Presentation Gives Greenville County Leaders A Look Into Poinsett Corridor's Future

Greenville County leaders listened to a presentation that could represent the next step in enhancing the county's communities.

The Poinsett Corridor Project was presented before council members during an informative session before Tuesday night's Greenville County Council meeting. Leaders were able to see artist renderings of designs and the conceptual phase to the plan, which would increase the viability along Poinsett Highway, from Furman University into downtown Greenville.

"If this project is implemented, it has the ability to create a ripple effect on the surrounding area by not only connecting a neighborhood such as Brutontown, Washington Heights and Poe Mill which are just off the Poinsett corridor," said Martin Livingston, Executive Director of GCRA.

Some of the conceptual ideas on display in the presentation include additional sidewalks, beautification projects and economic development projects.

"Aesthetically, they will begin to see signage, landscaping and architectural features that say this is a place that we are proud of, this is a place that we'd like for you to come and visit and like for you to come and live," said J.D. Martin of Arbor Engineering. "It is about redevelopment and rebuilding a community. The Poinsett District has the opportunity to pushing off Poinsett Highway to create new places to live and new places to work."

The proposed reconfiguration to the 7 mile stretch of road that was once a burgeoning business district, would bring a new dynamic appeal to people traveling to Greenville or to the mountains.

"It was once the economic hub of Greenville," said Greenville County Council Chairman Butch Kirven. "Neighborhoods have a life cycle to them and this neighborhood has an very old aged life cycle stage, so it is time now for some renovation and renewal."

Furman President Rod Smolla said that the project would uplift many of the neighborhoods that would be affected.

"It will bring an uplift to many of the neighborhoods that have been there many, many, many year and have a very proud history," he said. "We're not simply looking to beautify a section of highway. We're looking at ways to rejuvenate and create a positive economic momentum and good social infrastructure to this historical community."

Over 20,000 vehicles travel the stretch of Poinsett Highway each day. And some officials hope that a new corridor would enhance the visibility and make the area more attractive.

"Right now, you don't engage with that stretch when you go downtown," said Steve Bryant, of Chick-Fil-A Cherrydale. "But I think you have the opportunity to look in the future and live in an engaging way with this area."

"It’s a very determined effort to make sure there is an economic development here that is good for the area and all of the citizens of Greenville County," Martin stated.

To listen to the presentation about the proposed changes to the Poinsett Highway corridor, click here: http://www.greenvillecounty.org/