City Council, on Monday, gave first reading approval to the anti-camping ordinance

The proposed anti-camping ordinance 14A is moving forward, as indicated by the Greenville City Council's decision on Monday night.

There will be a second reading of the ordinance on November 24. If approved, it will go into effect on March 1st.

The council narrowly passed the first reading of the proposed anti-camping ordinance with a 4-3 vote, despite passionate opposition by several speakers at the meeting. Mayor Knox White cast the tie-breaking vote. Council members DeWorken, Dowe, and Brasington voted in favor, while Fleming, Gibson, and Stall voted against it.

This ordinance could result in persons found sleeping in public spaces being arrested.  

Several residents of New Washington Heights in Greenville spoke, strongly objecting to the city and the Greenville Transit Authority (GTA) building a new bus maintenance facility on Arcadia Drive. This site was formerly the location of Washington High School. Residents believe it violates a master plan for neighborhood revitalization that promised amenities, affordable housing, and economic development, but instead could bring noise, traffic congestion, and displacement. As a result, residents have taken legal actions and protested the perceived broken promises and deceptive tactics.