14 Dec Upstate Headlines: When it comes to planning, Greenville designs for people, not buildings, first
A collection of the top Upstate headlines for the week of December 12, 2016
When it comes to planning, Greenville designs for people, not buildings, first
There is no better example of the challenges of growth than the recent debate over whether an office building should be allowed on the edge of Falls Park. It speaks to one of the fundamental rules of good urban planning: design for people first, and then for buildings. Greenville’s consistent observance of this rule is the secret of our success. If we are intentional about how we grow and remain committed to our people-first urban planning strategy, we can continue to be the most beautiful and livable city in America.
City of Greenville unanimously pledges $2M to affordable housing
The city of Greenville has pledged a major financial commitment in the efforts to provide affordable housing in the city, as real estate values continue to soar ever higher and traditional downtown neighborhoods become less accessible. In a chambers packed to capacity, the City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that would commit $2 million to the cause, with another $1 million to come from private and charitable sources. The council must give one more vote of approval at its next meeting in a few weeks before the money left over in the city’s general fund can be used.
Spartanburg-based Monster Subs planning location in downtown Greenville
Monster Subs, a New York, New Jersey-style sub shop in Spartanburg, will expand to downtown Greenville in early 2017. Pete Gambino, the restaurateur who brought his family-owned Monster Subs concept down when he moved from New Jersey a few years ago, said he has signed a lease on 1,350 square feet at 206 Coffee St., a space once occupied by Downtown Dogs. Gambino said he hopes to open the eatery in March. It will operate Tuesday through Saturday and feature a range of hot and cold subs, sandwiches and paninis piled high with fresh, quality ingredients at an affordable price.
Parking deck improvements completed at McBee Station
Renovations at the two-tier parking structure at McBee Station in Greenville have been completed. Repairs to the structure included expansion joint repair, sealant replacement, crack repair and deck sealant to both the covered lower and uncovered upper decks, according to a news release. The parking repairs began in fall 2015 and were phased in over nine months. Additionally, the Publix grocery store at McBee Station recently completed interior renovations to the location.
Risata Pizza to open Dec. 15 in Greer
Risata Pizza, the first Neapolitan pizzeria in the Upstate, has announced its opening day will be Dec. 15 via its Facebook page. Risata is located at 111 Middleton Way in Greer. Owner Joe Gilman also posted the pizzeria’s menu, and it’s looking like a drive to Greer might not be too far of a drive for some authentic Italian pie, baked in an 800-plus-degree, wood burning oven. Risata will be open Wednesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
