Car Accident Attorney inConestee, SC

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby may have moved on, but the scars left in its wake are still evident in Conestee Nature Preserve. After torrential rain early Saturday morning, severe flooding compromised several of the preserve’s trails and boardwalks.

The deluge washed over boardwalks in the preserve, causing significant damage and detaching them from their anchors. Consequently, sections of the green and yellow trails are now closed.

"I was looking forward to going on the boardwalk again. But it's closed, you know of course. What are you going to do? It happens, you know, mother nature strikes. So I'm looking forward to it being open again. In the meantime, we'll try the Purple Trail next because we haven't done that," said Darcy Bauer, a local trailgoer.

This isn’t the first time the preserve has faced such challenges. Similar flooding in January damaged the same sections of the boardwalk. Josh Zalabak of the Conestee Nature Preserve explained that the trails that frequently incur damage lack the more expensive steel piers found in other areas of the park.

"They are these steel piers that are anchored really deep down in the soil. The boardwalks that are being damaged don't have those piers. And it's a more expensive boardwalk to use the piers," Zalabak noted.

Repairing the current damage is expected to cost around $20,000, while a complete replacement with more resilient materials would cost ten times more. Despite the potential expenses, Zalabak remains optimistic.

"They're likely to repair it to the best of their abilities with the way it's constructed. More substantial rebuilds aren't in the cards this week or next week, but hopefully, in the near future we can work towards that," Zalabak added.

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In the meantime, trail visitors like Alex Morrell and his son River are exploring alternative paths, although new challenges have arisen like increased encounters with yellow jackets.

The nonprofit organization managing Conestee Nature Preserve is set to commence repairs on the boardwalks Tuesday, though the timeline for completion depends heavily on donations and purchases. "He bought a snake that he really likes, and we bought a few other things so that directly goes to them," Morrell shared, highlighting how community purchases can aid in the restoration efforts.

For now, trailgoers are adapting and looking forward to a fully restored Conestee Nature Preserve soon.

The dam at Lake Conestee, just south of Greenville, is getting replaced.

Four years ago, a sentence like that was nigh impossible.

It turns out that collective action (a.k.a. community-engaged democracy) is what got things going after years of inaction, frustration, finger pointing, and hand wringing over what to do about an antique dam holding back a passel of toxic metals flushed into the Reedy River over decades of Greenville’s Industrial Age growth.

And what got the collective action going were press stories (like this one that South Carolina Public Radio did four years ago) that served to inspire citizens like Ralph Cushing to bring attention to the possibility of an ecological catastrophe, and to spur state lawmakers from the Greenwood/Laurens region to get state funding behind a plan to head off such possibilities.

Cushing is a Greenwood resident who describes himself as a “type-triple-A personality” because he finds it too difficult to sit still. The problem was, he kind of had to because he was recovering from knee surgery and was relegated to haunting the internet. That’s where he came across news stories explaining what is at stake upriver in Greenville County.

To recap briefly: Lake Conestee Dam was built with a 50-year lifespan in mind in the 1890s, but is still standing. It is a genuine marvel of engineering, but its construction is a mystery today, as there are no known records of how it was built.

Without knowing the true nature of the dam’s construction, no one is really sure whether the structure could last another century or crumple under a stiff breeze – or an earthquake – by tomorrow morning.

Yet, for all the danger pressing up against that wall, Cushing had never heard of Lake Conestee Dam before his surgery. Neither had state Rep. John McCravy, R-Greenwood, nor state Sen. Billy Garrett, R-Greenwood, despite that the water that flows downriver from Conestee ends up in Lake Greenwood – the freshwater supply for much of Greenwood and Laurens counties – and that a release of enough toxic sludge to fill a football stadium upstream could effectively kill a set of communities two counties to the south.

