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Talk of the Town Spring 2020

Posted on by Beth Sicignano

From the Mayor’s Desk

 Friends,
Hope you are doing well and surviving the season swings we’ve had these last few weeks. Lots of moving pieces at City Hall as we continue to work to provide the best quality of life for our residents. City Council had its annual retreat and goal session in January at Furman. Council’s number one goal was to maintain/preserve the uniqueness of Travelers Rest including festivals, events, and special places. To this end, the City is planning to launch more fun, family-friendly events in our downtown. We’ve moved into 2020 with our newest council member Sara Gilstrap, introduced in this newsletter. And we are continuing forward on planning stages for our Poinsett Hwy Master plan to redevelop another stretch of Downtown TR to mirror Main Street. In the days and weeks ahead you will see some changes along this corridor including the demolition of the old Batson’s building. We are also seeking public input on a roundabout for the intersection on Little Texas Road where Goodwill and Walmart entrance intersect. Please make it a priority come in March ready to listen and share thoughts. Thank you all so much for being diligent in sending myself and council ideas on how we can improve every day. Our work is never done and we’ll accomplish the most working together!
Brandy Hart Amidon
Mayor, City of Travelers Rest

Meet Sara Gilstrap – TR’s Newest Council Member
In January, Sara Gilstrap was sworn-in and welcomed as the newest member of TR’s city council. The Oath of Office ceremony was administered by Mayor, Brandy Amidon. “I’m really excited to be part of this council because I know our past and am eager to be a part of our future, this is my home.”, said Gilstrap. Sara is one of four women on the council along with Mayor Amidon, Kelly Byers, and Shaniece Criss.

 

What’s New?
New Community Garden Open at Trailblazer Park

A public community garden of raised beds with rich, organic soil recently opened in the Trailblazer Park complex behind the courthouse. The garden, consisting of 35 beds is part of a new program developed by Greenville County Rec that officials plan to expand across Greenville County. For $50, participants can lease a 4-foot by 8-foot raised bed 12 inches deep in full sun. Rec officials stand ready to assist new and seasoned gardeners with their produce vegetables, herbs or virtually any crop of choice. To learn more about the program and reserve a bed visit Greenville Rec online at greenvillerec.com.

New Recycling and Trash Bins Coming to Main Street

In an effort to keep the trail and downtown clean and green, the City is introducing additional trash and recycling stations in downtown. Trash and recycling receptacles will be strategically placed along the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail between McElhaney Rd. and the TR History Museum. “Expanding trash receptacles along the trail will discourage littering and help keep our downtown clean.” says City Administrator, Eric Vinson. “Introducing the recycling receptacles in public spaces will demonstrate that we are a green city, committed to doing its part in the conservation of energy and our natural resources. The receptacles are custom made in Hendersonville, NC by Leisurecraft, Inc. and will display the City logo and recycling decals. The City is currently seeking additional grant funding from DHEC to support this pilot program with educational materials and infographics placed as select stations.
Yard Waste and Spring Cleanup Notes

It’s getting warmer so many of us are thinking about our yard cleanup projects. Here are a few things to remember:

– Yard waste is collected on Wednesdays, your regular trash/recycling pickup day
– Place materials at the curb by 7 am
– Place bagged leaves in CLEAR bags at the curb
– Keep bagged leaves separate from tree limbs and branches
– Remove rocks, litter, and other debris from leaves
– Remove vehicles from the street to ensure trucks can access yard waste piles
–  Tree limbs and branches should be piled as neatly as possible along the curb or edge of the street, preferably with all cut ends laid in the same direction. Limbs must be no more than 4 feet long and 6 inches in diameter

Want to learn more about trash pickup in TR including the holiday schedule? Visit the following link: TravelersRestSC.com.