Recovery and Renewal: Focusing on Storm Relief, District 19, and Greenville County’s Future
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 10-10-24
Hurricane Helen Power Update and Debris Removal Status
Tremendous strides have been made in restoring power and clearing debris. As of 1:15 PM Wednesday, only 0.32% (862 customers) remain without electricity in Greenville County, thanks to the hard work of local power companies and emergency teams.
Debris removal efforts are also progressing rapidly. The county’s debris removal contractor has already cleared 50,000 cubic yards of debris, helping to restore roads and neighborhoods to normalcy.
Preparing for the Next Storm: Tips for Staying Ready
Though the recovery is in full swing, it’s essential to think ahead to future storms. Here are a few tips on what you can do between now and the next major storm or hurricane:
1. Create a Family Emergency Plan: Ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in the event of another storm. Set up emergency contacts and designate a safe meeting place.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Stock up on water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents. Don’t forget supplies for pets!
3. Backup Power Options: Consider purchasing a generator or battery-powered chargers for electronic devices. Ensure that any generators are properly installed and vented to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Trim Trees and Secure Loose Items: Routine tree maintenance can reduce the risk of fallen limbs during high winds. Also, secure outdoor furniture and other objects that could become projectiles during a storm.
5. Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and updates from the Greenville County Emergency Management Department. This will keep you informed about any incoming storms or emergency situations.
For more immediate needs, please reach out to the United Way at 211 or visit them at 105 Edinburgh Court for donations through the end of this week, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Every step forward is a collective effort to restore Greenville County.
Future Newsletters: A Broader Focus on County and Community Issues
As we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, future newsletters will expand beyond storm recovery to cover a wide range of topics that impact our community. Here’s what you can expect in upcoming issues:
• County Council updates on key decisions and upcoming votes, including policies that shape our local government and infrastructure.
• Development news, such as the ongoing discussion around the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and other planning initiatives that influence growth in Greenville County.
• Spotlights on local businesses and economic growth within District 19, providing insight into new opportunities for our local economy.
• Education and youth programs, focusing on opportunities for families and children in our community, and ensuring a bright future for the next generation.
A key focus of the next newsletter will be the penny sales tax referendum in the wake of the Hurricane Helene aftermath. I’ll be discussing how the storm has impacted several of the projects included in the Capital Project Sales Tax list and why this is vital information to consider before heading to the ballot box in November. Understanding how these projects have been affected by the storm’s damage will help you make an informed decision.
I will also use these newsletters to continue discussions on issues concerning affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and ways we can build a more welcoming and prosperous Greenville County. Speaking of……
Promises Kept: Putting District 19’s Growth Concerns First
When you elected me, you trusted that I would stand up for District 19’s best interests—and that means taking action on your concerns, even when it’s not the easy path. Recently, I made the decision not to support a bond request for state tax credits tied to a new affordable housing development in Berea. This was a decision grounded in the feedback I’ve consistently heard from many of you: we already have a substantial amount of rental properties in our district, and the lack of essential infrastructure upgrades is making our roads more congested and less safe. As a result, the developer will not be moving forward with the project.
I want you to know this decision wasn’t about turning away from affordable housing. I fully support the need for affordable homes in our community. But I believe those homes are best created through partners like Habitat for Humanity or the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority—organizations that focus on long-term solutions like homeownership. That kind of stability helps our community grow in a sustainable way, where families can build roots, strengthen local businesses, and create a safer, more vibrant district.
The challenge we face is ensuring that any new development aligns with District 19’s broader goals, particularly when it comes to infrastructure and safety. We can’t continue adding rental properties without addressing the existing strain on our roads and services. I also have a lot of unanswered questions about whether it’s right to dedicate essential service tax revenue to a rental-heavy project, which is what our current County policy allows. Especially when what we truly need is ownership-driven growth, I feel this policy is not the best fit for our district.
I know these decisions may not always grab the headlines, but I want you to see how seriously I take your concerns. When I make a promise—to listen, to act, to represent your best interests—I intend to keep it. It’s about making sure that every decision reflects the values and long-term vision we all share for District 19. Thank you for trusting me to do just that, even when the decisions are tough.
As we move forward, I’ll continue to prioritize affordable housing solutions that fit our community’s unique needs and support organizations that help residents own their future here. Together, we can build a district that works for everyone—one decision at a time.
Stay Connected: How to Reach Out
If you have questions or concerns about recovery efforts or any other local issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. My team and I are here to serve you. You can always contact the Greenville County Council office, or email me at bblount@greenvillecounty.org
Follow me on social media for real-time updates and announcements:
• Councilman Blount on Facebook
• Councilman Blount on Nextdoor
Thank you to everyone who has subscribed and is actively participating in local government. Your engagement is essential to making our community stronger and more responsive to the needs of our residents. Together, we will continue to build a better future for District 19 and all of Greenville County. - BBD19
I remember back those years ago when we in South Carolina were in the debate stage of incorporating a state lottery. I voted against the lottery but I had no illusions of my side winning.
As the "debate", it wasn't much of one, was unfolding I called into local talk radio, I think it was Ralph Bristol, and I suggest if we had a lottery, instead of throwing additional large sums of money into the blackhole called public education, we should consider creating a self-support program so if & when natural disasters happened we could be self-sufficient, enabling us to ignore the federal government.
I still like the idea.