VisionGreenwood Announces Unveiling of the Westside Master Plan

VisionGreenwood Announces Unveiling of the Westside Master Plan

Greenwood, SC – (May 10, 2024) - VisionGreenwood is pleased to announce the unveiling of the Westside Master Plan, a comprehensive planning initiative aimed at revitalizing and enhancing Greenwood’s Westside neighborhood.

The Westside Master Plan represents a collaborative effort between city officials, planners, community stakeholders and residents to envision a vibrant and sustainable future for one of Greenwood's historic neighborhoods. Through extensive research, community engagement and strategic planning, the Master Plan sets forth a blueprint for transformative change that respects the area's heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and progress.

Key components of the Westside Master Plan include:

1. Preserve Owner-Occupied Housing: The plan will focus on preserving existing and introducing additional owner-occupied housing within the Westside neighborhood. By implementing policies and initiatives that protect homeownership and support attainable housing options, the plan aims to maintain the area's distinct identity and foster a strong sense of community among residents.

2. Create Attainable, Sensitive Infill Housing: The plan will pursue the creation of sensitive and inclusive infill housing where appropriate. The goal is to provide alternatives for residents of the Westside neighborhood, while providing options for new residents who desire to live in a vibrant neighborhood close to major employment centers in Greenwood.

3. Introduce Public Amenities for Better Connections: The plan will introduce an array of public amenities and improvements in the Westside neighborhood. By enhancing the accessibility and connectivity of the area through the creation of parks, green spaces, walkways and public gathering spots, the plan aims to foster better connections among residents and their surroundings.

4. Develop an Early Learning Center Through Community Partnerships: Recognizing the acute need for childcare and early education in Greenwood, the plan for the Westside neighborhood will explore an early learning center that will offer a range of early childhood programs, including preschool, pre-kindergarten, and parent-child engagement initiatives.

5. Examine Small-Scale Commercial for Neighborhood Entrepreneurship: The plan will thoroughly examine and assess the potential for small-scale commercial ventures within the Westside neighborhood. The development of these commercial spaces will offer convenient services and products to residents, reducing the need to travel outside the neighborhood and promoting entrepreneurship among residents.

Mayor Brandon Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the Westside Master Plan, stating, "This is an exciting moment for Greenwood as we embark on a journey to revitalize and reimagine the Westside neighborhood. The Master Plan represents our shared vision for a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community where residents can live, work and thrive. I want to thank everyone who contributed their time, expertise and passion to this important initiative, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our city for generations to come."

To learn more: https://app.box.com/s/reg1u8vhyf84o8r6lua49l7ouqbgmr5x

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About Vision Greenwood

VisionGreenwood is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with deep roots in the Greenwood community. Throughout the past 20 years, VisionGreenwood (formerly known as the Foundation for a Greater Greenwood County, Inc.) has invested over $2.9 million into the community by supporting collaborative community development initiatives that provide economic prosperity and enhance the growth and success of Greenwood. The Foundation was originally created to support the former Greenwood Partnership Alliance’s charitable operations with a focus on community and workforce development. The Foundation became a stand-alone organization in 2020 and was rebranded as VisionGreenwood in 2021. By intent and design, VisionGreenwood continues to be a community partner that is focused on Greenwood’s future, economic growth and development and quality of life. Learn more at www.visiongreenwood.org.