Cushing and McCravy learned about the dam and its potential dangers around the same time, about a year-and-a-half ago. Cushing put together a Facebook group, Save Lake Greenwood, where he laid out what was at stake and urged a letter-writing campaign to lawmakers to raise their awareness.

And it worked. Dozens of letters a week, Cushing says, landed in the email inboxes and on the desks of McCravy, Garret, and state Rep. Stewart Jones, R-Laurens, asking them to find a solution. Jones told Cushing that the volume of letters was “significant.”

To either fix the dam or build a new one a few yards downriver from the existing one would cost anywhere between $40 million and $60 million, by most estimates; and multiple entities had long argued over which of them is the most responsible and who should flip the tab for a largescale project.

A major hang-up in figuring out who would pay how much was that there was no plan to do anything specific. Did the dam need to be shored up? Reinforced? Replaced? No one knew –partly because no one had done any work to figure out what was the best solution.

Garrett and McCravy figured it was best to get state funding behind what they saw as a genuine emergency first, “and worry about the rest later,” McCravy says.

Garrett lobbied hard for $3 million to find out the best way to deal with Lake Conestee Dam. That exploratory project did not use all the money before it concluded that the existing dam needs to be left in place and a new, 100-year storm-and earthquake-resistant structure needs to be built a few yards downstream.

Once that was identified, McCravy says, state lawmakers made a line item in the state budget last year, which ultimately came to more than $40 million. Further private donations to the Lake Conestee Dam Restoration Project means the project has about $47 million to build a new retention wall dam that would catch and hold any spill from a break, according to Kelly Lowry, the president of the Lake Conestee Dam Restoration Project.

Lowry picked up a decades-long fight to get the situation at Lake Conestee looked at. He also spearheaded numerous public meetings that drew hundreds of concerned residents to venues at which he outlined the dangers of a dam break and the need to keep the pressure on state lawmakers to fund a replacement wall.

For Lowry, news that state money has gone towards the situation is akin to at least a few sips of warm milk.

“I wake up at two in the morning thinking about this,” Lowry says, referring to the potential for a dam break. He’s feeling much more at ease now that seismic test engineers are running ground tests and laying out where the new dam will go.

He's aware that until the new dam is built, anything could still happen. But the fact that Lake Conestee Dam is now being dealt with officially makes this a gratifying time for longtime advocates. While many in the communities that would be affected by a break only found out about the looming dangers upstream a couple years ago, advocates like Dave Hargett and other leaders of the restoration project initiative have been sounding the alarm for decades.

And what got it addressed, finally, was information, a little moxie from citizens and state officials … and mail.

HomeTowne Studios Greenville SC

HomeTowne Studios Greenville is now open in Greenville, South Carolina. The owner Surya Hotel Corp. recently invested over $1 million to fully renovate the extended-stay hotel, located next to the 52-room Red Roof Inn.

The 50-room hotel is near Clemson University, Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville Technical College, Bob Jones University, Furman University, Saint Francis Hospital, Paris Mountain State Park and Lake Conestee Nature Park.

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is a short drive away.

Sai Vani Corp., led by Mark Patel, recently opened the 97-room Admiralty Inn & Suites in East Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Corporate travel spend 2024

CORPORATE TRAVEL SPEND by U.S. companies is expected to grow 8 to 12 percent, reaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, according to a recent Deloitte study. Around 73 percent of travel managers expect their companies’ travel spend to increase in 2024, while 58 percent expect further increases in 2025, with projected gains averaging 14-15 percent each year.

Deloitte’s 2024 corporate travel report, “Upward Climb with Uphill Struggles,” found that live events are a top growth driver, with 6 in 10 business travelers expecting to attend a conference, trade show or exhibition this year.

“Business travel has been slower to come back following pandemic slowdowns, but this could be the year that it accelerates to new heights,” said Eileen Crowley, Deloitte’s vice chair and U.S. transportation, hospitality and services attest leader. “More employees are traveling for business—and enjoying it—underscoring that in-person connection often remains a critical component. As companies see a renewed benefit in the opportunities business travel provides, business leaders can capitalize on the enthusiasm and prioritize travel experiences that are valuable to both the organization and employee.”

