The City of Greenville is under contract to purchase more than six acres of vacant land along Church Street to protect neighborhoods, preserve open space and provide affordable housing.
“I think it has the potential to be transformational for the surrounding neighborhood,” Councilor Ken Gibson said. “It’s a huge parcel of land. Land is absolutely the most valuable asset that we have in the city.”
The purchase of 36 parcels located in the area surrounding Haynie and Chapin streets will allow the City to manage future development. City planners spent the past seven months collaborating with neighbors, business owners and stakeholders on a Haynie-Sirrine Neighborhood Plan Update.
“I need to commend the City for their vision, their commitment, to a lot of the same goals that we have here in the neighborhood, how we would like to see this area grow and develop over the next 20 years,” resident John Slipke said, citing goals such as green space, improved connectivity and affordable housing options.
The City’s 20-year comprehensive plan, GVL2040, calls for the preservation of 35 percent of the city’s vacant land as open space and for at least 10 percent of new housing to be affordable.
“We have to be really creative, and we have to do things in partnership with the private sector,” Mayor Knox White said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a neighborhood in the heart of downtown Greenville and provide affordable housing opportunities.”
The $10.7 million purchase will be paid through multiple sources, including the City’s capital projects fund, parking enterprise fund and tree fund. The property is one of the largest available near downtown and can serve as a buffer between residential areas and the Church Street corridor.
“It’s just a huge win for the city, a huge win for the neighborhood and a generational opportunity to manage our growth. Our priority will be to have this land develop with respect to the neighborhood that’s already here,” said Councilor Dorothy Dowe.
Once the Haynie-Sirrine Neighborhood Plan Update is approved by Planning Commission and City Council, the City will work with an urban planner and residents to design mixed-use options which could include single family housing, duplexes, multi-family and even light retail.
“It really makes me feel good that we are not just talking about priorities, we are actually doing our part to provide the things to the community that they want to see,” City Manager Shannon Lavrin said.
Written by the City of Greenville.