Greer City Council pushed forward a resolution that will open discussion on the partial privatization of Park Avenue, a small street running adjacent to Victor Park.
Resolution Number 19-2025 was passed by Council at its Tuesday night meeting on Oct. 14. The resolution passed 6-1, with only Councilman Jay Arrowood voting in opposition. Greer Mayor Rick Danner emphasized that the passage of this resolution does not automatically privatize Park Avenue, but does set Council’s official ordinance process in motion.
“This is the first step of this, and an affirmative action [puts] into place a set procedure for the closure of the public road in the course of that discussion,” Danner said at the meeting. “... There are a number of moving parts in this action, and I think we can bring more light to it.”
Now that Resolution Number 19-2025 has passed, the City will begin the process of notifying the public and setting up a public hearing regarding the matter. The date for this hearing has not been set. Following the public hearing, the issue of privatization will make its way back to Council for the full approval process.
This issue was first brought to Council at its Sept. 9 meeting, when Mike McCarthy, Vice President of The Meridian Group, raised a petition. McCarthy is the developer over The James, a new living community set to open in the spring of 2026.
According to McCarthy, the project has been facing some financial strain as a result of increases in tap and capacity fees. These fees are associated with the complex’s water supply. McCarthy requested the partial privatization of Park Avenue, as he says it will allow the company to use only one tap instead of two. This helps cut down on the fees.
Councilman Arrowood, who represents City Council District One, was the only council member to vote against the resolution. He says that his primary concerns with the privatization of the road are traffic flow and maintenance of infrastructure. He argues that, if issues arise with utilities such as water lines, the city will not be able to help residents if they do not own the road.
“I do not advocate for closing roads, especially in our city because of traffic flow,” said Arrowood, whose jurisdiction covers Park Avenue. “... I represent those folks, but [even if] it was on a different side of the town, I think I would still feel the same.”
The only other item on Council’s Tuesday agenda was an award recommendation for Project #2026-002 — banking services. The City’s finance department recommended the award go to United Bank, following a proposal period.
Council did not approve this award, but instead voted to postpone the motion, giving them more time to review financial policies. The motion to postpone the award consideration was brought forth by Councilman Mark Hopper, seconded by Councilman Arrowood and approved unanimously by Council.
For more information on Greer City Council, visit their website.
Follow Breanna Laws on X @GreerByBreanna.
