For the past year it has been a pleasure for us to learn more about the city of Mauldin. Given that Mauldin has never had an actual main street or “downtown” area, it has an extraordinary 61% population growth since 2000! One of the challenges is how can Mauldin provide the growing residents and visitors a thriving environment of culture, business, and activities.
One of the things we’ve learned is George Patrick, Administrator, Office of Cultural Affairs has been diligently working to promote provide artistic and cultural activities to continually develop a more energetic community. As we spoke with George, it was evident that all the avenues were explored including bench-marking other municipalities and their growth plans. You can read more about Mauldin’s Downtown Master Plan here: Master Plan. However, he wanted an additional component, a grassroots community driven ideas for input into their strategic plans.
Beer and Napkins provided the platform where both residents and visitors delivered their input at the July 21st and August 5th idea events. George shared with the group about the underdeveloped spaces behind Chicora Alley and the Cultural Center ripe for ideas. He also shared with the group about plans for connecting with the Swamp Rabbit.
Many ideas ranging from open air cafes, interactive art displays, to pubs, breweries, and high end shopping were mentioned. Additionally, the #MauldinEdge was born representing both the spirit of progress of Mauldin and where the hub sits on the edge of the crossroads formed by 107 [East Butler Road] intersecting with 276 & the railroad.
You can review, add, and vote on these ideas here: https://beerandnapkins.imaginethat.io/mauldinedge
Through these community idea generation events two key themes emerged: a center hub where guests can interact with each other and art and a walkable, connected city.
At our September 1st Event we will developing short-term and long-term recommendations to support these two key themes. Join us at the Turtle Shell, September 1st at 6:30pm for a fun and engaging community event! RSVP Meetup Here: #MauldinEdge: The Final Session
George, Tony, and I look forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Phil McCreight, Founder Beer and Napkins
Nancy Eisen Fitzer has been with Upstate Forever since 2005. Her responsibilities include producing our newsletters, maintaining this website, researching and writing other publications, and monitoring state legislation.
Heather Bergerud Nix joined the Upstate Forever staff in 2007 and is the Director of the Clean Air & Water Program, where she leads a variety of advocacy and outreach efforts. Heather received her B.S. in Biology from Winthrop University. Before joining Upstate Forever, Heather was a project manager at an environmental consulting firm. Her main focus was wetland delineation and permitting, construction site inspections, and industrial facility inspections. Previously, Heather gained a variety of experience working at Glacier National Park in Montana, a chemical manufacturing facility in South Carolina, and onboard commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea.