Reflecting on Resilience and Celebrating Community
Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 12-15-24
As we move through the heart of the Christmas season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the resilience and spirit of our community. From navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to embracing the festive joy of local events, we’ve seen what makes Greenville County such a special place to live. It’s a time to come together, celebrate our progress, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.
In this month’s newsletter, I’m excited to share updates on holiday happenings, ongoing recovery efforts, and ways we can continue to strengthen our community. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, advocating for safer neighborhoods, or simply enjoying all that our county has to offer, there’s hopefully something for everyone this week!
Upcoming Holiday Events in Greenville County
December 15–26
• Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit
Where: SpringHill Suites + Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown
Time: 9:00 a.m.
What: Celebrate the season with this impressive gingerbread display featuring works from local bakers.
• “White Christmas:” The Exhibition
Where: Upcountry History Museum
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
What: See costumes, props, sheet music, and personal memorabilia from this famous holiday film.
December 15–30
• Very Merry Mini Golf
Where: Takeoff Mini Golf, Greenville
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
What: Putt through this holiday light show with each hole uniquely decorated.
December 15–30
• Holidays at the Zoo
Where: Greenville Zoo
Time: Fridays–Sundays, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
What: Experience holiday magic at the zoo with lights and festive activities.
December 21
• Christmas Holiday Market
Where: Gather Greenville
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
What: A family gathering featuring local vendors and food from Gather’s tenants.
• Skating on the Big Ice
Where: Bon Secours Wellness Arena
What: Skate on the ice where the Swamp Rabbits play (Dec. 21–26).
Greenville County VS Greenville City Contractors: What to know
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, both the City of Greenville and Greenville County have been diligently working to clear storm debris. However, their cleanup schedules differ significantly! Since we share the same first name, I wanted to highlight the differences between the two! The City has announced that its final debris collection will conclude in the next few weeks, while the County plans to continue collections well into the new year. Understanding these differences in timelines, as well as the guidelines for preparing debris, can help ensure your debris is collected efficiently and avoid any misunderstanding surrounding their respective schedules!
Greenville CITY Debris Collection
• Schedule: The City of Greenville began its final pass for debris collection on December 9, 2024. Cleanup efforts are expected to wrap up entirely by the end of January 2025. Crews will not return to collect additional debris after the final pass.
For more info, visit: greenvillesc.gov
Preparation Guidelines:
• Placement: Stack storm debris on the right-of-way in front of your home, ensuring it does not obstruct sidewalks or roadways. Avoid placing debris near mailboxes, fire hydrants, or under power lines.
• Separation: Separate vegetative debris (like branches and logs) from non-vegetative items (such as furniture or appliances). Mixed piles may not be collected.
• Restrictions: Do not include household trash, construction materials, or hazardous waste. For bulk trash not related to the storm, contact Greenville Cares at 864-232-2273 for assistance.
Greenville COUNTY Debris Collection
• Schedule: Unlike the City, Greenville County will continue its debris collection efforts well into 2025, making several passes across all county roads. Crews are working seven days a week to ensure every area is addressed. If your debris isn’t picked up initially, it will be collected in subsequent rounds.
To stay up to date with any potential changes, visit: greenvillecounty.org
Preparation Guidelines:
• Placement: Place storm-generated debris on the road shoulder or right-of-way in front of your home. Avoid blocking traffic or access to utilities.
• Separation: Limit debris to disaster-related materials, such as vegetation, tree limbs, and logs. Do not include household trash, construction waste, or hazardous materials.
• Heavy Debris: The County can handle large items, including logs and stumps, but some may require additional passes depending on equipment needs.
Additional Tips for Both City and County Residents
• Avoid Obstructions: Keep debris away from parked cars, fences, storm drains, and utility poles to prevent delays or safety hazards.
• Stay Informed: There is no published schedules or projections for particular roads for debris pickup. Crews will continue making rounds, so if your pile is missed, it will likely be collected in a subsequent pass. Sharing this info in the public can help both the City and County prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings about their schedules as well as how the contractors handle debris cleanup.
