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Articles by Jay King
Bon Secours Wellness Arena plaza improvements approved
Designs for site improvements to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena were approved by the city's Design Review Board at its Oct. 15 meeting. The plans call for upgrades to the plazas leading to each of the arena's entrances, which will include enhanced lighting and landscaping. The plaza fronting East North and Academy streets will remain the same size but receive lighting upgrades and new landscaping, including a reconfigured planting island incorporating a new stone retaining wall and signage.
Upstate Scout Motors suppliers invest $82M in expansions
Seven Upstate manufacturers are investing more than $82 million to expand production of Scout Motors vehicles at the automotive manufacturer’s South Carolina plant being built in the Midlands.
Greer approves food service provider for performance center: City Council notes
Approved: Food service operator Council voted 4-3 to award food service operations at the Prisma Health Performance Center to Los Angeles-based DLS Events LLC. Adam Forringer, the center's director, told council two proposals were received and staff determined DLS was better equipped to provide a quality food service experience at the center.
Input sought on Enoree River bridge replacement at Spartanburg-Laurens county line
The state Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a project to replace a bridge damaged during Hurricane Helene over the Enoree River at the Spartanburg-Laurens county line. The bridge is along Beaverdam Church Road/Kilgore Bridge Road west of Enoree and was demolished after being damaged beyond repair during the storm. The road is closed and a detour using Edgewater, Boggy Branch, Harris Bridge, Racetrack and Brown Kennedy roads is in place.
MetroConnects reports sewer overflow near Kimbell Court in Greenville
A blockage apparently caused by grease and rags led to a sewer overflow in the vicinity of Kimbell Court in Greenville, the Metropolitan Sewer Subdistrict reported Oct. 9. According to MetroConnects, the event happened Oct. 8 near 21 Kimbell Court between Old Buncombe Road and Poinsett Highway north of Greenville and involved about 21,000 gallons of sewage overflowing through a manhole. The overflow was caused by grease and rags flushed into the wastewater system, according to MetroConnects.
Paris Mountain community gets development protections: Greenville County Council notes
Approved: Mountain Creek overlay district Council approved final reading of an ordinance amending the county's zoning regulations to create an overlay district protecting the Mountain Creek community southeast of Paris Mountain. Nearly two years in the making and following input from community members working with county staff, the overlay seeks to provide additional protections to the area from development.
Tecsys commits $5M to new Prisma behavioral health hospital
, a Montrel-based provider of supply chain solutions, has committed $5 million over the next five years to support Prisma Health's new behavioral health hospital being built near Easley. The new $138 million facility is the centerpiece of a 46-acre campus at 4906 Old Easley Bridge Road near the intersection with S.C. Highway 153 in Easley. The three-story, 112-bed facility is expected to open in March 2027 and will nearly double Prisma Health's inpatient behavioral health capacity.
Find Great People acquires Generational Performance Solutions
Also based in Greenville, Generational Performance Solutions is a workforce consulting firm founded in 2017 by Kamber Parker Bowden and specializing in intergenerational workforce communication and strategy. Formerly operating as YoPro Know, GPS has worked nationally with companies and organizations to understand, engage and develop a multigenerational workforce.
Long Creek bridge on Raines Road in Oconee County closed for repairs
The bridge over Long Creek along Raines Road in Oconee County has been closed for repairs, according to the state Department of Transportation. Raines Road will be open to local traffic only. The work is expected to last about a month, weather depending. A detour has been set up using Long Creek Highway (U.S. Highway 76) and Academy Road.
PF Meat Co. Butchery and Market coming to downtown Anderson
Construction has begun on a new PF Meat Co. Butchery & Market in downtown Anderson, the company announced Oct. 1 via social media. The new location is at 522 N. Main St. at the intersection with West Calhoun Street adjacent to Magnetic South Brewery and is part of the Anderson Downtown Historic District. Construction is expected to be complete by March 2027. PF Meat Co. Butchery & Market offers meats, ready-to-go dishes, house-roasted coffees and more.
Anderson retail center sells for $7.14M
Marcus & Millichap, a California-based commercial real estate brokerage, announced Oct. 1 the sale of a retail center on S.C. Highway 28 Bypass in Anderson for $7.14 million. Built in 1999 on 8.3 acres and totaling 40,000 square feet with 13 units, the center contains a mix of retail and service-oriented businesses, including Dollar Tree, Great Clips and Petsense. The center is part of a larger, Walmart-anchored shopping complex along one of Anderson’s principal commercial arteries.
SCDOT seeks input on proposed Swamp Rabbit Trail segment near Simpsonville
The state Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a proposed segment of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail along Bryson and Bryson Heights drives in Greenville County. The proposed shared-use path is adjacent to Bryson Elementary School between Simpsonville and Fountain Inn. Comments will be accepted through Oct. 31. The preliminary timeline involves acquiring rights-of-way in spring 2027, with construction expected to commence in spring 2028 and last about eight months.
