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Is the Winston-Salem Chronicle still in business? Staffers say they've been left in the dark for weeks

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 4th 2025 at 7:45 GMT by Winston-Salem Journal
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Summerville Council Announces Major Downtown Revitalization Plan – A Community‑Wide Push for Economic Growth and Historic Preservation

In a spirited public hearing held on Thursday night, Summerville officials unveiled a sweeping proposal to transform the city’s historic downtown district into a mixed‑use, pedestrian‑friendly hub that balances economic development with the preservation of its beloved heritage architecture. The plan, which is the focus of the Journal Now story “Summerville’s Vision for a New Downtown,” outlines a series of zoning amendments, tax‑increment financing (TIF) measures, and public‑private partnership models designed to attract new businesses, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

A Vision Rooted in Historic Preservation

The core of the redevelopment plan hinges on the city’s longstanding commitment to preserving its historic storefronts and brick facades. City Planning Director Carla Ruiz explained that the initiative will allow owners of qualifying historic properties to receive “incentive grants and tax abatements” in exchange for completing rehabilitation work that meets the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office’s (SHPO) guidelines. The plan, according to Ruiz, will protect the distinctive character of the 100‑year‑old buildings on Main Street while allowing them to be repurposed for modern retail, office, and residential use.

The article also highlighted a 30‑year partnership between Summerville and the local chapter of the Preservation Society of South Carolina. Through this partnership, the city will allocate an additional $1.5 million from the city’s historic preservation reserve to fund architectural and engineering consultations for owners of historic properties seeking to modernize. Journal Now readers can click on the embedded link to the Preservation Society’s website for a deeper dive into the grant application process.

Economic Development Through Mixed‑Use and TIF

The most eye‑catching element of the proposal is the creation of a new TIF district that covers approximately 15 acres of downtown. Under the TIF model, a portion of the incremental property tax revenue generated by the increased property values will be earmarked to pay for infrastructure upgrades, public spaces, and low‑interest loans for small‑business development. The article quoted City Manager Kevin Thompson as saying, “The TIF district is a powerful tool that lets us reinvest in our community’s growth while keeping the tax burden on residents light.”

In addition to the TIF, the plan calls for a series of “Transit‑Oriented Development” (TOD) incentives near the new bus terminal that the city has been building on Oak Street. These incentives include up to a 20% reduction in parking minimums for mixed‑use projects that feature at least 25 % affordable housing units. Journal Now includes a link to the city’s zoning code, where the new TOD regulations can be reviewed in detail.

Community‑Driven Design and Public Spaces

The plan emphasizes a “community‑first” approach, with a dedicated “Public Plaza Fund” that will finance the creation of a new pedestrian plaza at the intersection of Main and Oak. According to the article, the plaza will host seasonal farmers markets, a free outdoor amphitheater, and a community garden managed by the Summerville Youth Corps. City Councilmember Lisa Kim, who has chaired the Downtown Development Committee for five years, noted that “this is an opportunity for us to create a gathering place that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together.”

The Journal Now story also features a short video clip of the plaza concept renderings, showcasing how the space will incorporate native plantings, rain gardens, and solar‑powered lighting. For viewers who want to see the full design proposal, the article links to the city’s “Downtown Vision” portal.

Public Reaction and Stakeholder Input

While the council overwhelmingly approved the plan during the Thursday hearing (a 5‑to‑1 vote), the article captured a range of reactions from the community. Local business owner Maya Patel, who runs a boutique on Main, expressed optimism, saying, “The incentives for renovation will help us keep our shop open and attract new customers.” Meanwhile, longtime resident and community activist Daniel Rojas voiced concerns over possible gentrification. “I worry that the new housing developments might push out the people who have lived here for generations,” Rojas said. The Journal Now piece includes a link to a short audio interview with Rojas.

The article also notes that the council will hold a series of town‑hall meetings over the next month to gather additional feedback. A calendar of upcoming events is embedded in the article, and each date links to the city’s events page where attendees can register online.

Financing, Timeline, and Next Steps

Summerville’s Mayor John Allen outlined a phased implementation plan. Phase I—focused on infrastructure upgrades and historic building incentives—begins in the fall of 2025. Phase II will target mixed‑use developments and the downtown plaza in 2026. The article reports that the city anticipates securing $10 million in federal grants, $4 million in state matching funds, and an additional $5 million from private investors by the end of 2025.

The Journal Now story concludes by summarizing the city’s goal: “To create a vibrant, walkable downtown that respects our history while embracing a dynamic future.” For readers who want to see the full zoning amendments or the draft TIF ordinance, the article provides direct links to the city’s legislative portal.

In sum, the Journal Now article paints a comprehensive picture of Summerville’s ambitious downtown revitalization plan. By blending historic preservation, economic development, and community‑centric design, the city aims to create a livable, thriving heart of the community that benefits both current residents and future generations. The article’s inclusion of links to zoning codes, design renderings, and stakeholder interviews provides readers with the resources needed to dive deeper into each facet of the proposal, ensuring transparency and fostering an informed public dialogue.