Sterling Community Master Plan - Greenville County

Sterling Neighborhood Master Plan July 2010
Urban League of the Upstate, Inc. (www.urbanleagueoftheupstate.org): The Urban League of
the Upstate’s Housing and Supportive Services Center is a HUD-approved housing counseling
entity. The organization also operates Gandy Allmon Manor I and II on Memminger Street,
which provide 59 units of affordable senior housing.
8.2 Organizational Recommendations
8.2.1 Short Term: 2010-2011
• Create a “plan implementation” position. This person would be responsible for
implementing all facets of the plan and coordinating with the many agencies and partners
involved in Sterling. This position would also work closely with but not duplicate the efforts
of the Director of Community Relationship Building at Bon Secours St. Francis. Over time,
this position might evolve into a more permanent housing resource officer to coordinate
housing issues for residents of Sterling and all neighborhoods of Greenville. Potential
staffing and funding partners include the City and GCRA as well as various non-profits and
churches.
• Obtain organizational 501(c)3 status and develop an annual work plan. The task of
master plan implementation should process under the aegis of a nonprofit organization. This
organization would be responsible for hiring plan implementation staff and would be eligible
to receive charitable contributions used to fund neighborhood development projects and
initiatives. The 501(c)3 designation would also require the creation of annual plans, reports,
and regular progress reports. These suggestions would formalize implementation efforts and
would ensure that resources are allocated towards effective programs.
• Develop a plan for the long-term role of the Sterling Phoenix League in the
neighborhood. The Sterling Phoenix League has done a remarkable job of uniting all of the
agencies and partners involved in Sterling. The future of the Phoenix League should be
carefully considered to ensure that some sort of ongoing coordination happens for all of
Sterling. Although the Phoenix League itself may not continue to exist as the organization of
choice, the neighborhood will nevertheless require a body to orchestrate neighborhood
activities and develop a shared community vision.
• Conduct semi-annual neighborhood meetings to update community on master plan
progress. The City of Greenville’s Community Development Department and the Greenville
County Redevelopment Authority should conduct twice-yearly updates to Sterling Residents
to let them know how the plan is progressing, answer questions, and provide a forum for
dialogue on changing and emerging issues.
• Consider creating a special Sterling Policing Task Force and Neighborhood Substation
to coordinate efforts of Sherriff’s Department and Greenville City Police. Several years
ago both the Sheriff’s Department and the Greenville City Police conducted joint operations
in the neighborhood. The two agencies should consider re-instituting this practice for the
coming few years to clear out the remaining criminal elements in Sterling. Furthermore, the
Sheriff’s Department should consider the development of a substation (which could be
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Continuing the community legacy and leadership