Latest news with #GreenvilleCityCouncil
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Outrage as patriotic CEO is forced to close store over giant American flag
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis says he was forced to shut down one of his North Carolina locations following a heated legal dispute centered around a massive American flag. The RV retailer's Greenville store officially closed on April 18, Lemonis confirmed, marking the latest chapter in a long-running standoff with city officials. The conflict, which has already led to the closure of two smaller stores, revolves around a supersized American flag proudly flown outside Camping World locations - and local ordinances that say it's too big. The Greenville City Council voted 4-2 in March to hire outside legal counsel to sue Lemonis and Camping World, according to alleging the towering flag violates local zoning codes. 'We think the ordinance is wrong,' Lemonis said in response. Lemonis added that the now-shuttered store on Greenville Boulevard had been 'uniquely' targeted by city enforcement - which continues to impose fines over the display. 'I think it's also wrong council members have been working very actively to disparage my business, and I had to consolidate modification of two dealerships in town … our business has been unfortunately impacted uniquely in Greenville.' Lemonis told WITN shortly after the vote that he still would not take down the flag. 'Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down,' he affirmed. The flag in question spans a colossal 3,200 square feet - roughly the size of a basketball court - and is hoisted on a 130-foot pole, nearly double the city's height limit for such structures. City officials argue the issue is not about patriotism but code compliance. 'This has never been about removing an American flag or the type of flag,' Greenville Communications Manager Brock Letchworth said. 'It's about bringing the display into compliance with City Code. We look forward to finding a resolution that will result in the continued display of the flag, but in a way that does not violate local laws.' Lemonis acknowledged that his sprawling flag may violate North Carolina state law, but did not specify which statute, the New York Post reported. A native of Beirut, Lebanon, Lemonis emphasized that his decision to keep the flag flying is deeply personal. 'I wasn't born in this country. I emigrated from Beirut, Lebanon. Came here to Miami, Florida and had an opportunity to live the American dream in this country. I've put a lot of sweat and tears into building this business for my people, for the country,' he wrote. 'And it's my love letter to tell everybody how grateful I am this country provided me an opportunity where it didn't have to. To make money, to be a capitalist, to provide jobs in America.' On Thursday, Lemonis added fuel to the fire when he posted a video featuring military veteran customers and employees, expressing pride in the flag and the values it represents. 'I'm a veteran and served three years in the US Army,' technician Michael Monday said. 'I stand over the bay every morning and look at the flag waving. Just makes me proud to work here.' Lemonis captioned the video with the hashtag #NeverComingDown. Unfortunately for the RV retailer, the ongoing feud in Greenville isn't unique. A native of Beirut, Lebanon, Lemonis emphasized that his decision to keep the flag flying is deeply personal Camping World is also facing a similar legal battle in Sevierville, Tennessee, where city officials claim the size and height of another massive flag could pose a distraction to drivers and impact the area's scenic landscape. 'Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,' officials wrote. 'Excessively tall structures can create visual distractions for motorists, pose potential safety hazards, and impact the scenic views that are a vital part of what makes Sevierville a destination for residents and visitors alike.' Despite all of this, Lemonis said he will fight to keep the flags flying and to make his message clear. 'Allow the flag to fly. Allow people to enjoy it. Allow kids in this country to understand what an amazing place they live in,' Lemonis said.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Camping World CEO chats with Greenville radio host on flag controversy
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The CEO of Camping World sat down with a local radio station in Eastern North Carolina to discuss the controversy between the City of Greenville and Camping World's flag. Marcus Lemonis, CEO of Camping World, chatted on Tuesday with Henry Hinton's Talk of the Town program, which aired on 103.7 WTIB and 96.3 WRHT. Lemonis discussed the controversy, saying that even if the city chooses to sue him and he loses the lawsuit, he will not take down the flag even if that means jail time. He also allegedly insinuated that the council is not familiar with state law and that the ordinance violates it. Lemonis stated that, 'They [the council] should probably do a little research on the statutes in the state of North Carolina.' The Greenville City Council has already voted on the legal matter, saying yes (4-2) to hiring legal experts and pursuing a law suit against Lemonis and Camping World. Lemonis added in his interview that he has already closed one of the two Camping World locations in Greenville. 'We think the ordinance is wrong,' said Lemonis. ' I think it's also wrong council members have been working very actively to disparage my business and on Friday I had to consolidate modification of 2 dealerships in town. The main one that you're referring to and another one of Greenville-and we had to close that – our business which has been unfortunately impacted uniquely in Greenville, N.C.'. Henry Hinton, the radio interviewer, mentioned to Lemonis a potential agreement that could be had between him and the council. The agreement would be that Lemonis and Camping World donate $50,000 to the Maynard Children's Hospital in exchange for Lemonis' fines being waved and ordinances changed to allow the flag. 'The merits of the Children's Hospital stand on their own and anytime an organization like that that's trying to do good things and actually doing good things they're deserving of a contribution so I'd be happy to make a donation but I don't do that – take my word on that -but I would I would prefer not to have it ……be a quid pro quo.' said Lemonis. To hear the whole interview, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Work on bridge in downtown Greenville begins Tuesday: What to know
