"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

A new Aldi is now officially open in Duncan, marking a significant milestone in the town's ongoing retail and residential boom.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 13th celebrated the grand opening of the highly anticipated grocery store.

Strategically located at the bustling intersection of Highway 290 and Shoals Road, the new store is poised to serve a rapidly growing community near Spartanburg Community College’s Tyger River Campus.

The nearly 22,000-square-foot facility represents a major investment in the local economy and reflects strong confidence in the area’s future.

This Duncan location is part of the discount grocer's ambitious $9 billion national expansion, which aims to add 800 new stores by 2028.

For Duncan, the store's arrival cements its role as a key commercial hub connecting Spartanburg and Greenville.

A tidal wave of development is reshaping the heart of Spartanburg, fueling unprecedented growth and creating thousands of local jobs.

Since 2017, construction projects have injected a massive $1.77 billion into the countywide economy.

This boom now supports an incredible 13,706 jobs, a figure that surpasses the entire workforce at the county’s largest single employer, BMW Manufacturing.

Transformative projects are powering this renaissance, including the new Fifth Third Park and the complete redevelopment of the former Spartanburg Herald-Journal site.

Mayor Jerome Rice emphasized that this growth translates directly into tangible benefits for all citizens, from better infrastructure to more support for first-responders.

The city’s tourism sector is also soaring, with hotel occupancy climbing over 71%—outperforming several peer cities.

According to OneSpartanburg, Inc., this isn't just a momentary surge; it’s a sustainable foundation for a thriving community.

A palpable energy is sweeping through Spartanburg, from new downtown restaurants to the construction reshaping our skyline.

This excitement has inspired the launch of The Spartan Signal, a new community journal dedicated to capturing the city's evolving story.

This is more than just a local newsletter; it's our shared community journal.

Its mission is to reflect the true heart of the Hub City, but it can’t be done without you.

Residents are asked to help build this new platform by sharing it with friends and neighbors.

Even more importantly, you are encouraged to contribute stories, photos, and tips about local charities, hidden gems, or small businesses that make Spartanburg special.

Together, we can create an authentic voice for our hometown.

Downtown Spartanburg Set for Major Investment — and Major Conversation

Spartanburg City Council has approved two major development projects that could reshape the Beaumont area and energize East Main Street — but not without sparking passionate debate from residents.

Council gave the green light to a multi-million-dollar project that will bring about 250 apartments to the Beaumont Mill area. For a part of the city experiencing renewal around education, healthcare, and new businesses, this development signals continued growth — and confidence from investors.

🔹 A $18 Million ‘Shot in the Arm’ for East Main

City Council also voted 6–0 to approve tax incentives for a new $18 million mixed-use redevelopment at 111 & 109 East Main Street, the former Montgomery Ward building downtown.

The project includes:

• 7,000+ sq ft of ground-floor retail

• 22–26 apartments above

• A well-known retailer (not yet announced)

• Revitalization of a historic building that’s been vacant for decades

For many leaders, developments like this are key to the long-term vision of a thriving, walkable downtown — one that attracts visitors, supports small businesses, and keeps Spartanburg competitive with other growing cities.

🗣️ What Residents Are Saying

If there’s one thing Spartanburg never lacks, it’s honest voices. These projects immediately sparked a wave of community comments — a mix of excitement, questions, and pointed concerns.

Here’s the pulse of what people are saying:

⭐ “Hopefully someone will do something about Christmas decorations!”

A lighthearted jab — and maybe a real request — reminding us that small touches matter as much as big developments.

⭐ “Spartanburg needs to stop revitalizing downtown and get crime under control.”

Some residents feel safety should be the city’s top priority, arguing that investment won’t matter unless people feel secure.

⭐ “You can build all the multi-million-dollar buildings you want, but people won’t come if they’re afraid of being robbed or assaulted.”

A sentiment echoed by several commenters, pointing to concerns about crime, visibility of police, and perceived safety downtown.

⭐ “The city should take over properties and rent them affordably to small businesses.”

Another perspective suggests that high rents — not lack of development — are holding back small business growth.

⭐ “If developers want the project, why do taxpayers have to provide incentives?”

Tax incentives remain a familiar tension point during public-private partnerships.

⭐ “Why is the city investing millions when some families are struggling with food insecurity?”

A question about priorities — reflecting real hardship faced by many families right now.
(This is especially timely given EBT suspensions and increased demand at local food banks.)

⭐ “Where are the police? Why aren’t they addressing homelessness, littering, and loitering in public spaces?”

A call from residents who want clarity and action on quality-of-life issues.

🔍 A Moment for Honest Dialogue

Growth always brings strong opinions — and Spartanburg is no exception. These new developments promise economic momentum, new jobs, fresh retail, downtown housing, and renewed foot-traffic.

But residents are equally clear about what they want fixed:

• Safer public spaces

• Visible and consistent policing

• Solutions for homelessness

• Affordable commercial rents

• Clear communication about how tax incentives benefit taxpayers

• Attention to quality-of-life issues

Spartanburg is growing — but growth must feel inclusive, not distant.

🌆 Where We Go From Here

The truth is, Spartanburg is at an inflection point. Our city is seeing investment levels not experienced in decades — and that’s something to celebrate. But celebration doesn’t override the responsibility to listen.

These projects show that developers believe in Spartanburg’s future.
Residents want to believe in it too — they just want assurances that the basics (safety, cleanliness, community care) won’t be left behind.

The conversation doesn’t end with the vote.
It starts here.

As always, we’ll keep following this story — and we’ll bring you updates as the project timeline unfolds, businesses are announced, and community responses evolve.

The secret is out on Spartanburg.

Once a quiet stopover, the city is buzzing with a palpable energy fueled by massive downtown investment and a proud local community.

A remarkable construction boom has introduced the new Fifth Third Park, home of the Hub City Spartanburgers baseball team, alongside new hotels and residences.

The downtown area is now a vibrant, walkable hub.

Visitors can explore the serene Cleveland Park, browse the beloved Hub City Bookshop, or enjoy the burgeoning culinary scene at spots like The Kennedy and FR8yard.

A pint of the famous Son of a Peach ale at Rockers Brewing Co. has become an essential local experience.

This isn't just growth; it's a renaissance, establishing Spartanburg as a premier destination in the Southeast.

• FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner – Tuesday, November 18 at 5:30 PM, at CC Woodson Community Center, 210 Bomar Ave. cityofspartanburg.org

• Municipal Election Runoffs – Tuesday, November 18, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, Spartanburg City/County.

• A Dickens of a Christmas – Tuesday, December 2, Downtown Spartanburg: holiday kickoff with live entertainment, food and cheer
• CAIN – Live in Color Concert – Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 at First Baptist North Spartanburg

🏁 Closing Thoughts from The Spartan Signal

As we wrap up this week, one thing is clear: Spartanburg is changing — growing in new directions, stretching into new possibilities, and having the kinds of conversations only a strong community can handle. We may not always agree on how progress should look, but the fact that our neighbors speak up, ask hard questions, and care deeply about this city says something powerful about who we are.

The Spartan Signal will always aim to reflect that spirit.
The pride.
The frustrations.
The celebrations.
The honesty.

Thank you for reading, sharing, contributing, and helping us shape this into Spartanburg’s true hometown newsletter. Keep sending your stories, keep sending your events, and most of all — keep showing up for this city we all call home.

Until next week, stay safe, stay warm, and stay connected.
— The Spartan Signal Team