Residents Hopeful for New Development Guidelines in Greenville
Greenville, SC – The community spirit is alive and well in the Mountain Creek neighborhood as residents gather around a common goal: controlling the development happening in their beloved area near Paris Mountain State Park. After years of advocating for change, it appears their efforts are finally gaining traction. Local county officials have expressed their support for a proposed zoning overlay designed to establish clearer development guidelines in the region, offering a glimmer of hope to concerned residents.
The Story So Far
The journey toward obtaining more control over local development began about three years ago when the Pebble Creek Golf Course, which had been a central feature of the community, decided to close nine of its holes to make room for new housing projects. This move sent waves of worry through the neighborhoods that surround the course, as many locals feared that an influx of new homes would alter the area’s character, struggle existing infrastructure, and intensify traffic woes.
Many backyards along Stallings Road border overgrown and abandoned sections of the golf course, raising concerns about potential flooding if the area were to be developed. Residents voiced unease and pushed for a development moratorium to freeze any new residential projects for nearly a year. The hope was to pause and establish a stronger proposal that would give residents a say in how their community is reshaped moving forward.
A Glimmer of Positivity
Earlier this week, a County Council committee reviewed the moratorium proposal that would cover approximately 4,000 acres. Although the committee ultimately voted against the moratorium, they rallied behind the idea of establishing a zoning overlay. This news was welcomed with open arms by the community as it was seen as a significant victory in their battle for better development control.
Voices of the Community
Community organizer Jan Willis, who has been a crucial figure in advocating for the residents’ interests, expressed optimism about the recent developments. “This zoning overlay is a step in the right direction,” she said. “It will give us a framework to ensure that future growth is sustainable and in line with what our community needs.”
With the backing of the county, the community is looking to collaborate with staff and the Home Builders Association of Greenville to develop a formal proposal that prioritizes lower density for new developments and takes into consideration the existing neighborhood’s character.
Finding Common Ground
As exciting as the prospects may seem, there is still work to be done. Taylor Lyles, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greenville, highlighted the importance of collaboration. He acknowledged that there could be differing opinions about density and types of development. “We support the overlay, but we do not support moratoriums,” Lyles stated, emphasizing that clarity and compromise can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes for both developers and residents.
A Vision for the Future
County Councilman Steve Shaw, a long-time advocate for the residents of Mountain Creek, shared his hopes for the zoning overlay to maintain the area’s residential and recreational charm while protecting the remaining operational holes of the golf course. He believes the overlay could also improve connections between neighborhoods in the area, benefitting all residents.
With the county planning to allocate resources and possibly bring in outside consultants to aid in the development of the zoning overlay, the community is filled with hope for a collaborative approach to planning. While it may take some time to finalize the new guidelines, the Mountain Creek residents remain dedicated to ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of their neighborhood.