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) — Drivers in the Upstate should expect lane closures and reduced speeds Tuesday as construction starts on a bridge in downtown Greenville. The South Carolina Department of Transportation said the Church Street Bridge, initially built in 1959, is due for some upgrades. The bridge spans nearly half a mile, connecting many commuters in Greenville to Interstate 385. Related video: Construction planned for popular Greenville bridge (03/12/2025) Stage one of the US 29 Church Street Bridge Rehab Project begins Tuesday; crews will remove the center median and close the bridge's median and inside lanes. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in southbound and northbound directions, open to drivers from East Washington Street to East Broad Street. The speed limit on the overpass will be 25 mph. According to Greenville City Council member Dorothy Dowe, more than 39,000 cars cross the bridge each day. 'It's hard to sugar coat this,' Dowe said. 'It is going to be a major impact to people's commutes.' Transportation officials said the bridge deck is deteriorating, the storm drainable system must be updated and the structure's overall condition must be improved. 'This is the largest road construction project the city has ever seen,' Dowe continued. Other proposed improvements to the bridge include increasing the west sidewalk to 9 feet wide, adding new overhead and pedestal lighting, modifying railings for pedestrian safety, replacing the stair system to McBee Street and adding 'aesthetic features.' The project is expected to be completed between summer and fall 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greenville approves construction of new affordable housing complex
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)– During the Greenville City Council meeting Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025, commissioners voted to approve the development of a new affordable housing complex. It's a $16.7 million investment in the community. The American Rescue Plan allocated the funds to the city in 2020. Taft Mills Group LLC is the developer of the project. It is a Greenville-based company that has also developed more than 550 affordable housing units throughout the city. They have found that with projects like these it is not uncommon to have it completely leased within 30 days of it becoming available due to the high demand. The new development will be called Turnbury Trace and it will be located on Turnbury Drive between Charles Blvd. and Arlington Blvd. 'Allocated those funds for rental development and tenan-based rental assistance program and also, the non-congregate shelters, so this fell under that umbrella,' Program Manager and Community Development Director for Greenville Neighborhood and Business Services Renee Skeen said. 'It's more important now than ever to have affordable housing opportunities available to residents of our community,' Taft Mills Group President Dustin Mills said. 'And so, that's why we do what we do and are proud to serve the residents who fall within those income brackets and are proud of the developments that we complete.' The project will have 72 units for seniors aged 55 and older. It will include an outdoor exercise facility, computer center, outdoor seating and picnic area, library reading rooms, a workout facility, laundromat, community room and management and maintenance on site. 'With this being age restricted housing, 55 and older, we obviously, as I said, share a property line with Food Lion Shopping Center,' Mills said. 'It's catty corner to an urgent care facility. There are doctor's offices and dentist offices in the immediate area and the residents could also walk to several sit down restaurants, as well as, fast food restaurants and we like the fact that the site is served by a public bus stop as well.' 'The rent rates are really high right now and seniors are on limited income so, of course, they need somewhere affordable and safe to live as well,' Skeen said. 'And we specialize in the development of this type of affordable housing. We have found that the need for affordable housing, not only in Greenville, but throughout the state and throughout the country, there's an extreme need that is not being properly met,' Mills said. 'And so, our firm specializes specifically on the development of affordable housing.' The project will break ground in late June of 2025. It will take 16-18 months to complete. They are expecting to have units available for lease starting in late 2026, early 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protestors set up outside Camping World in support of flag
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The fight to keep the Camping World flag up in Greenville continues. Four people stood in front of the flag on Evans Street with signs in support of the Camping World flag. Just last week, the Greenville City Council voted to file a civil action against Camping World. Now, people are showing their support with the company that is refusing to take the flag down. 'Being a retired Marine, this means so much to me, and so when I heard that the Greeneville, all of a sudden decided that they want to stop, you know, have them take it down or do a smaller one, that's not acceptable,' Marty Rebello said. 'I mean, you've got to have a lot of love and hope for this country, I mean it takes good care of us, and we need to take good care of it.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
