Greenville County Council Gets Back in the Swing of Things Post-Hurricane Helene
After a brief pause in their activities due to Hurricane Helene, the Greenville County Council is officially back in action, picking up where they left off. Recently, the council gathered for a meeting to discuss two key items that have sparked quite a bit of discussion and feedback from the community.
Unified Development Ordinance Takes Center Stage
One of the major topics on the agenda was the Unified Development Ordinance, often referred to as the UDO. This piece of legislation is on its way to the planning and development committee and planning commission for review following its first reading. However, not everyone in the council is ready to move forward just yet. Councilman-Elect Garey Collins of District 27 voiced his concerns during the meeting, questioning the speed of the approval process.
“What is the rush?” Collins asked, expressing his belief that if the UDO is as beneficial as supporters claim, it will still hold value in the future. He emphasized that he already has 31 amendments lined up and feels that they should take their time to ensure community input is prioritized.
Collins also pointed out a critical issue that has been a concern for him: “There should be at least 3-4 meetings in the district,” he stated, referring to the need for community engagement in discussions surrounding the UDO. With four new members set to join the council in January, he worries that rushing the process may overlook valuable insights from local residents.
On the flip side, supporters of the UDO pointed out that this guiding document has been a work in progress for years and suggested that amendments can still be made even after its initial approval.
MetroConnects Boundary Expansion Under Review
The second significant topic on the agenda was a boundary expansion request from MetroConnects, the local wastewater management company. This proposal would give MetroConnects the authority to extend sewer lines into specific areas that previously lacked access. This request initially stirred controversy back in September, mainly from conservation groups worried about potential overdevelopment in rural parts of Greenville County.
During the recent meeting, General Manager Carol Elliott presented a revised proposal that aims to align more closely with the county’s comprehensive plan. The adjusted plan notably excludes areas that are designated as rural to address concerns raised by the public. “Expanding the boundary does not spur development,” Elliott explained, assuring the council and residents that any sewer line additions would only occur after developments have been thoroughly evaluated and approved by county staff.
Council members Joey Russo and Ennis Fant expressed their support for MetroConnects’ willingness to modify their proposal. They praised the adjustments as a responsible approach that respects both community concerns and the need for infrastructure improvements.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
As the council moves forward, a public hearing for the MetroConnects boundary expansion is set for November 5th. Residents will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the proposal. Community involvement is crucial, especially as the council navigates through these significant changes.
In summary, the Greenville County Council is gearing up for some important decisions that could shape the future of the area. With discussions around the UDO and MetroConnects’ boundary expansion, it’s clear that while progress is essential, listening to the community remains a top priority.
