20 Sep Upstate Headlines: Zero-Emission Buses, Plans for Mauldin Downtown Growth, Euphoria 2017, & More!
A collection of the top Upstate headlines for the week of September 18, 2017
Two Zero-Emission Buses Hit The Streets of Greenville
We’re putting the “Green” into Greenville. Greenville is finally getting its own electric buses! In 2010, Proterra (which creates electric buses) moved their HQ to Greenville from Golden, Co. as a startup. In 2015, they moved their official HQ to Silicon Valley but kept their SE hub and manufacturing facility off I-85. GreenLink and Proterra teamed up to write a grant proposal requesting 5.8M from the Federal Transit Administration which would help replace five of their 17 bus fleet with zero-emission buses. And Friday, Greenlink was granted $1.45 M which will cover 2 zero emission buses and two charging stations.
Pi-Squared Pizza opens Thursday at Drayton Mills Marketplace
Pi-Squared Pizza, a Hendersonville, N.C.-based pizza place, is opening its newest location Thursday at Drayton Mills Marketplace in Spartanburg. The restaurant is known for its square-shaped, Detroit-style pizza that features a thick airy crust made crispy around the edges by an infusion of baked cheese. The pizza is then covered with other ingredients and topped with seasoned tomato sauce. Karen Rampey, owner of Pi-Squared Pizza, said she is thrilled to be bringing the unique pizza style to Spartanburg and was drawn to Drayton Mills for the site’s historic value and growth potential. “We think it’s a really exciting thing that’s happening in Spartanburg,” she said. “This location will be larger (than the Hendersonville restaurant) with more tables, and we plan to hire between 20 and 30 employees.”
Mauldin Takes Key Steps to Encourage Downtown Growth
This city of 25,000, which has grown by 66 percent since 2000 but has no downtown, now has the legal foundation for a pedestrian-friendly urban village in its midst. In a series of unanimous votes late Monday, Mauldin City Council members approved four changes to the city’s zoning laws that are a throwback to an age before cars dominated daily life. Stores and homes will be able to exist side by side or in the same building; storefronts will be able to extend right up to sidewalks; anyone building new commercial structures now has an avenue to justify smaller parking lots; and developers now have an incentive to build structures with peaked roofs and articulated facades. “With these votes, the council has taken steps toward urban-village style zoning,” Mauldin City Administrator Trey Eubanks said Monday.
The Greenville Drive Makes History as the 2017 South Atlantic League Champions
The Greenville Drive made history Friday night after defeating the Kannapolis Intimidators. The teams were tied 3 to 3 in the sixth inning, but the Drive then scored five runs, three of which came with a double by infielder Brett Netzer. Netzer suggested that the successful hit may stem from regrets during the series game Thursday night.” I had an opportunity last night in the ninth inning and I didn’t capitalize,” Netzer said. “I just wanted to hit something hard and help the team win. That was pretty hard.” The Drive is the only Boston Red Sox Minor League affiliate to advance to the playoffs.
Euphoria is Here and Ready to Celebrate Culinary and Arts Communities
It’s that time of the year again! Euphoria begins the 21st with events through the 24th. This highly anticipated weekend-long event includes exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as multi-course dinners and live musical performances. Dedicated to excellence, Euphoria features domestic and international wines, celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and national recording artist. Founded in 2006 by platinum-selling singer and songwriter Edwin McCain and restaurateur Carl Sobocinski, euphoria educates, entices, enlightens, and entertains. Get your tickets today!