Deloitte’s “2024 Corporate Travel Report” is based on two surveys. The first, conducted between May 16 to 18, surveyed 104 U.S.-based corporate travel managers and executives with travel budget oversight. The second, conducted between May 28 and June 3, surveyed 1,389 U.S.-based corporate travelers, 834 of whom oversee travel budgets or approve travel requests for their teams.

Corporate travel on the rise

About 20 percent of travelers expect to take 6 to 10 trips in 2024, up from 15 percent in 2023 and 10 percent expect to take more than 10 trips, up from 7 percent in 2023. Those projecting gains expect an average rise of 14 to 15 percent each year, but this growth is expected to slow by a few percentage points in 2025. The report found that client-related travel is a top driver of trip frequency, with 1 in 5 frequent travelers reporting monthly trips for sales or project work.

Amid the return to conference rooms and airport lounges, 83 percent of those surveyed find business travel “enjoyable” and see both professional and personal value in it. About half, 51 percent, rank networking opportunities and 47 percent cite exploring different cities among the top three benefits of business travel. Many travelers surveyed also find opportunities to enjoy trips without the business: two-thirds of corporate travelers extended a business trip for leisure in 2023, with 1 in 7 doing so three or more times.

Around 63 percent of business travelers expect to attend at least one conference in 2024, while half of travel managers rank industry events as one of the top two growth drivers. While more employees are traveling to attend conferences, they are traveling more frequently for clients. Among frequent travelers, about 23 percent say they traveled once a month or more in the first half of 2024 for client project work or sales and 21 percent for client relationship building, compared to just 13 percent for conferences and exhibitions.

International travel is also on the rise, with growing demand for trips beyond North America, the study revealed. Travel managers surveyed expect the share of total spend on international trips to increase slightly through 2025, citing the easing of entry requirements as the third-biggest driver of trip growth in 2024, behind live event attendance and budget increases.

Cost impacts on the bottom line

Nearly 22 percent of travel managers surveyed say high prices are the biggest drag on trip volume for their companies, with 40 percent ranking prices among the top two concerns. Higher costs also pose challenges for travel suppliers, as many travel managers report that suppliers are adopting tougher negotiating stances.

In an effort to mitigate costs, 55 percent of travel managers surveyed cite booking compliance as a top cost control measure, ahead of all other options. Another half of travel managers report that their companies are encouraging or mandating lower-cost flights. Meanwhile, only 56 percent of travelers who are aware their company has a corporate booking tool or agency say they always book trips through these managed channels.

While frequent travelers might seem less likely to use compliance tools, responses indicate that age is a stronger predictor of booking compliance than travel frequency: Gen X and Boomers are significantly less likely to always use managed channels.

According to the report, flexibility and loyalty are key for those booking directly. The main driver for booking directly with suppliers is the easier management of trip changes, followed by the opportunity to earn loyalty points. Surveyed travelers use online travel agents primarily to find the best deals, 56 percent for airfares and 61 percent for hotels.

‘2030 sustainability goals’

Most travel managers believe companies need to reduce travel to meet 2030 sustainability goals. Over half say they need to cut trips by 10 percent to 20 percent. Meanwhile, more travel managers report that their companies are adopting travel-related sustainability measures, encouraging employees to make greener travel choices. One-third of travelers confirm that their companies are urging them to select more sustainable providers for business travel.

“The stabilization of corporate travel holds both opportunities and challenges as the industry adapts to new norms and priorities,” Kate Ferrara, Deloitte’s vice chair and U.S. transportation, hospitality and services non-attest leader. “Travel buyers and suppliers should work together to navigate these shifting dynamics. As companies manage pricing pressures, suppliers who lean into flexibility to help companies meet employee expectations can build loyalty and be well-positioned for the road ahead.”

