Realtor Trac

Greenville’s Trails and Greenway Plans Can Only Help The Community   by Mechelle Cunningham

Greenville Trails & Greenways Master Plan is complete. This plan details how Greenville’s paths, trails & greenways will form a link for Greenville residents to the outdoors and generally improve the quality of life for residents. The “spine” of the future city-wide trail system will be the Reedy River and will connect major destinations and provide alternative transportation options and recreation and will include the “Swamp Rabbit” trail.

The development of greenways in Greenville will create benefits to all residents. Numerous studies have shown greenways provide increased property values for Homes located on, adjacent to or near greenways. In a 2002 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), trails ranked as the second most important community amenity out of a list of 18 options. The study also found that ‘Trail Availability’ outranked 16 other choices including access to shopping or business centers as desirable aspects of a home or neighborhood. The greenways and trail systems generates economic activity in many ways. Property values in the community increase in study after study by Trust for Public Land’s Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Economic Benefits of Trails and Greenways. The greenways and trails also increase economic activity through creating business opportunities for recreational Rentals, services, historic preservation, restaurants, lodging, shuttle buses/guided tours & more.

The new trail systems will be come from funds generated from the Tourism, Recreation, and Athletics Coalition’s (TRAC) restaurant tax. The funds are already getting put into action. For 2008, $4 million goes to Camp Spearhead, $3 million to MESA Soccer Complex, $6 million to water parks-Lakeside and Northside, $2 million to the “Swamp Rabbit” trail, and $4.5 million to Berea / Travelers Rest sports complexes. The funds come from a 2% tax on the 1900 restaurants outside the city limits.

The trail system and future plans to expand and maintain it is a positive move while increasing property values and Greenville’s economic vibrancy.

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