Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During the regular meeting of the Greenville Town Council on Monday, April 17, the council discussed and took action on a number of ordinances for the town.
The first ordinance, Ordinance Number 2023-272, “[prohibits] the repair or maintenance of motor vehicles in public right-of-ways, [prohibits] commercial activity on public property and requiring permits for gatherings or events on public property.” The ordinance does provide for exceptions and specifies penalties for violations. One reason for the ordinance was to curb so called “block parties” that have resulted in numerous noise complaints and, on occasion, disrupted into violence. The ordinance was passed on a 4-0 vote. The ordinance takes effect immediately.
Another similar ordinance, Ordinance Number 2023-273, “[prohibits] the imposition of an admission fee for events held at town parks; [prohibits] the discharge of firearms at town parks only as already prohibited by state law; providing for the issuance of trespass notices for individuals who violate state and local rules or regulations; providing for penalties and the right of appeal.” The ordinance also holds persons and organizations liable for damages to persons or property. The ordinance was passed on a 4-0 vote and takes effect immediately.
The council passed a resolution dealing with eminent domain for a piece of property located north of SW Grand Avenue, south of SW Onslow Street, east of SW Broad Avenue and west of US Hwy 221. According to the resolution, the property in question is needed by the town for the construction of the proposed grocery store to be located in downtown Greenville.
The resolution states that “negotiations to acquire the necessary real property, and other necessary appurtenances have begun and will continue after this Resolution is adopted; however, due to the possibility that these negotiations fail and/or break down, it is therefore necessary and for a public purpose to exercise the power of eminent domain.”
There was further discussion on code enforcement and the use of a special magistrate to hear appeals and adjudicate code enforcement issues. Council Member Calvin Malone expressed concern that code enforcements could be used to carry out personal vendettas against others. Malone admitted he had received a certified letter informing him of possible code violations on his property. Currently, there are 13 property owners who have been given notice of possible code violations. Attorney Conrad Bishop, Jr. is the likely candidate to serve as the Special Magistrate to enforce the codes. Bishop is a well-respected attorney from Perry, Fla.
The next meeting of the Greenville Town Council is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 8, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in Town Hall, located at 154 SW Old Mission Ave.