Noted Greenville historian, Furman professor Judy Bainbridge dies at 89
Judith "Judy" Bainbridge, a former Furman University administrator and professor and one of Greenville's preeminent historians, has died. She was 89. A New Jersey native, Bainbrdge received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Mary Washington College, followed by master's and doctoral degrees in English from the University of Iowa.
Adeptus USA to invest $216M in new Anderson County facility
Virginia-based Adeptus USA, a wood products manufacturer, is investing $215.6 million in Anderson County to establish its first South Carolina operation, the state Department of Commerce announced Sept. 30. The company’s new facility at 1205 Hamby Road in Honea Path will manufacture processed pine wood products for a variety of applications. The new facility is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2027 and create 217 jobs.
AnMed plans new 44-acre medical campus on Clemson Boulevard
AnMed has announced plans to build a new 44-acre medical campus including an emergency center near Interstate 85 Exit 19, the health care system announced Sept. 30. The new campus along Clemson Boulevard/U.S. Highway 76 will provide 24/7 emergency care, professional office space and other services, according to AnMed. The facility is expected to open in 2028.
Huntingdon's Disease Team Hope Walk to take place Oct. 25 in Greer
The South Carolina chapter of the Huntingdon's Disease Society of America will host the 2026 Team Hope Walk Oct. 25 in Greer starting at 1 p.m. The walk will take place at Greer City Park Pavilion, 301 E. Poinsett St., with registration starting at noon. Proceeds will support HDSA's mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington's disease and their families. Team Hope is the organization's largest grassroots fundraising event and takes place in more than 100 cities across the country.
How the Upstate’s southern industrial belt is driving regional growth
Anyone driving along Interstate 85 through the Upstate in the past 30 years will have noticed a robust manufacturing and industrial presence across multiple counties. What is less obvious is how much manufacturing and industrial growth has expanded into southern Greenville and Spartanburg counties and northern Laurens County. It is powering some of the fastest growing communities in the state.
BMW Manufacturing hosting 900 students for career day Oct. 6
BMW Manufacturing will welcome more than 900 middle and high school students Oct. 6 for the company’s Manufacturing Careers Day 2026. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at BMW’s Technical Training Center on S.C. Highway 101 in Greer. Students attending the event will learn about career opportunities across a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, engineering, automation, robotics, logistics, technology, skilled trades, and business operations.
Table Rock Road bridge over Oolenoy River in Pickens County to close for repairs
The bridge over the Oolenoy River along Table Rock Road in Pickens County will close for repairs starting Oct. 5. The state Department of Transportation will set up a detour using S.C. Highway 11 and Sliding Rock Road. The agency advises drivers to follow posted detour signs and to be aware of work crews in the area.
Greer approves funding for CPW capital projects: City Council notes
Approved: CPW capital project financing Council unanimously approved final reading of two separate measures authorizing financing for two Greer Commission of Public Works (CPW) capital projects. The first measure would authorize borrowing $1.9 million through the South Carolina Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority to install 6,600 feet of eight-inch line along East Poinsett Street to expand capacity.
The Nature Conservancy helps expand Sumter National Forest in Laurens County
Sumter National Forest in Laurens County has expanded by nearly 2,000 acres thanks to a property transfer from The Nature Conservancy. TNC transferred the 1,950-acre parcel near Joanna to the U.S. Forest Service, Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest. USFS had identified the parcel as a high-priority acquisition. The parcel also abuts a 330-acre tract slated to become a Laurens County park.
Greenville County updates zoning, open space requirements: County Council notes
Approved: Open space guidelines for residential developments Council approved third and final reading of a pair of measures updating open space requirements for residential developments. The first measure amends the county's zoning ordinance regulating open space residential developments. The changes revise standards for townhomes, duplexes and single-family attached dwellings. The changes also introduce minimum lot widths, reduced side setbacks and maximum attached unit counts, among others.
Breeze Airways to offer nonstop flights to West Palm Beach from GSP
Starting Dec. 18, Breeze Airways will offer nonstop flights to West Palm Beach, FL, on Mondays and Fridays from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. The route will connect GSP to President Donald Trump International Airport and is the 11th year-round and seasonal route Breeze offers.
ReWa completes first phase of $92M Swamp Rabbit sewer upgrade project
Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) has completed the first phase of its $92 million Swamp Rabbit gravity sewer upgrade project aimed at expanding wastewater capacity between Greenville and Travelers Rest. Begun in late 2025, Phase 1A replaced 2,800 linear feet of sewer main between East Bramlett and Sulphur Springs roads. The work involved installing a single pipe, ranging from 48- and 60-inch-diameter sections, to replace two aging 20- and 36-inch parallel pipes.
