Skate parks and commercial development were the primary topics of discussion at a District 4 town hall meeting Wednesday night, hosted by City Councilman Calvin Mercer.

More than a dozen members of the local BMX bike and skateboarding community voiced complaints about a 20 percent reduction of facilities at the Jaycee Extreme Park. A significant wooden ramp was recently demolished because it was deemed unsafe by city parks and recreation officials, Mercer said.

One man asked that the budgeting and rebuilding be conducted as soon as possible, or it will be a detriment to the city’s worldwide reputation as an extreme sports destination.

“Without it, we’ve got less of the Greenville we love,” he said. “We don’t want (athletes) looking somewhere else because they can’t train here.”

City Manager Wayne Bowers said the staff is going to request emergency funds be made available by City Council as soon as next month. A woman in the audience asked if citizens might help with building to expedite the process. Superintendent of Parks Mark Gillespie said the construction was too technical. He also estimated the replacement ramp will cost $41,900.

A contingent of residents from the Lakewood Pines neighborhood were frustrated by the potential for development in their area, off Evans Street between Arlington and the Red Banks Road. They said a proposed zoning change would encompass their homes on three sides with commercial zoning. Multiple people lamented the fact that they were just notified of the consideration by letter this month, rather than being contacted beforehand.

Mercer and Bowers urged those residents to come to the city’s comprehensive plan workshop hosted Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. The city is undergoing a five-year review of the document, which will offer an opportunity to tweak zoning and other regulations.

Neighborhood Liaison Cori Hines said he’d also add the neighborhood association leaders to his contact list to ensure they are notified of potential issues in the future.

Citizens offered further questions and comments about posting address numbers so they are 911 compliant, how the Greenville Police Department acts on root causes of crime and an overabundance of new student housing developments.

In presentations prior to the planning period, the emphasis rested on community involvement. Citizen input is need for good government, effective policing and healthy neighborhoods, according to Mercer and several city officials. More than 80 people attended Wednesday’s meeting.

Area Commander Lt. Ken Laws provided statistics indicating crime across most of District 4 decreased by 1 percent from 2008 to 2009. Instances of breaking and entering, however, were up 21 percent. Laws urged them to look out for their neighbors, especially in multi-family residence areas.

Contact Kathryn Kennedy at kkennedy@reflector.com or (252) 329-9566.