Highland Neighborhood in Spartanburg Being Revitalized

News Summary

Spartanburg’s Highland Neighborhood is experiencing a revival thanks to community leader Leroy Jeter and the Highland Neighborhood Association. Initiatives focus on restoring local resources and fostering unity among residents. With the recent approval of the Highland Transformation Plan, there is renewed hope for addressing housing, safety, and job training, leading to a more vibrant community and safer streets for its residents. The efforts aim to combat poverty and provide a brighter future for families in this historically rich area.

Spartanburg’s Highland Neighborhood Gets a New Breath of Life

In the heart of Spartanburg, a remarkable story of community spirit and revitalization is unfolding. The Highland Neighborhood Association, under the leadership of its president, Leroy Jeter, is driving efforts to breathe new life into a historically Black community that has faced challenges for decades. With a rich history that once boasted a bustling business scene, this neighborhood is on the brink of transformation.

A Trusted Leader Returns

Before becoming a champion for change, Leroy Jeter established roots in Highland after serving in the U.S. Air Force back in 1967. Upon his return, he rolled up his sleeves and took jobs in cotton mills and apparel factories before finding his footing as a mechanic at Norfolk Southern, where he worked until retirement. With firsthand experience of the community’s ups and downs, Jeter is dedicated to rebirthing the Highland neighborhood.

Revitalizing a Historic Community

Once public spaces were alive with the buzz of banks, barber shops, grocery stores, and even a fish market, but over the years, many of these businesses have closed, taking with them a sense of community and economic vibrance. Thankfully, Jeter is determined to bring about renewal, putting a well-developed master plan into action to move the community forward.

The Power of Community Engagement

Part of Jeter’s strategy includes engaging with residents through monthly community meetings where local issues and improvement strategies are discussed. These gatherings ignite discussions on pressing matters and foster a sense of unity, reminding everyone of their shared dedication to creating a better future together. Highland may only comprise 3.5% of Spartanburg’s total population, yet it stands out with a staggering 9% of the city’s total poverty.

Safer Streets and Stronger Youth

Safety in Highland has seen an upturn recently, thanks in large part to Jeter’s involvement in a neighborhood watch program. Crime rates, particularly drug-related incidents, have dropped, making way for a more secure environment. By emphasizing the importance of positive mentorship for the youth, Jeter hopes to raise a new generation eager to contribute to their community.

Attention to Local Resources

Regular visits to local resources like The Bethlehem Center, a community staple since 1930, showcase Jeter’s commitment to providing a safe haven for children in Highland. Understanding the struggles families face is key, especially as the median household income in Highland lags behind other parts of Spartanburg by 67%. Families in this neighborhood deserve a champion, and Jeter is happy to accept that role.

The Grand Vision Ahead

Recently, the Spartanburg City Council approved the Highland Transformation Plan, which signals hope for the community’s future. This ambitious plan is all about addressing essential elements like housing, public spaces, transportation, and job training. It aims to preserve existing homes while also bringing new housing developments to the area — with plans for 100 new townhomes that cater to families making 60% or less of the area median income.

A Holistic Approach to Change

The funding for these exciting projects will come from a variety of sources, including federal grants and community development funds. With Jeter at the helm, the Highland community is taking steps to regain what was lost, including retail markets that had long vacated the area due to disinvestment and crime. Jeter also remembers the days when generations lived together in harmony, and he is worried about how these family homes were once destroyed during previous urban renewal efforts.

Revitalizing Parks and Spirits

One of Jeter’s current focuses is revitalizing local parks, aiming to enhance community activity and connectivity. By making such spaces inviting and engaging, the hope is to foster relationships and inspire collective pride within the neighborhood.

Restoring Highland’s Glory

With the determination and passion of residents like Leroy Jeter leading the charge, the Highland neighborhood is on the verge of reclaiming its former glory. The path to restoration may be lengthy, but with the community’s spirit blazing brightly, the future looks promising. Highland’s narrative is evolving, and it will be exciting to witness the community flourish once again!

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Additional Resources

• Goupstate: Spartanburg’s Highland Neighborhood Transformation Plan
• Wikipedia: Neighborhood Redevelopment
• Fox Carolina: Northside Development Group Transforms Spartanburg
• Google Search: Community Development
• Goupstate: Spartanburg Development Projects
• Google Scholar: Urban Revitalization
• Goupstate: Spartanburg Development Update
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Development
• Goupstate: Cammie Clagett Office Building Revitalization
• Google News: Community Safety Initiatives