Vote Yes GVL launches in support of local penny sales tax measures
Vote Yes GVL , an initiative by a coalition of community leaders organized as Investing for Greenville's Future , officially launched Sept. 14 in support of Greenville County's transportation penny tax referendum that will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The initiative is also supporting four municipal local option measures that will appear on ballots in Greenville, Mauldin, Simpsonville and Travelers Rest.
Tyson Steel to invest $15.2M in Pickens County for first SC operation
Georgia-based Tyson Steel Building Products, a manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings, is investing $15.15 million in Pickens County to establish its first South Carolina operation, the state Department of Commerce announced Sept. 9 The company plans to build a new 96,000-square-foot facility at 180 Anne Drive in Liberty to manufacture components for its metal buildings. The investment is expected to create 20 new jobs. Founded in 1976 by James L.
Greer approves major change to Blaize Ridge development: City Council notes
Approved: Major change to Blaize Ridge design review district Council unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing a major change to the design review district covering the Blaize Ridge development on Gibbs Shoals Road. The development is 92% complete and contains 57 single family homes and four townhomes that are age restricted to residents 55 and older. The major change ordinance authorizes converting the last eight townhome lots into five single-family lots.
Greenville hosting small real estate developer forum Oct. 18-20
Greenville’s continually evolving and vibrant downtown will serve as a backdrop and inspiration for the 25th Small Developer Forum Oct. 18-20 and organized by Building Small LLC, a community of practice supporting entrepreneurial small-scale real estate developers around the country.
Upstate Forever, property owners protect 800-plus acres in Laurens, Union counties
Working with property owners in Laurens and Union counties, conservation nonprofit Upstate Forever has secured permanent protections for more than 800 acres through three new conservation easements. With widespread and intense development pressures across the region, protections for the three properties will help preserve family farms, working forests, clean water and essential wildlife habitat.
Saluda Grade Trail plans taking shape for first 5 miles in SC
Designs for the first five miles of the Saluda Grade Trail are about 60% complete and were unveiled to the public at an open house meeting in Landrum in August. The first five miles of the 31.5-mile rail trail will start at the North Carolina line near Tryon and extend south through Landrum in northern Spartanburg County to Hulon Howard Road.
Greenville County passes cell tower ordinance, regulations: County Council notes
Approved: Wireless communication facilities ordinance Council approved third and final reading of an ordinance establishing guidelines for where wireless communications facilities like cell towers can be placed in the unincorporated portions of the county.
Flock cameras: Upstate SC concerns growing over surveillance abuses
Mounting public pressure against mass surveillance technology used by law enforcement agencies across the Upstate has prompted two local governments to take action to either halt or reassess the technology. The issue centers specifically on Flock cameras - a term that has become shorthand for any automated license plate reader (ALPR) and named after Flock Safety, one of the largest suppliers of the technology to law enforcement agencies nationwide. On Aug.
Q and A with Tri-County Technical College’s Melanie Gillespie
Melanie Gillespie is a native of Central, South Carolina, and currently serves as dean of enrollment pathways at Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in management and leadership from Southern Wesleyan University. Gillespie has served in various roles, including president of the South Carolina Association of Financial Aid Administrators.
LaunchGVL initiative seeks to bridge gap in Upstate SC talent pipeline
Work-based learning initiatives are quickly becoming a vital link between the workforce needs of the modern economy and the nascent talent pool of students on the cusp of entering the job market. LaunchGVL, a collaborative initiative between the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Greenville County Schools, seeks to meet the surging demand for talent by providing high school students with high-quality paid internships.
Greer administrator explains Flock camera moratorium, review: City Council notes
City Administrator Andy Merriman updated council on his decision Aug. 21 to impose a 90-day moratorium on the use of the city's Flock cameras while staff conducts a thorough review of policies and procedures. Merriman said the city's 10 automated license plate reader cameras had been physically covered and would remain so throughout the moratorium. The evaluation will look at internal policies, procedures and training, among other things, and assess public concern about privacy issues.
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site reopens with new interactive displays
Visitors to one of South Carolina's most significant Revolutionary War sites will now be able to have a much more interactive experience learning about an important Patriot victory in Laurens County. Gathering at the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site on the 246th anniversary of the battle Aug.
The Vardry Residences property in downtown Greenville under foreclosure
The 100 N. Markley St. property associated with a proposed $92 million residential and hotel project is under foreclosure, according to a public notice from the Greenville County Court of Common Pleas. The foreclosure sale will take place Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Greenville County Courthouse, 305 E. North St., Greenville, involving the 0.91-acre parcel at the corner of Rhett and North Markley streets in Greenville.
