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Pay to park (and where it’s free)
Council says it plans to keep street parking free. | Photo by GVLtoday
If you’ve parked in city-owned garages this month, you’ve probably noticed increased fees went into effect Feb. 1.
Here’s what changed:
Free for the first two hours — up from just one hour free before
$6 for the third hour
$2 for each additional hour
$10 maximum daily fee
$10 event parking
To compare: It used to be $2 for the second hour, and $1 for each additional hour, with a daily maximum of $7. Event parking was $5 previously.
According to officials, the increases will support long-term parking infrastructure and generate revenue for future parking investments.
The city’s 800 on-street parking spots are still free — just check the signage for time limits so you don’t get a ticket.
The business is currently under contract for the property. | Rendering provided by Cafe Racer
Coming Soon
Cafe Racer Coffee + Donuts is proposed for Butler Avenue and Buncombe Street near Hampton-Pinckney. The Athens, GA-based spot would serve coffee, donuts, burgers, fried chicken, and soft serve, with the hope of rezoning and obtaining a drive-thru exception. (Greenville Journal)
Development
Greenville County Council advanced ordinances tied to the $282 million renovation of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, including up to $40 million in arena-backed bonds and $100 million in hospitality tax bonds. Final reading and public hearing are set for Tuesday, Feb. 17. (Greenville Journal)
Announced
The Alliance, a $38 million mixed-use project with 100 affordable housing units, is set to break ground on Laurens Road near Nicholtown. Developed by NHE Inc. with partners including Hollingsworth Funds, construction is expected to wrap in 2027. (Greenville Journal)
Civic
Simpsonville City Council will vote next Tuesday, Feb. 10 on a multiyear contract with Opry Entertainment Group to manage the 15,000-seat CCNB Amphitheatre. The Nashville-based firm would replace TRZ Management as the city looks to book bigger acts amid growing regional venue competition. (Greenville Journal)
Community
The Greenville Zoo is closed through Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, for its annual maintenance. This is after it has been closed for several weeks due to winter weather. Now, zoo staff will work on construction projects, cleanup, and professional development.
Real Estate
Wish you could walk to Unity Park? This fully updated home has a newly renovated kitchen with luxury cabinets, a custom tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. The wallpaper and finishes are straight from our Pinterest boards, and the seller is even open to selling it furnished.
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Category
State
Who’s ready to go troll hunting?
Thomas Dambo’s trolls are meant to spark conversation about our relationship with the planet. | Photo by COLAtoday
We’re not trolling you — South Carolina is finally getting a Thomas Dambo troll, but it’s going to require a drive to the Midlands.
The City of Cayce has approved negotiations to bring one of the larger-than-life troll sculptures to the Cayce Riverwalk, near Columbia.
So, who’s Thomas Dambo? He’s a Danish artist and upcycling advocate known for building massive trolls out of recycled wood. Dambo has created more than 100 worldwide — and they’ve developed a serious cult following. There’s even a virtual map where fans track which trolls they’ve visited — our 6AM City neighbors at RALtoday and AVLtoday have covered them, too.
These gentle giants don’t just charm locals — they bring in tourists, too. Communities similar in size to Cayce have reported that a new troll can lead to:
A 30–60% increase in park visitation
Tens of thousands of new visitors each year
An estimated economic impact of $1.5 million–$5 million over three to five years
Asked
Asked
If Greenville were to get a troll, where should they place it?
We think Conestee Nature Preserve could be a perfect spot, but drop your own ideas.
It’s almost time for the perfect holiday to tell your friends how you feel: Galentine’s Day. Treat the bestie in your life to a February 13 gift that says, I’m grateful for you.
Freshly Picked Books is now in six locations across Greenville, offering cafe-goers a chance to shop for their next read while getting their morning coffee. Plus, they’re growing. Want a shelf in your shop? DM them on Instagram.