Spartanburg City Council Revisits Morgan Square Redesign Plans
Good morning, folks. Spartanburg woke up to foggy conditions today, but it looks like it’s going to clear up and give way to partly cloudy skies this afternoon. We’ve got a small chance of a rain shower, so keep that umbrella handy, just in case. But let’s get down to business, because we’ve got some local news to discuss!
In the heart of our city, Morgan Square has been almost a ghost town in the evenings. But the wheels have been in motion to give it a bit of a facelift. The newest plans for a neat little redesign were presented to City Council members on December 16.
A Sneak Peek Into the Redesign
Council members aren’t all abuzz with excitement on this just yet, however. Listening to the proposal, which is an upgrade from the plan we all got to see in late 2023, gave rise to some eyebrows. Concerns about the longevity of the proposed modern pavilion and a plan to compact outdoor dining to the sidewalks were quite the talking points.
If you’re grabbing a bite around the square or strolling through for some window shopping, fear not. The proposal assures pedestrian access to all businesses along the square during the construction phase. The center of the square might be closed off, but we hope it’s a case of short-term pain for long-term gain, right?
Green is the New Grey
The latest facelift of Morgan Square aims to turn it into a pedestrian paradise. The plan includes heaps of green space for folks to laze around and enjoy, with Dunbar Street and West Main Street becoming completely car-free zones.
What about the Clock Tower?
Our City Manager, Chris Story, has mentioned that the iconic clock tower might join this redesign train. This would extend the redesign past the current perimeter, adding up to a bit of an increase in cost, but we sure hope it’s worth every penny.
Outdoor Dining โ In or Out?
Outdoor dining has been a sticking point in the redesign plans. The current proposal restricts it just to the sidewalks on West Main Street, raising some eyebrows on the council. The city had closed the street to make room for dining, and reducing it now doesn’t sit well with some council members.
Because, let’s face it, we love our al fresco dining! There’s just something about savoring delicious food in the fresh Spartanburg air. And, besides, restaurant sales contribute to a portion of our city’s funding, so more room for dining equals a win-win situation, don’t you agree?
Accessibility and Aesthetics at the Forefront
On a brighter note, this grand plan promises an accessible Morgan Square for everyone. The need for a wheelchair-friendly design has been emphatically stressed, and that gives us all a reason to cheer.
Albeit the unease about the modern look of the proposed pavilion, let’s remember that change is a part of life. Perhaps a modern-looking pavilion is just the thing we need to keep up with the times.
So, there you have it, folks. That’s the lowdown on the proposed Morgan Square redesign. Of course, discussions are ongoing, and plans may change. But rest assured, we will keep you updated as it all unfolds. Till then, my dear friends in Spartanburg, stay well and stay informed.
