Greenville City Council approved the city’s $291.2 million operating budget for fiscal year 2026.
The second and final reading of the budget was held May 19. The FY26 budget, which will take effect July 1, does not raise the millage rate or business license rates. The city’s stormwater and wastewater fees will increase by 3.1% annually. The approved budget also includes a $3-per-month increase for solid waste fees.
The FY26 budget allocates funding for the city’s daily operations and investments towards the city’s main priorities: neighborhoods and affordable housing; economic development; recreation, open space and environmental sustainability; public safety and engagement; and mobility.
Final approval was also given to the city’s $25.9 million capital improvement program budget. The approved budget distributes funding to affordable housing, economic development, recreation, public safety, infrastructure and other initiatives.
Read more about the FY26 budget
Reviewed: Abandoned textile mill certification
Council reviewed an abandoned textile mill redevelopment project during a work session on May 19. PHI Realty LLC plans to complete a $21 million mixed-use development called Water Tower Crossing at 1007 Hampton Ave.
The project will include 52 multifamily rental units, 11 of which will be affordable for people earning 60% to 80% of the area median income. The 3,725-square-foot historic Thompson Automotive building will be restored into commercial retail and office space.
The final development plan for Water Tower Crossing was originally approved in 2022. Steven Cohen with PHI Realty LLC explained the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain problems, rising construction costs, workforce issues and interest rates.
The developer is seeking to certify the property as an abandoned textile mill under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act.The act grants income tax credits of 25% of the qualified rehabilitation expenses for the site. City Council will vote on the item during its June 9 meeting.
Cohen said site work is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The estimated completion for the project is March 2027.
Approved: Encroachment permits for affordable housing development
Council approved six encroachments permit applications for Greenville Housing Fund’s new affordable housing development at 605 W. Washington St. The project, known as Southernside East, will be the first phase of a $32 million affordable senior living community in Greenville’s Southernside neighborhood.
Two buildings will be built on the property, containing 93 units for seniors earning 20% to 60% of the area median income. A groundbreaking for Southernside East is expected to be held in late June.
Several project elements will encroach on, above and under city-owned property at 2 W. Washington St., requiring the developer to obtain permits before closing of the project’s financing. The permits include:
- Surface encroachment permit for concrete pavers
- Surface encroachment permit for a retaining wall
- Sub-surface encroachment permit for the retaining wall footing
- Structural air rights encroachment permit for a building cantilever
- Structural air rights encroachment permit for a structural canopy
- Sub-surface encroachment permit for the canopy column footing
Initial approval: Future land use map update
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Future Land Use Map in the GVL2040 Comprehensive Plan following a public hearing.
The amendment removes the area surrounding the South Pleasantburg Drive and LeGrand Boulevard intersection from the city’s urban node mixed-use classification. The properties would retain the city’s corridor mixed-use designation.
According to the city, the intersection properties would not be able to support development to create an urban node. The city’s Planning Commission approved the amendment during its May 1 meeting.
Additional items
- Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to annex approximately 1.77 acres at 627 Congaree Road into the city limits. The property is proposed to be zoned BH, Business Heavy District.
- Initial approval was given by council for easement agreements that would allow Greenville Water to install new water lines on Pettigru Street that would connect to existing lines on Richland Way in Cleveland Park.
- Council approved a resolution accepting new streets and alleys in the Bella Grove at Hollingsworth Park subdivision into the city’s street system. Approximately 7.8 acres of public right-of-way from Verdae Development LLC were dedicated to the city.
