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GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Greenville City Council unanimously approved a new downtown entertainment district Monday night, limiting operating hours for future businesses in an effort to improve public safety following late-night incidents that gained social media attention.<\/p>\n
The district encompasses the area around McBee Avenue, College Street, Beattie Place, Spring Street and Richardson Street. New businesses within the district will not be allowed to serve food or drinks after midnight.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very sensitive to anything negative that happens in the city,\u201d said Ken Gibson, Greenville City Council member.<\/p>\n
The measure comes months after late-night downtown fights spread on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce those videos got the notoriety that they got, it really spurred us to look and see whether or not we had a problem and what we could do to try to alleviate some of those concerns,\u201d Gibson said.<\/p>\n
Residents remain divided on the impact. Some argue safety depends on behavior rather than business hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe definitely need more businesses to open past 2 o\u2019clock for people to have time to sober up,\u201d said Josue, a Greenville resident.<\/p>\n
Carlos Zaldivar, a former bar owner, said the restrictions could hurt property values and make it harder for new owners to succeed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always thrive between 11 and 1 o\u2019clock. It brings in other business,\u201d Zaldivar said.<\/p>\n
City leaders said the ordinance could strengthen the district.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause there\u2019s going to be a greater amount of control, there\u2019s going to be a greater and a better experience for people who come downtown,\u201d Gibson said.<\/p>\n
The ordinance does not affect current businesses with special-exception permits. Officials said those permits will transfer if an owner sells. The city must measure the district\u2019s effectiveness in six and 12 months, though specific metrics are not outlined.<\/p>\n
Council surprised and honored Mayor Knox White at Monday\u2019s meeting, celebrating his 30 years serving as Greenville\u2019s mayor. White took office in 1995.<\/p>\n
Staff presented a special video highlighting his accomplishments, including Falls Park, the Liberty Bridge, Flour Field, the Swamp Rabbit Trail and Unity Park.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course we do quality, of course we do first class and we do it right. And that\u2019s built into what\u2019s happening with the leadership with the staff everyday and of course city council. Thank you all,\u201d White said.<\/p>\n
Council also approved rezoning nearly 100 acres in the Haynie-Sirrine neighborhood in a final vote. The update brings the area in line with the city\u2019s new zoning code, creating clearer and more consistent rules for property owners.<\/p>\n
The land sits near the future County Square project. City and neighborhood leaders have said the change could help spur development.<\/p>\n
City staff shared their updated Urban Forest Comprehensive Plan during a council work session Monday. The plan calls for planting 1,600 new trees by April 2026.<\/p>\n
The city has hired a New York-based company to help guide its long-term goals for boosting the city\u2019s tree canopy.<\/p>\n
Laquan Priest, the city\u2019s community centers manager, was recently inducted into Claflin University\u2019s Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes alumni for both athletic and academic excellence.<\/p>\n
Priest competed in track and field, earning multiple major awards including being a two-time NCAA All-American in both indoor and outdoor events. He maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout college.<\/p>\n