Debris Assistance Directory
Debris Contact for Greenville County:
debris@greenvillecounty.org
Debris Contacts for Municipalities:
City of Greenville: 864-232-2273 or debris@greenvillesc.gov
Fountain Inn: 864-531-0644
Greer: 864-848-2184
Mauldin: 864-289-8904
Simpsonville: 864-967-9531
Travelers Rest: 864-834-8740
FEMA Disaster Assistance: Affected homeowners and renters in Greenville County are encouraged to apply for federal aid:
Online: www.disasterassistance.gov
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
In-person: Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Freetown Community Center, 200 Alice Avenue, Greenville, SC 29611. Operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 7 PM. Note the DRC will be closed on December 24-25, 2024, and January 1, 2025, with the final day of operations on January 7, 2025, at 7 PM.
For more detailed information on recovery efforts, refer to the full December 2024 newsletter from GCEM, available on their website: Greenville County Emergency Management Website
Spotlight on United Way: Transforming Lives Through Continued Community Support
As part of Greenville County Council’s ongoing effort to highlight impactful programs assisting in disaster recovery, I am proud to feature the incredible work of the United Way. Their wide-ranging initiatives continue to uplift families, individuals, and communities across our region. As I am writing this, I received more information about upcoming programs that will be great resources for Greenville County citizens seeking assistance.
A particularly exciting development is the kickoff of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program on January 27th. This program provides free tax filing services for households earning less than $60,000 annually. Last year, United Way’s dedicated volunteers filed an astounding 4,016 tax returns, bringing nearly $4.7 million in refunds back to Greenville County residents.
This service is more than just numbers—it represents relief and empowerment for hard-working families, helping them access critical funds that make a tangible difference in their lives. In this current financial climate, I know families are looking for savings anywhere they can, so I hope all reading this who could benefit will take advantage of these services!
Visit the official site here: United Way - VITA Program
How You Can Help or Get Involved
• Take Advantage of the Service: If you or someone you know qualifies, consider utilizing VITA for free tax filing assistance.
• Volunteer: Interested in making an impact? Volunteer opportunities are available for those looking to give back.
• Spread the Word: United Way will soon provide shareable digital materials, perfect for posting on social media or including in newsletters to raise awareness.
Councilman’s Corner: Standing Strong for Jai’den Ferrell
Jai’den, a first-grade student at Cherrydale Elementary School, was tragically shot in the abdomen on October 27, 2024, during a sleepover. After being on life support and enduring multiple surgeries, he recently regained consciousness but faces a long road to recovery, including extensive therapy to walk again.
I have reached out to his mother to offer my support during this challenging time. She shares that something our community can do to help is contribute to Jai’den’s medical needs by visiting the GoFundMe page set up in his honor:
Stories like Jai’den’s resonate deeply with me and reinforce my commitment to serving as your County Councilman. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is a responsibility I hold dear as a father of three, and this story hits me even more deeply as I sit writing this while looking at my young son who is around the same age as Jai’den.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jack Logan, founder of the “Put Down the Guns Now Young People” organization, for bringing to my attention the courageous journey of 7-year-old Jai’den Ferrell. Jack’s unwavering commitment to the youth of Greenville County is truly commendable, and I am proud to witness citizens like him making such a significant impact in our community.
In support of Jai’den and his family, Jack Logan’s organization plans to distribute free gun safety locks to parents, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future. Their dedication to promoting firearm safety and educating our youth is making a tangible difference in our community.
It is through collective efforts that we can build a safer, more supportive community for all, so I hope you will join me in sharing this info on how we can truly make a difference in the lives of this family! Together, let’s stand in solidarity with Jai’den while also working towards a community where such tragedies are a thing of the past in Greenville County.
Constituent’s Corner: Real Solutions for Greenville County
In my last newsletter, I invited you to share issues that you feel need public attention, and your response was overwhelming. Constituents from across the county jumped at the chance to raise their concerns and ideas. I’m proud to announce the addition of this Constituent’s Corner to my newsletter, where I’ll share those issues, and try to offer any insights into how they can be addressed.
Your voice matters, and I am committed to ensuring that our government reflects the priorities of its citizens. Below are the key concerns raised this week:
1. Enhancing Animal Welfare and Shelter Transparency
Many residents want more visibility for volunteer opportunities at Greenville County Animal Care (GCAC) and clarity on its “No Kill” designation.
What can be done:
• Promote Volunteerism: GCAC offers a variety of volunteer roles, from helping with dog playgroups to assisting at special events. I will ensure these opportunities are prominently shared in my newsletters and on County platforms, making it easy for citizens to get involved.