Greenville’s NextGEN among top business incubators in US
NextGen, the Greenville-based entrepreneurial support organization, has been named among the nation’s top business accelerators and incubators by Time Magazine and was the only such group in South Carolina to make the list. Coming in at 51 out of 80 organizations across the country, NextGEN was one of only two organizations in the Carolinas and Georgia to make the cut.
Greenville County advances cell tower restrictions: County Council notes
Approved: Wireless communication facilities ordinance Council approved the second of three required readings of an ordinance establishing guidelines for the placement of telecommunications facilities like cell towers in the unincorporated areas of the county. The measure appears to enjoy public support with numerous speakers voicing approval during the past two council meetings.
Greenville County Public Works achieves national accreditation
Greenville County's Public Works Department has received national recognition for operational and management excellence with full accreditation from the American Public Works Association. The department was recognized for full compliance across 100% of management practices as outlined in APWA's manual for public works management. The department was also singled out for four model practices whose standards would be worthy of emulation by other public works agencies nationwide.
Greenville County edges closer to short term rental ordinance
After months of gathering information and public input, Greenville County Council's short term rentals ad hoc committee is close to having an ordinance the full council can consider. The committee reviewed a draft ordinance during its Aug. 17 meeting and discussed how such an ordinance would impact the estimated 1,200 or so short term rentals (STRs) in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Sluggish GDP, tenacious inflation cloud US economic outlook, Upstate expert says
Slumping employment numbers and widespread concerns about the cost of living are clouding the economic outlook going into the fourth quarter, according to a Clemson economics professor’s discussion on the economy for Ten at the Top Aug. 13.
Explainer: How to build a subdivision in Greenville County
To the casual observer, Greenville County's rapid growth may make it seem like new subdivisions are popping up with little warning and even less public input. The reality is there is a legally mandated process in place that must be followed and that often takes years to complete. The team charged with overseeing that process for Greenville County is the office of Subdivision Administration , which falls under the county's planning department.
Greenville Health Authority awards $119K in grants to local nonprofits
The Greenville Health Authority board has awarded $119,000 in grants through its Healthy Greenville, Too initiative to 14 local nonprofits. Healthy Greenville, Too provides micro grants to qualified nonprofits that are not traditional health care providers and is part of GHA's broader Healthy Greenville grant initiative.
Greer updates electronic sign section of development ordinance: City Council notes
Council unanimously passed second and final reading of an ordinance updating the city's Unified Development Ordinance regarding electronic signs and displays. The measure was designed to ensure the city's regulations regarding electronic displays reflected changes in the technology. The update modernizes the city's digital display standards and addresses issues of using video and animation in displays, aspects of functionality and day/night brightness caps.
The Morgan Hotel unveiled for downtown Spartanburg, part of Project Core redevelopment
Spartanburg’s history and a major figure from that history will be honored by the naming of a new 152-room hotel being developed by The Johnson Group as part of its roughly $800 million Project Core revitalizing the Hub City’s downtown. Details about The Morgan Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, were unveiled Aug. 11 at the hotel’s West Main Street site overlooking Morgan Square.
Travelers Rest sends penny tax measure to voters
Travelers Rest voters will decide in November's general election whether the city imposes a municipal penny tax for parks, trails, roads and other capital projects. City Council voted Aug. 10 to approve putting the referendum on the ballot during a special called meeting. The city estimates a penny tax would generate $19.8 million over the next eight years to fund $15.8 million in capital projects and provide nearly $4 million in property tax relief for residents.
Mary Black Foundation awards $6M to Spartanburg mental health initiative
The Mary Black Foundation is investing $6 million in Vital Spartanburg, a community-wide initiative to support mental and behavioral health efforts, the foundation announced Aug. 10. The initiative seeks to address a critical need for expanded mental and behavioral health services by bringing together health care providers, nonprofits and local governments to develop innovative pilot programs and expand existing work.
Greenville planners green light 135-acre Woodruff Road annexation
Plans to annex 135 acres along Woodruff Road into the city of Greenville cleared a procedural hurdle Aug. 6 with the city's Planning Commission voting to approve the measure and send it to City Council for consideration. The area to be annexed includes about 88 acres of real property, the bulk of which consists of the Merovan Business Center. About 48 acres of right-of-way are also included in the proposal.
Clemson automotive engineering students solve a solar-powered commute
Tackling a seemingly insurmountable problem, Clemson University automotive engineering graduate students have designed and built a solar-powered electric vehicle that produces more energy than it consumes in the latest iteration of the university's Deep Orange program. Deep Orange 17, dubbed the Luminetta, was unveiled Aug. 6 at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research.
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