GVL2040: Nodes and corridors pave the way for future growth – Greenville Journal

The year 2040 might seem a long way off, but for decision-makers in Greenville, nows the time to make the GVL2040 plan a reality.

GVL2040 is the citys comprehensive plan to shape its growth and evolution over the coming years. After years of stagnation, the citys population has grown by nearly 14,000 people over the past decade (from 58,409 in 2010 to 72,095 estimated July 2021), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population of Greenville could reach more than 110,000 by 2040, according to the citys estimates.

Central to this forward thinking plan is the concept of nodes.

A node is a compact, walkable and mixed-use activity center or hub where an increased concentration of residential, employment, retail, transit and other uses are located.

Nodes, according to Mayor Knox White, may have different rules that may cap the height of buildings to different sizes in different nodes to match the surrounding neighborhoods. White said while a neighborhood like the area around Pendleton Street can develop into a node, it will have much different character from what he calls the ultimate center downtown Greenville.

The 2040 plan its an attempt to be intentional about how we grow, White said, noting that the existing GVL2040 plan is merely a guide as leaders look to rewrite the zoning codes for the coming years.

The city council has yet to finish rewriting the citys land management ordinance. The city is still working with neighborhood stakeholders to finalize the zoning code that comes from the GVL2040 plan and hasnt yet taken any votes on the GVL2040 plan.

I think theyll benefit every district, said Councilwoman Lillian Brock-Flemming.

In an effort to combat sprawl and unplanned development across the city, leaders have reexamined how to make the community more livable and more functional through nodes and corridors. Corridors connect the nodes through a multi-modal transportation route through the city that provides a range of convenient connections between nodes and link existing neighborhoods to opportunities in nodes.

Greenville City Councilman Russell Stall said the node/corridor model is a very new concept in thinking about development. Stall, whos also studying for his doctorate in planning, design, and built environment at Clemson University, said the node concept is a way of dealing with rapid growth that concentrates it in smaller areas while preserving the nature of existing communities.

Other cities and other communities are going to use this, Stall said, adding that he believesthis type of development will guide other cities in writing zoning guidelines.

As nodes develop, they will move toward form-based code, meaning retail, homes and more could be grouped into the same node, making for a more walkable environment that will reduce dependence on vehicular traffic and foster better neighbor interactions.

Greenville is always a place thats willing to be innovative and creative, Stall said.

*Note: Downtown Greenville is considered an existing node per the GVL2040 plan.

Source: City of Greenville

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GVL2040: Nodes and corridors pave the way for future growth - Greenville Journal