Easley Amends Zoning Ordinance to Include Design Overlay Districts

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1 Harlem Ridge Volume 7 Issue 5 November 2004 Easley Amends Zoning Ordinance to Include Design Overlay Districts AR Funds Approved for Six Projects Frances 5th Gilliland Red 5th 9th D 8th 4th 7th 6th 3rd North A 4th 1st 3rd Hasting Main 1st Ellenburg Runion Wyatt Easley s Historic Downtown/TIF Design Overlay District untain View Mc Daniel Russell ity officials in Easley have adopted an amendment to the ity s Zoning Ordinance that includes provisions for the establishment and administration of four Design Overlay Districts. The Appalachian ouncil of Governments worked with the ity Planning ommission staff to develop the Zoning Ordinance amendment after careful consideration of existing conditions and possible future scenarios for each district. Three of these districts are located in what the ity has defined as transitional corridors. These corridors were identified in the ity s omprehensive Plan as areas that have or are currently experiencing a shift from residential to commercial characteristics. These districts permit the construction of medium density residential homes and opportunities for various scales of commercial activity along the transportation corridors (S Highway 93, S Highway 8, and S Highway 135). The Transition orridor Overlay Districts were coded to provide integration between existing or established neighborhoods and market-driven pressures for increased mixed-use development resulting from the location of transportation infrastructure in adjacent areas. The intent of these districts is to facilitate mixed-use development that will provide convenient access, minimize traffic congestion, and reduce visual clutter along these transitional corridors. The other Design Overlay District is located in what the ity has identified as the Historic Downtown/TIF District. It is coded to encourage the redevelopment and expansion of the traditional ity center. Main Street shops and public uses such as a new Library, Law Enforcement enter, and ity Hall define this area. This center is intended to serve as the civic, cultural, and governmental hub of activity for the entire Easley community. The ity plans to implement the new provisions of the Zoning Ordinance to ensure harmonious development that will provide a transition between various types, scales, and intensities of land use in these districts that are compatible with the goals and objectives of the ity s Historic Downtown/TIF Redevelopment Plan. Glazner East A radley North Mc ee Gamble Washington Jasper rockman harles St Lo Oak Arlington Anzio rest Woodland Woodland St Lo Pinewood uddin Parkway Mayes Towsend Southway Homeland levela Mai Andre Hillcres he Appalachian Regional ommission (AR) recently approved grant funding for six new projects that will benefit the people of the S.. Appalachian region. The six grants, which total over $1.7 million, include: $500,000 was approved to assist lemson and entral in undertaking water system improvements to accommodate growth and development and to improve water pressure and fire protection. The project, which is estimated to cost $3.6 million, involves the construction of two 500,000-gallon storage tanks and the installation or replacement of seven miles of water line. $150,000 was awarded to New Horizon Family Health Service to increase medical capacity and expand access to primary healthcare for the medically underserved population in Greer. The project will renovate a 10,000-square-foot building to allow the health clinic to relocate from a 789-square-foot facility. The new facility, which is estimated to cost $536,000 to renovate, will accommodate additional medical providers and expanded services, including an on-site pharmacy. $187,000 was approved to assist Anderson ounty in extending sewer lines along Webb Road to serve three existing businesses that plan to expand and create new job opportunities. The project will also (AR Funds continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 AOG Receives Grant to Develop On-Line Tools for Small usiness Development Small Towns Technical Assistance Program he AOG Information Services Department recently announced a grant award from the Appalachian Regional ommission (AR) to create on-line mapping and demographic analysis tools in support of small business development in the Upstate. AR will provide $91,000 over two years toward a total project cost of $194,000. The web-based tool will enable entrepreneurs, bankers, and business consultants to analyze the probability of market success for a proposed business, based on demographic factors. Interactive mapping tools and detailed regional databases will supplement the market analysis function. The application will serve as a tool for refining business plans and enhancing the business development process. The on-line application will incorporate cutting-edge web tools with regional data to aid the planning and decision-making process for small business development. The tool will provide access to essential map layers, extensive socio-economic databases, and include web-based mapping functions. The tool will be based on Environmental System Research Institute s (ESRI) Arc Internet Map Server (ArcIMS) technology. This software is a geographic information system (GIS), enabling high-end query and analysis, as well as other mapping functions such as pan, zoom, feature identification, and display. y locating the proposed business location on a map, the client will be able to determine traffic flow patterns, as well as obtain an array of demographic statistics for the potential site. The core component of the project is a market analysis tool that will analyze the probability of success for a proposed business. The system will provide a user-friendly interface to enter the type of business, the location, and customer criteria such as household income, age, and gender. The system