Spartanburg, SC, December 20, 2023- The Northside Development Group announces Founding Board Chair, Bill Barnet’s transition from Board of Directors to First Emeritus Board Member. Barnet, who chaired the board from the organization’s founding in 2011 to 2021, remained on the board as immediate past chairman in 2022 as Mary L. Thomas took over the role. In 2023, John Verreault was elected to be the current Board Chair.
“It was always built around transparency and a commitment to preserving the traditions of the community and the envisioning of a safe, healthy living environment. And, it was always about educational opportunities for the children of the community and access to better housing and health facilities. The creation of the Franklin School and the recent heights reached by Cleveland Academy stand out as milestones on this journey,” reflected Barnet on his time of service with the Northside Development Group.
"Bill is the epitome of a ‘servant leader’", shares NDG Chairman of the Board, John Verreault. “He leads by example and will never ask anything of anyone that he is not willing to do himself. He believes in building a better community and if I had to ask him what he thinks is the most important component, I think he would answer, "education". I feel honored to be serving the Northside and look forward to working with Bill in his new role as our First Emeritus Board Member.”
A few notable Northside accomplishments include:
Created the Northside’s First Early Learning Center, The Franklin School
Supported the Cleveland Academy of Leadership, who received an “Excellent School Rating” for the first time in history in 2023.
Leveraged 175 M dollars towards redevelopment and supportive programs
Developed a neighborhood recreation center, the Dr. TK Gregg Center
Partnered with NHE and Spartanburg Housing to develop 500 Northside Station, 90 units of mixed income housing
Led the demolition of Sunshine inn and partnered with Michael Fletcher to develop the HUB
Partnered with USC Upstate Johnson School of Business to start the Start:Me Spartanburg, a microbusiness accelerator.
Established a down payment assistance program - enabling 12 people to become new homeowners in the N Northside.
“In 2011, we began this journey by bringing together the Northside Voyagers and their neighbors, city leaders and committed community investors and stakeholders, who all understood the importance of creating an equitable community transformation. As with any transformation, change is required. Bill will stay involved in many facets and we are grateful for his continued support.” - Michael Williamson, CEO Northside Development Group
The Northside model is a community-led focus sustained by the support of friends, partners, and the community itself - with the goal of greater racial equity, improved health outcomes, and increased mobility. Join us on this journey by supporting a gift to our NDG Sustainability Endowment. Make a contribution by visiting https://spcf.org/give/online.
About Northside Development Group
Northside Development Group serves to encourage and manage the redevelopment of the City of Spartanburg’s Northside community, honoring its past and expanding the opportunities for a mix of affordable and market rate housing, economic, educational, recreational, health, and social opportunities for its residents. Find us and the work we do in the Northside at www.spartanburgndg.com.