Overall, companies are more prepared and proactive in their approach to sustainable travel this year: 46 percent report having a strategy to assign travel emission budgets to teams and individuals, up from 30 percent in 2023. Nearly half of travel managers surveyed say they want more assurance that travelers will take action before investing in a more integrated approach to sustainability in their travel purchasing process.

A recent Jenius Bank report found that about 29.3 percent of Americans refuse to cut back on travel despite its non-essential status, while 20.1 percent made their largest one-time payment in 2023 for a vacation.

Travel and Tourism Deals 2024

A TOTAL OF 347 mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture financing deals were reported in the global travel and tourism sector during the first half of 2024, according to GlobalData, a data and analytics company. That is a 12.6 percent year-over-year decline from the 397 deals in the same period of the previous year.

North America saw a 31.7 percent year-over-year decrease in deal volume, while the U.S. experienced a 31.5 percent decline in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period the previous year, GlobalData said in a statement.

“Even though there was a decline globally due to a dent in deal-making sentiments, the trend was a mixed bag across different markets and regions, with some countries contributing to the decline while some experienced improved activity,” said Aurojyoti Bose, GlobalData’s lead analyst. “And the same was the case for the deal types under coverage.”

GlobalData’s Deals Database analysis found a 7.4 percent decline in M&A deals in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, while venture financing deals fell by 29.6 percent year-over-year.

However, private equity deal volume remained unchanged.

Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America also saw year-over-year deal volume declines of 14.5 percent, 11.1 percent, and 41.7 percent, respectively. In contrast, Europe experienced an 11.7 percent year-over-year increase in deal volume.

Similarly, China, Australia, and France experienced year-over-year deal volume declines of 46.4 percent, 18.8 percent, and 40 percent, respectively, the report said. However, the U.K., India and Japan saw deal volume increases of 7.9 percent, 12 percent, and 18.2 percent, respectively.

In June, a CBRE survey reported that U.S. hotel investor sentiment remains strong, with acquisition activity expected to match 2023 levels. About 35 percent of respondents anticipate no change, while under 16 percent expect a decrease.

GREENVILLE, S.C. —

Officials say a major step forward has been taken in getting a new Conestee Dam in Greenville County after a contractor was selected.

Dr. Kelly Lowry, the director of the Lake Conestee Dam Restoration Project, said selecting a contractor allows crews to begin finalizing the design of what the dam could look like.

Lowry said the more than 130-year-old dam is aging and holding back tons of toxic sediment.

"The structural integrity of the dam today is no clearer to us than it was last year when we had these conversations. We just don't know. There's no way to find out how it's doing," he said.

Lowry said Kiewit Construction has been brought on to narrow down the final project's design.

"We will begin designing almost immediately," he said. "We'll hit the ground next week and begin that process. We expect permitting to take as much as a year, depending on how things go."

The dam holds back the Reedy River, which eventually drains into Lake Greenwood. The lake is a source of drinking water in Laurens and Greenwood counties.

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"The Reedy River that goes through here is polluted because, I mean, this was a textile industry in Greenville from what I understand," resident Beverly Gilewitz said. "I see people letting their dogs drink out of the water and letting their kids play, and I'm like, 'Ugh.'"

The plan calls for building a new dam downstream from the current structure.

Lowry said the unknowns about the current dam's structural integrity are driving crews to get it done quickly.

"We have a project that's there, and we have to work with what we have," he said. "We're doing it as quickly as we can and as safely as possible, so we can eliminate any fear folks might have."

While building the new dam, Lowry said crews will have equipment to measure vibrations on the old dam.

He said construction should start in early 2026.

Here’s a recap of the Greenville County Planning Commission meeting on March 27.

Approved: Woodland Summit subdivsion

Woodland Summit is a proposed residential development located on Adams Mill Road near the intersection of Scuffletown and Woodruff roads in Five Forks.