will return general indicators for business viability based on the demographic factors and characteristics of the business category. AOG will work closely with the Appalachian Development orporation and the lemson Small usiness Development enter (SD) at all stages of the project. ounselors of these agencies can use the tools to help entrepreneurs and business owners refine business plans and explore location options for small and micro business development. Please contact arol Andersen ( ) for more information. (AR Funds continued from page 1) serve several potential industrial/commercial sites, making them easier to market to new business. The project is estimated to cost $374,000. A DG grant of $100,000 is also pending for this project. $750,000 was approved to recapitalize the very successful Revolving Loan Fund operated by the Appalachian Development orporation for small businesses financing. $91,382 was awarded to the Appalachian OG to develop and implement a Small usiness Development On-line Resource, described more fully in another article in this edition of Viewpoint. $56,400 was approved to continue the very popular Small Towns Technical Assistance Program operated by the Governmental Services Department of the Appalachian OG. These projects will have a tremendous impact on many people in the Upstate region. For more information on these projects or the AR Program, contact Dirk Reis at the AOG. The Woodruff ity ouncil conducting a work session with AOG staff. Woodruff was one of three new jurisdictions participating in the Small Towns Technical Assistance Program in FY 04. Four new communities have been approved for participation in a technical assistance program targeted at small municipal governments. Jurisdictions were identified based upon need, size, and willingness to participate. A total of 16 communities are benefiting from the program. Now in its fourth year, the program is sponsored by the Appalachian Regional ommission and is being managed by the Appalachian ouncil of Governments. In years one and two, the nine initial jurisdictions included Reidville, Pelzer, West Pelzer, Norris, Six Mile, Iva, Inman, Liberty, and elton. In year three, the towns of lacksburg, hesnee and Woodruff were included. In the current year four of the program, the municipalities of Fountain Inn, West Union, ampobello, and owpens have been added. Over the last three years, AOG has worked closely with the participating jurisdictions. Depending on local needs, AOG has provided a wide range of services, including council training, strategic planning, computer programming and training, business license studies, land use planning, utility rate studies, budgeting assistance, financial management, municipal administration, consulting, and general troubleshooting. (TA continued on page 3)

3 Page 3 Ombudsman orner s the holiday season begins to make its way around the corner, here are some Visiting Tips as suggested by the author of aring For People With Alzheimer s Disease, 2 nd Edition, Lisa P. Gwyther. Many families have a difficult time visiting and may become disappointed when the resident does not remember the visit, accuses them of abandonment, or looks unkempt. Facilities with active family visitors are generally seen as more interesting places to work or live. It s the quality not the quantity of visits that makes a difference to residents. ring something to do together or spend time with other residents and their families. Visit when you are not rushed, and do not stay so long that you and the resident are worn out. You may not always see the staff you are looking for when you visit. Leave notes for the staff and ask them to leave notes for you about special things that your loved one did or needs since your last visit. Alternate visits with other family and friends. Encourage church and social friends to visit at times when the resident is most alert. reate visiting rituals: bring in a milkshake on a hot afternoon, check out the bird feeder or fish tank, visit another resident, bring in a craft project, favorite video, or audiotape to enjoy together. Quiet shared moments are just as meaningful as gab sessions about current family events. Listening to hymns or saying prayers together, polishing nails, brushing hair, or massaging the resident s hands can promote feelings of togetherness and belonging. Use props for reminiscing about the good old days. For instance, bring in photo albums or scrapbooks, old magazines, sewing patterns, or tools, and talk about them. Sometimes, residents enjoy repeating favorite stories, jokes, poems, or songs. Love is portable. You don t have to be present to send your love in a telephone call, a videotape, a letter, or a card. Your loving message may be delivered by a friend or relative in your absence or by another resident s family. Remember that each of these suggestions is just some other way to visit that could benefit the resident. Double check with the facility before bringing in any food items, if the resident has a special diet. Also, they will be able to tell you when would be the best time to visit. The facility is the resident s home and they would love to see you! Your Local Ombudsmen: Nancy Hawkins, Jamie Guay, elia lark, Rhonda Monroe, and Sandy Dunagan. We serve the six counties in the Upstate; phone: (TA continued from page 2) AOG is in the process of meeting with the councils and staff of the four newest municipalities, conducting a needs assessment study to determine how the towns can best be served. AOG will then schedule technical assistance visits and initiate work on identified projects. Meanwhile, AOG will commence orientations and training for the city councils and will schedule dates for council retreats and strategic planning sessions in the next few weeks. Development orporation News he loan approved for Laurel Gynecology, Obstetrics and Infertility, PA, in the amount of $326,000 was closed and funded. The AD funded $76,000 of the