Greer community addresses dilapidated building safety and health concerns

The Greer City Council convened on May 27, 2025, to address various community concerns and updates. The meeting began with a warm welcome to Miss Greer High School 2025, Lily Kate Barbrey, who emphasized the importance of recognizing community members and their contributions.

The first significant discussion came from resident Joshua Nowinski, who raised urgent concerns regarding a dilapidated building at 200 North Lyon Street Extension. Nowinski reported that the structure, which has been a source of public health and safety issues for over two years, is potentially filled with asbestos and serves as a nesting site for thousands of bats. He expressed frustration over the lack of action taken by city officials despite repeated reports and inquiries. The council acknowledged his concerns and assured him that staff would follow up on the matter, highlighting the complexities involved in addressing such hazardous properties.

Following this, City Administrator Mister Merryman provided updates on various city initiatives. He reminded residents that due to the Memorial Day holiday, trash collection would be delayed by one day, resuming on June 2. He invited the community to the "Party on Trade" event on June 1, which will feature live music and activities as part of the BMW Charity Pro-Am festivities.

Merryman also reported on the city's efforts in code enforcement, noting recent community engagement meetings aimed at educating residents about local codes and encouraging active participation in maintaining neighborhood standards. He recognized the contributions of the public works team during National Public Works Week, thanking them for their essential but often overlooked work in keeping the city clean and functional.

In addition, the meeting highlighted the launch of the first adaptive pickleball program in the Upstate, with upgrades to Tryon Park's courts to enhance accessibility. The annual Moonlight Movie Series is set to begin on June 5, featuring family-friendly films at Greer City Park. Lastly, registration for the Cultural Arts Council's summer camp for children aged 5 to 11 is now open, offering a variety of artistic activities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up on the issues raised, particularly regarding the safety concerns at the North Lyon Street property, and a reminder of the upcoming community events designed to foster engagement and enjoyment among Greer residents.