GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – One city in the east is taking the term “going green” a step further.
The Greenville city council approved a nearly one-million dollar federal grant to extend the Greenville Greenway through the west side of town.
It’s a scenic trail along the tar river that showcases the city of Greenville’s beauty. But is it worth $900,000 dollars in grant money to improve?
"This is not something we want as a community, this is something we need as a community,” said avid runner and Greenville city councilwoman Marion Blackburn. “It allows us to do what comes naturally which is really to get out and walk.”
Once it’s complete the Greenway will connect the east side of town along the Tar River all the way to the hospital.
The expansion of the greenway has drawn a massive response from the community. Council members say they've received hundreds of emails and Facebook posts over the last few months.
"It's nice to be able to use your bikes and save gas and it sounds like if they're making it to the hospital it's an easier way to get down to that side of town,” said runner Monica Campbell.
"You get more exercise and it's a good way to even get your family and your children involved,” said Brittany Dunovan.
People we talked with today say the expansion seems like the most logical plan.
"Why would you not use it for something like that is a better question,” said Wesley Gilmore.
But there has been some opposition. One of the major issues is the amount of money that will be spent. In order to get the grant the city had to come up with around $200,000 in matching funds. Blackburn says it was a decision that took a lot of thought.
"As a city our size we have a lot of competing needs and especially now given our economy,” she said.
Still, she says it will pay off in the end.
"Greenways are good places that have good feelings and good associations so I think there’s just good that will come out of expanding out greenway west.”
The council is also finalizing plans to repair a portion of the greenway damaged by Hurricane Irene.
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