request directly, and the ommunity Reinvestment Fund provided $250,000. The AD has provided $705,000 in SA 504 funding for emedia group, Inc., in Greenville to purchase equipment for a new printing company. emedia group, Inc., will retain or create 37 jobs. The AD oard has approved a loan to A & J Precision ompany, Inc., for funding a project to be located in the Pickens ounty Industrial Park. The project involves construction of a new building to house the production side of this machining shop. The AD is also applying for $680,000 in permanent funding through the SA 504 program. The project will create in excess of 30 jobs at the location. oldiron Specialties, Inc., was approved for an AD loan in the amount of $120,000 to assist in the purchase of a building and property on Pine Street in Spartanburg. The site will be used for storage and repair of heavy equipment and vehicles. oldiron will create or retain at least five jobs. Palmetto ustom Film of Piedmont, a current AD borrower, was approved for a second loan of $100,000 to be used for working capital. This rapidly growing company has created more jobs than originally projected, as sales have rapidly exceeded expectations. Seventeen jobs have been created to date, with the potential creation of another four or five jobs. The oard approved a loan to lakely Funeral Home in the amount of $50,000 to complete the funding package for a new funeral home in Gaffney. Ashby lakely, a long time funeral director in Gaffney, is building the new funeral home to give residents a choice (AD continued on page 4)

4 Page 4 Incumbent Worker Training Funds Available he Pendleton District Workforce Investment Area has received $160,000 for Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) through June 30, IWT resources are available for employers to train currently employed workers in an effort to keep businesses and workers competitive. IWT addresses training needed to meet changing skill requirements caused by new technology, retooling, new product lines, and new organizational structuring. usinesses may be eligible for IWT funds if they have been in operation in South arolina for a minimum of one year prior to application for funding, have at least one full-time employee, and are current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority will be based on businesses whose training applications indicate a significant upgrade in employee skills and/or employee wage increases as a result of training, and whose training applications reflect a significant layoff avoidance strategy and retention opportunities. Though no match is required, priority will be given to applicants who are able to contribute cash or shared costs to the total project budget. Reimbursable training expenses include instructor/trainer salaries, curriculum development, textbooks/manuals, and materials/supplies. Non-reimbursable expenses include trainee/employee wages, trainee/ employee travel, training equipment, capital improvements, purchase of any item or service that may possibly be used outside of the training project, and costs incurred prior to the approval date of the application. The types of training which may be funded through IWT include, but are not limited to: industry or company specific skills; technical and computer skills; basic academic skills; and soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and management skills. Training may be provided through technical colleges, school districts, area vocational-technical centers, state colleges and universities, licensed and certified private entities/institutions, and the business/company itself through in-house training providers. Training may be conducted at the training provider s facility, business s own facility, or a combination of sites. If you are interested in applying for the Incumbent Worker Training funds, please contact Ms. Julia Sermons Hoyle, Director, Pendleton District Workforce Investment oard, via phone (864) or at jsermons@scacog.org. The deadline for application is November 5, Youth Services Fair The Pendleton District Workforce Investment oard (WI) Youth ouncil is sponsoring a Youth Services Fair for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties. The Pendleton District WI, Youth ouncil has been established by the Pendleton District WI, as required through the Workforce Investment Act. The Workforce Investment Act is federal legislation that presents an opportunity for local workforce investment communities to examine the resources available in the community for the purpose of addressing the needs of their at-risk youth. The Youth ouncil realizes that providers of services must work together to achieve the best solutions for our area s youth. The purpose of the Youth Services Fair is to increase awareness of the resources available to youth in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties. The Youth Services Fair will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2004, and will begin at 9:30 a.m. with opening remarks by Dr. Sam Drew, who is with the National Dropout Prevention enter. It will be held at the onference enter and Inn at lemson University. This fair is recommended for Youth Service Providers, School Guidance ounselors, Social Workers, and anyone who works with youth ages 14 to 21. Admission is free, and we hope all interested organizations will join us. There will be a limited number of spaces available for organizations to display information. The charge for each space is $25.00, which includes a table and two chairs. If you are interested in reserving a space, please contact Teri Gilstrap at (864) o r e m a i l y o u t h s e r v i c e s f a i (AD continued from page 3) of service providers. The project will create four to six full-time jobs and several part-time jobs.

5 Appalachian ouncil of Governments P. O. ox 6668 Greenville, South arolina PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREENVILLE, S PERMIT NO Address orrection Requested