’d like to contribute to this section in future newsletters, please send your opinions, ideas, and concerns to: bblount@greenvillecounty.org. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue building a brighter future for our community!

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The Reason For The Season

I want to take a moment to reflect on the values that guide me during this season and beyond. This week, I’ve been especially inspired by my friend and colleague, District 26 Councilman Rick Bradley. He has been a shining light on County Council, both in his leadership and the way he lives his life. From his fierce advocacy to protect and serve his district to his role as a deacon at his church, his love for his wife, and the joy he finds in spending time with his grandchildren, Rick carries himself with unmatched integrity. You can find Councilman Bradley’s updates here: Councilman Rick Bradley on Facebook

Growing up with just a mother, I often sought out strong male role models to provide guidance and direction. Councilman Bradley embodies the kind of character and faith I admire and strive to emulate. I am grateful for his example and blessed to call him both a colleague and a friend. This week, Rick shared several scriptures with me, and they reminded me of the hope, peace, and love that this season represents—not just for those of us who celebrate Christmas but for anyone seeking light in times of uncertainty.

• Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

• Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

• Luke 2:11: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

• John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

These verses are a beautiful reminder of the meaning of Christmas—the gift of Jesus Christ, who brings grace, truth, and hope to all. While I recognize that I represent people of all faiths, I also firmly and proudly believe in Jesus Christ. I hope these scriptures and the lessons of love and light they convey can inspire everyone, regardless of their faith path, to reflect on what it means to live a life of hope and purpose.

As we celebrate this season, I wish you and your families a Christmas filled with peace, love, and joy. May these days bring renewal, hope, and happiness to you and your loved ones. As we enter 2025, I remain steadfast in my commitment to work hard for our community, listen to your voices, and ensure Greenville County continues to be a place of opportunity, connection, and prosperity for all.

Merry Christmas and God Bless Greenville County!

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