News Summary
The Greer City Council has approved $399,994 from opioid settlement funds to enhance treatment services at the Forrester Center for Behavioral Health. This funding supports counseling at the Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center, amid a broader $26 billion national settlement. The council also discussed rezoning a property for duplex construction and accepted various streets into the city’s road inventory, showcasing its commitment to public health and community development.
Greer City Council has unanimously approved the allocation of $399,994 from the city’s opioid settlement funding during its May meeting. This funding is intended to support treatment services provided by the Forrester Center for Behavioral Health.
The funds will be specifically utilized for counseling and recovery treatment at the Indigo Hope Neighborhood Impact Center, located at 133C Berry Ave. This initiative is part of a larger national efforts, represented by a $26 billion opioid litigation settlement that is being distributed to states and local governments over a span of 18 years.
Over this distribution period, Greer is projected to receive approximately $2.5 million from the opioid settlement. The council highlighted the urgency of allocating these funds, as the city faced the risk of losing $291,000 in opioid settlement money by the end of 2025 if they remained unallocated.
In addition to the discussion on opioid treatment funding, the council approved the first of two required readings for an ordinance to rezone a property at 111 Maryland Ave. This decision will change the property designation from suburban neighborhood to traditional neighborhood, allowing the owner to split the existing 3.8-acre lot and construct a duplex adjacent to the current home. This action followed a recommendation from the city’s planning commission after a public hearing held on April 21.
Another significant decision made by the council included the acceptance of various streets in the Blue Ridge Plantation neighborhood, comprising the Seven Oaks, Hidden Springs, and The Meadows sections, into the city’s official road inventory. City engineers confirmed that the developer completed all necessary maintenance on these roads prior to their acceptance into the municipal system.
The allocation of funds for opioid treatment and the rezoning decision highlight the city council’s commitment to addressing both public health issues and community development initiatives. With the opioid crisis continuing to impact communities nationwide, local investments in treatment services are essential for fostering health and recovery among residents.
The ongoing efforts to combat opioid addiction and improve community infrastructure signal a proactive approach by the Greer City Council in addressing the needs of its citizens. By effectively utilizing the funds from the opioid settlement, the council aims to enhance support for individuals struggling with addiction while also encouraging responsible development within the community.
The upcoming second reading for the rezoning ordinance will provide another opportunity for public feedback and council discussion, furthering the transparent decision-making process characteristic of Greer’s governance. The city remains focused on balancing developmental needs with the well-being of its residents through careful planning and resource allocation.
Overall, the May meeting of the Greer City Council demonstrated a multifaceted approach to improving local community services and infrastructure, reflecting a clear vision for the city’s future.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Greer Approves Opioid Settlement Funds
- Martinsville Bulletin: Local Drug Court Now in Operation
- Google Search: Opioid crisis
- Wikipedia: Opioid addiction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid Use Disorder
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