The development would consist of 87 lots on 37.35 acres for a density of one dwelling per 0.43 acres. It was previously denied in Nov. 2023 due to the proposed location’s traffic congestion and limited access points. The developer has since revised the traffic study, added accessibility to mulch-covered open space, and added turn lanes.

Members of the community returned in opposition expressing concerns about how future occupants may impact the area’s traffic congestion and the proposed subdivision’s location near the center of Five Forks. Added concerns included the design’s lack of exterior sidewalk, mulch’s weakness during rainfall and scarcity of parking.

Representatives from the site’s engineer and developers – Gray Engineering, Mark III Properties and DRB Homes – spoke in favor of the development.

The commission approved of the subdivision with the addition of external sidewalks, commitments made in the traffic study and impervious material for open space.

Approved: Harrington subdivision phase 6

Harrington subdivision phase 6 is an addition to a residential development located along Reedy Fork Road and Fork Shoals Road just south of Lake Conestee.

The proposed development would be made up of 68 lots on a nearly 24-acre area for a density of about one dwelling per 0.35 acres.

Darren Webb with the site’s developer, Mark III Properties, spoke in favor of the development. The commission unanimously approved the development.

Approved: Freya’s Meadow subdivision

Freya’s Meadow is a proposed subdivision located along Old Whitehorse Road and Hodgens Drive between Berea and Parker.

The subdivision will consist of 35 lots on roughly 31 acres. This matter was initially supposed to go before the planning commission in February but was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting.

Members of the community spoke in opposition of the subdivision, citing the neighborhood’s rural character. Added concerns included how the development would affect water quality and runoff given the area’s topography, noting a preference for natural buffers to the design.

Representatives from developer, SK Builders, spoke in favor of the subdivision and addressed the community’s concerns.

The planning commission approved the application with added buffers and an emergency access cul-de-sac.

Approved: Settlement Manor Apartments buffer

The Settlement Manor Apartments is a proposed affordable housing project located on East Settlement Road just off White Horse Road northwest of Berea.

The applicant brought this application before the planning commission to request a variance from Section 8.22.22.A.3. of the county’s Land Development Regulations (LDR) requiring a minimum 100-foot riparian buffer from stream banks located on a property.

A riparian buffer is an area near a stream or body of water that separates the development from the water. The buffer must be a strip of greenery such as trees or shrubs. The stream in question runs through the middle of the site.

Greenville County Council recently passed an update to riparian buffer requirements for new developments in the hopes of protecting the county’s waterways. Prior to the update, a project of this size would have required a 35-foot undisturbed buffer.

The applicant, Hallmark Development Parker’s LLC, requested the buffer be distributed throughout the property. The developer noted that given the newly-required size for the buffer and the configuration of the development, a riparian buffer would consume nearly half the development’s area.

After no opposition and with the support and presence of the developer, the commission approved the application.

Approved: RJW Sales, LLC variance

RJS Sales, LLC is a firearms and hunting supply store with a proposed location at 102 CCC Camp Road in Greer just off Highway 14.

The store’s owner, Ross Williamson, brought the application before the commission requesting a 20-foot building setback buffer variance in lieu of the required 25-foot building setback buffer requirement. Williamson stated that buffer was a driveway used by a former tenant that would be unnecessary to his business.

After an attempted land swap with the business’s neighbor fell through, the two neighbors decided a variance would be a better route.

The commission heard the concerns and approved this application.

Approved: Private road width variance

The application was brought before the commission to waive the rule for minimum requirement of a private roadway on Tanyard Road from 20 feet to 18 feet. This property is located near Paris Mountain State Park between Taylors and Travelers Rest.

The site would be a new development on 19 acres with a total of six lots per acre giving way to a low density of rough three acres per lot. The applicant argues that given the low density of the development, the 20-foot roadway would not be required.

The commission approved the application.

Rezoning matters: