News Summary
The Newberry City Council has approved funding for various community tourism projects in 2025, aimed at enhancing cultural and recreational offerings. This decision follows a review by the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, which assessed applications totaling $138,673 against an available budget of $95,090.90. Key recipients include local organizations like Newberry Community Players and the Newberry Museum. Additionally, the city anticipates new developments, including a hotel and restaurant, promising to boost its tourism appeal and population growth.
Newberry City Council Approves Exciting Funding for Community Tourism Projects in 2025
In a move that’s sure to spark joy in the hearts of locals, the Newberry City Council has officially approved funding for a variety of community tourism projects aimed at enhancing the area’s cultural and recreational offerings! Just recently, the council backed recommendations from the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, paving the way for a more vibrant future for this charming city.
New Funding Unveiled
The thrilling approval came after a motion proposed by Councilperson Carlton Kinard got the green light, backed eagerly by Councilperson Jackie Holmes. Each year, the City of Newberry takes the time to share its application process for funding that specifically targets non-profit organizations involved in tourism and related activities.
Each applicant is required to prove their eligibility and present their requests in front of the eager Accommodations Tax Committee. This year, the committee met for an important review session on March 25, where they assessed a total of six applications that met the eligibility criteria for 2025 funding. The total amount requested from all applicants reached a whopping $138,673! However, the funds available for distribution this year were capped at $95,090.90, marking a significant increase of $91,007.26 from the previous year.
Breakdown of Recommended Funding
So who’s getting a slice of that funding pie? Here’s how it all broke down:
- Newberry Community Players: $8,590.90
- Newberry Downtown Development Association: $12,500
- Newberry Museum: $4,000
- City of Newberry Parks, Recreation and Tourism: $30,000
- RitzFest: $10,000
- Newberry Opera House Foundation: $30,000
With these funds now officially approved, the council is set to distribute them to the respective organizations. Importantly, each project must wrap up within a year of receiving funding, keeping the momentum going strong in promoting tourism in Newberry!
Growth on the Horizon
Hold onto your hats because Newberry is gearing up for some fantastic developments! The city, with a current population of nearly 10,500 according to the 2022 U.S. Census, is getting ready to welcome a shiny new hotel, Home2 Suites, as well as a Cookout restaurant, both of which are set to open soon. The culinary scene is already buzzing with excitement over the introduction of new dining options like a local pizzeria named Many Moons, which has quickly become a crowd favorite! And there are more eateries on the way, making your taste buds dance with delight!
In addition to these dining options, Newberry College is hard at work developing new athletic and nursing facilities, while the design phase is already underway for a community amphitheater funded by a penny sales tax.
Residential Development Brewing
Population growth in Newberry is also on the horizon thanks to new businesses and residential developments. Two eager developers are gearing up to commence construction on an impressive 295 new homes, which could potentially boost the population by about 300 friendly faces.
While local resident Brandon Robertson is all in favor of the exciting developments taking place, another resident, Faye Morris, has expressed a desire for more diversity in business offerings. She specifically mentioned the need for a grocery store, as the current options remain limited to just Food Lion and Walmart.
With much anticipation building in the community, the new hotel is set to open its doors on July 1st, the Cookout will arrive in September, and that eagerly awaited amphitheater is moving through its design phase. Newberry is truly blossoming, and it seems the future has never looked brighter!
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Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: City Council Approves Funding
- WLTX: New Developments in Newberry
- Newberry Observer: Rotary Club Provides Help
- Gainesville: School District Addresses Newberry Issues
- Kitsap Daily News: Newberry Hill Road Reopening
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