• Increase Transparency: It’s vital that the County and GCAC communicate clearly about the shelter’s practices. I will push for periodic reviews of the “No Kill” designation to ensure its accuracy and to build public trust. I will also feature a section in an upcoming newsletters going into more detail about the current “No Kill” policy in Greenville County.
2. Improving Road Conditions and Infrastructure
Residents report deteriorating roads, uneven new pavements, and unsafe intersections.
What can be done:
• Focus on Maintenance: The County uses a “worst-first” approach to repair over 150 roads each year, but we can do more. I will advocate for increased road maintenance funding and hold contractors to higher quality standards for new pavement work. I have several issues with this in my district and currently working with staff to address those concerns.
• Enhance Safety: Dangerous intersections like those at Pleasantburg/Blue Ridge/Poinsett Hwy and Cherrydale need immediate attention. There are efforts in the works to address some of these concerns, some of which will begin early next year!
3. Expanding Sidewalks and Pedestrian Safety
Community Feedback: Residents expressed concerns about the lack of sidewalks along major roads like Pleasantburg and Poinsett Hwy, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
What can be done:
• Build Sidewalks: I will prioritize sidewalk construction along critical corridors, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Secure Funding: To prevent burdening taxpayers, I will advocate for state and federal grants specifically allocated for pedestrian infrastructure projects. We have significant announcements to make early next year, including a recent Federal grant approval of $20 million. Our grant writers and County staff have been instrumental in securing this blessing for Greenville County. Additionally, all projects funded by the grant are within District 19, which will bring immense benefits to many of our underserved areas. I am thrilled to share more details with you in the near future.
4. Facilitating Community Engagement and Volunteerism
Constituents want better access to information about ways to get involved in their community.
What can be done:
• Centralized Volunteer Hub: I will work to compile and share a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities, including programs like our new Citizens Academy and initiatives by organizations such as Partners in Animal Care.
• Promote Civic Engagement: I encourage attendance when possible at County Council meetings and public forums. It truly does help citizens actively shape local policy.
5. Advocating for Controlled and Sustainable Growth
Residents want to ensure growth is managed responsibly and that developers contribute their fair share.
What can be done:
• Impact Fees: I will support the implementation of impact fees so developers help fund the infrastructure their projects require. This is something that past Councils have for some reason left off the agenda, but I can commit that we will be moving forward with this initiative next year.
• Enforce Zoning: Ensuring strict adherence to zoning regulations will protect the character of neighborhoods and prevent overdevelopment. This is another reason I commit to addressing the recent passing of the Unified Development Ordinance, which loosens restrictions on density and potentially damages what measures we currently have as Council to protect your quality of life.
7. Upholding Transparency and Accountability
Citizens emphasize the need for government transparency and trust.
What can be done:
• Regular Updates: I will continue to use newsletters, social media, and community meetings to keep residents informed about Council activities and decisions.
• Encourage Feedback: By promoting open lines of communication, I’ll ensure that decisions reflect the real needs of the community.
A Step in the Right Direction
I’ll be the first to admit that not all solutions can be implemented immediately or perfectly. However, I firmly believe that this dialogue between us is essential to shaping meaningful, lasting change. Your input drives our shared vision for Greenville County, and I am committed to acting on these concerns in ways that align with fiscal responsibility, accountability, and community empowerment.
If you’d like to contribute to this section in future newsletters, send your opinions, ideas, and concerns to: bblount@greenvillecounty.org
As the holiday season continues, I encourage you to enjoy the wonderful events happening across our county and take time to cherish moments with loved ones. Please know that I am always here to listen and advocate for our shared priorities.
Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and blessed week ahead!
I love the fact that you are taking the effort & time to keep us informed about county matters. I live in lower part of county. Hopefully there will be some new updates to our areas.
Regarding road conditions and infrastructure, it's refreshing to see that you are adressing the quality of work provided by contractors. It's astounding that roads can be resurfaced and the manhole covers are not "at grade" with the road surface. There are thousdands of these in the county. One has to be diligent when driving to dodge these and avoid wear & tear on tires, alignment and suspensions. The overall quality of the paving is also lacking. It appears that no one actually goes out to inspect the finished projects and follow up with the contractors. This is all about accountability on the part of the contractors and those who award the contracts.