Spartanburg City News

It's the most important purchase most of us will ever make, and navigating the home buying process can feel overwhelming for folks taking those first steps towards homeownership. Fortunately, help is out there, and on Tuesday, October 15, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at the C.C. Woodson Community Center, future homeowners looking for some guidance will have an opportunity to learn how they can take that next step toward the American dream from professionals in all aspects of the real estate world. Today on the podcast, we've got details on what you can expect at the Homebuyers Seminar and about the overall housing market in our city.

As you might imagine, in his 21 years serving in Spartanburg City Government, outgoing City Manager Ed Memmott has seen our city go through some drastic changes. Coming to the the City in 1997 to serve as Community Development Director, Memmott then served as Assistant City Manager for five years before becoming City Manager in 2009 and has overseen one of the most important development periods in Spartanburg's history. The list of projects speaks for itself. During his tenure, Ed Memmott led City efforts on the Advance America headquarters building, One Morgan Square, QS/1, Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, the University of South Carolina Upstate - College of Business and Economics, Spartanburg Community College Downtown Campus, South Church Street Plaza, CC Woodson Community Center, AC Hotel, Montgomery Building, Aug. W. Smith, and the Northside Initiative. Beyond the impressive list of accomplishments that have shaped the present and future of our city, Memmott's true strength as City Manager was always the importance he placed on improving the lives of the people who call this place home. His emphasis on the absolute necessity of genuine, people-centered community development has been a constant, and the team he has built around those efforts is an impressive and lasting testament to his leadership and vision. Now, as he prepares to retire from his role here at the City, we've invited former City Communications Manager Will Rothschild to join us to help in the daunting task of trying to encapsulate a career that spans one of the most important periods in our city's story so far. Listen below for part one of our conversation.

As Spartanburg gets ready to construct the seventh courthouse in our 229-year history, we're sitting down with Spartanburg County Public Library Assistant Director of Local History, Brad Steinecke to talk about the previous six. What did each say about the community it served? How can looking back at these foundational civic structures, perhaps the most public of all public buildings, inform us about where we ought to be going? Listen below to hear us ruminate on those questions and for the deepest dive on local civic history you're likely to find anywhere.

When the roman numerals on a City Council agenda reach high enough for folks to have to think back on their school days to remember what item number is up for discussion, you know it's a busy night. Such was the case this past Monday, as Spartanburg City Council gave unanimous approval to three new major developments. The projects include two on the city's Northside, a new 16,000 square foot mixed-use development on the corner of College and Howard Street and redevelopment of the historic Fremont School into 41 market rate apartments, and a new 19,000 square foot mixed use development at a major gateway into downtown on E Main and Pine streets. Council also heard from city residents and rental property owners about a proposed registry program for the city's 7,000+ residential rental properties. Under the plan, residential rental property owners pay a $25 per-unit fee (maximum $250, waived if the property owner holds a city business license). The plan also would include periodic inspections to ensure rentals meet city building codes. The objective of the registry program would be to, over time, reduce the number of unsafe and unlivable rental units currently in the city, thereby reducing neighborhood blight and improving overall housing stock within the city. Council made no decision regarding the registry proposal and will take up the matter at a later meeting. Today on the podcast, we're talking with Assistant City Manager Chris Story to give you the details on all the action from Monday's meeting.

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions many of us will ever make, and getting started in that process can be daunting. So what do you do if you have questions about qualifying for a mortgage, downpayment assistance, where to find a realtor, or any of the other issues that may arise in finding a home for you and your family? Come to the Homebuyer Seminar & Expo at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center (650 Howard St.) on June 29, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.! Local experts in all of these areas and more will be available to walk you through the process and get you on the road to homeownership. Today on the podcast, we're talking with local realtor Lupe Rosales and Carolyn MacIntosh with First Citizens Bank about the event.