NDG is Hiring

NDG is hiring our first Family Navigator as part of our commitment to Movement 2030. The job description may be accessed here. Please submit a resume and cover letter to Gigail Petty, Family Academy Manager, at Gigail@spartanburgndg.com by January 19, 2024. Resumes submitted after January 19 may be considered depending on the number or applications received.

THE NORTHSIDE DEVELOPMENT GROUP ANNOUNCES BILL BARNET TO TRANSITION FROM BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO EMERITUS ROLE IN 2023

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.

THE NORTHSIDE DEVELOPMENT GROUP ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As part of an extensive succession-planning process, the board of directors of Northside Development Group has elected Mary L. Thomas to succeed Bill Barnet as chairman of the board. Barnet has chaired the board since the organization’s founding in 2011 and will remain on the board to serve as immediate past chairman. “My role as a team mate with so many great citizens has been both educational and rewarding. The journey to advance the lives and opportunities of the citizens of this important neighborhood will continue. I look forward to working with Mary Thomas, the board and the Voyagers to attract new investors and find new ways to build an exciting and constructive future for everyone who chooses to live there,” reflected Barnet on his time of service as chair of the board.

Mary Thomas has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the chief operating officer of The Spartanburg County Foundation and as the executive director of the Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy, where she translates the Foundation’s goals into the overall program of work. She also leads the day to day operations of the Center for Philanthropy. Prior to joining the Foundation in 1998, Thomas was the executive director of The Bethlehem Center, a ministry that serves families in the Highland community of Spartanburg, SC. Thomas has held extensive leadership roles in the greater Spartanburg Community and beyond, including as past chairman of Apella Health in 2021. She has served on Northside Development Group’s board since its founding and most recently served as vice chair of the organization. “I am elated to serve at the bequest of the board in this leadership role. Bill has done a remarkable job leading our team for a decade. His commitment to the Northside is unparalleled in terms of focus, drawing attention to the need for resources for this incredible community and leading a team to re-imagine the Northside with what we see today. It is up to us to continue the incredible work that he has championed, and I am excited about being a part of the team,” Thomas said following her election.

The chairman of the board of directors of the Northside Development Group is a two-year term. Other officers elected include John Verreault, vice chairman, Wanda Cheeks, secretary and Laura Henthorn, treasurer. Michael Williamson, who has served as chief executive officer since March 2020, will continue in that role.

Build Healthy Places Network Case Study: Northside Development Group

Northside Development Group (NDG), a Purpose Built Communities Network Member, is focused on holistic community redevelopment. In this case study, Build Healthy Places Network takes a look at the lessons learned and key benefits of NDG’s unique partnership with the Mary Black Foundation, a health conversion fund with a focus on investment in community health initiatives. This case study showcases how direct investment combined with a commitment to centering community voice and ownership, can create a healthier community.

 

This case study is part of a series that highlights Purpose Built Communities’ members and their health partnerships.

 

Read the full case study.

Northside Development Group receives $150,000 Housing for Everyone Grant from the TD Charitable Foundation

 Northside Development Group was recently awarded a $150,000 Housing for Everyone grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®. Northside Development Group is one of 33 organizations selected from more than 357applicants to receive a Housing for Everyone grant as part of the TD Charitable Foundation's annual grant program helping to provide affordable housing since 2005.

 The grant will support Northside Development Group’s tenant housing stabilization efforts.  The Tenant Education and Support Program and Landlord Insurance Program is designed to equip tenants who are considered high risk with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful tenants.  The program certifies tenants who have completed the program, making them eligible to rent from participating landlords in the Northside who would otherwise not have been able to rent to them due to past credit issues or evictions. 

Click here to learn more.

Start:ME 2021 Completed

StartME: 2021 has been completed!

 

We have wrapped up the 2021 round of the Start:ME program and will begin preparation for the upcoming 2022 season in the next months. From this year, we had thirteen entrepreneurs participate in the IDA savings program and eleven qualified for the 4:1 match savings program. The winners of this year’s Start:ME were:

·         In 1st place, Tamika Thompson – Beyond this February

·         In 2nd place, Lakevia Owens Edwards- Royale Concessions, LLC

·         In 3rd place, Jessica Eason - Forever Yung Day Spa, BOH, LLC 

Start:ME has managed to give a start to many entrepreneurs and their starting businesses. We asked participants to describe their Start:ME experience and this is what they had to say:

·         “Start:ME has given me invaluable tools and direction to start my business! The coordinators and mentors are very passionate and giving! I feel so blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful program!”    -Diana Bacote-Miller, CEO

·         “Start Me is a great program to heighten your presence in the business industry. It has taught me core skills to be a better entrepreneur. This program is one that helps build a larger network with successful individuals. It has really changed my outlook on business.”  -Jessica Rose Forever Yung Day Spa

·         “Start:Me Spartanburg is a standout business incubator program. You will gain a wealth of business knowledge but the greatest asset will be the relationships you build amongst your cohort and your community.”     -Tamika Thompson,  Owner, Beyond This February

COVID-19 Relief Survey

Over the past year, the effects of the global pandemic have taken a toll on our communities. The Northside Development Group would like to extend our support to assist with some of the needs that those in our community may have. In the form below, please select the relief and recovery services that NDG or our partners could provide to ease the impact of COVID-19. 

https://forms.gle/PkaR82bGWP12FNv38

For more information contact: Tony Thomas

tony@spartanburgndg.com

864-598-0097 ex. 2


Northside Gateway Art Committee selects new artist

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Today, Northside Gateway Art Committee announces the selection of Olalekan Jeyifous as the artist for an iconic outdoor artwork for the new gateway plaza at the corner of Howard and College Streets in Spartanburg, SC. Northside Voyager President and Art Committee member, Tony Thomas, shares that "this artwork will reflect the spirit of the Northside community and our vision for diversity and inclusion. A community where all people feel welcomed. I truly believe Olalekan Jeyifous is the right artist to capture that sentiment—for all to enjoy!”

More details at http://bit.ly/39CSCFR

Milan St./Raindrop St.: Phase I Housing Approved

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Montgomery Development, LLC, headed by John Montgomery, has started construction on phase one of a three phase housing project composed of mixed income housing in the Northside community.

Phase I will consist of 44 townhouse units. Each unit will be 3 stories with 3 bedrooms and 3 and a half bathrooms, and most of the units will also have a two car garage. A second and third phase are on the table for the near future. The Northside Development Group will be subsidizing 25% of the units to ensure a mix of affordability levels in the community. The remaining 75% will be leased at market rate. For more information about leasing, please contact our office.

Senior Living at It’s Best

The Ellington

Construction is underway for the newest development of affordable senior housing to come to the City of Spartanburg. Developer Drew Schaumber has worked diligently in cooperation with The City of Spartanburg, The Northside Development Group, and The Northside Voyagers to bring this vision to reality. The Ellington senior living complex will consist of 50 units of affordable apartments with a choice of 1 or 2 bedrooms. Amenities include walk-in closets, laundry room, sun room, gym, and a community clubhouse. Those 55 years old and up are eligible to apply for residency and rents start at $502/ month for a 1 bedroom unit at 60% of AMI (Area Median Income). The Ellington will serve as a balance to the ratio of affordable and market rate housing in the Northside community (a concern of many residents) and will be built near The Brick Lofts, which is a 100% market rate housing development also located on Magnolia St. NHE will be the managing the property and will begin accepting applications for residency 6 months prior to completion of the project.

The project is scheduled for completion by the Fall of 2021.

Northside’s Mixed Income Housing and Mix Use Commercial Development - Project Update

Work has begun on the corner of Howard and College for the Northside’s Mixed Income Mixed Use project. Grading and site work has started on the Mixed Use side of the street which included excavation of rock through blasting and removal of dirt that will be eventually moved across the street on the old parking lot of Spartan Mill to prepare for a 90 unit mixed income apartment development scheduled to start 2nd quarter of 2019. 

The first Phase of the development consists of a $14M Mixed Use project  consisting of two buildings at the east corner of Howard Street: the main building and a clinic for VCOM. The main building will have office space on the first floor that will include offices for Access Health, NDG, and other organizations, with two floors of apartments above, as well as a portion dedicated to Wofford College's Community Sustainability program. Wofford's space will have classroom and community engagement space for students and community partners with housing above. The Mixed Use development will be complete early 2020.

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