Greenville County Approves 226-Home Development Near Piedmont

Greenville County Approves 226-Home Development Near Piedmont

Greenville, SC – A significant decision was made during the recent Greenville County Planning Commission meeting, where the commission gave a thumbs up to a new 226-unit residential development just east of Piedmont. This approval marks a major step forward in the region’s development plans.

New Homes on the Horizon

The commission convened on October 23 and approved the preliminary plans for the Glengarry subdivision, located at the intersection of Emily Lane and Pine Drive, right off Highway 25. Spanning across a sprawling 34-acre tract, the project is set to include a mix of townhomes.

Waverly Wilkes, the engineer representing the development team, pointed out that the existing zoning for this area allows for almost 700 residential units. This means that the approval for 226 homes is viewed as a conservative approach that aligns with local zoning laws. Commission Chairman Steve Bichel highlighted this, affirming, “This is a third of what this zoning allows. So I have to support this.”

A Divided Opinion

Interestingly enough, not all members of the Planning Commission were initially on board. Commissioner James Wood expressed strong reservations about the impact of adding over 200 homes, particularly concerning traffic congestion. He likened the proposal to “putting lipstick on a pig,” indicating that he believed the project would not fulfill community needs. However, after further discussion about the existing zoning permissions, he ultimately decided to support the plan.

Opposition to Other Projects

While the Glengarry subdivision moved forward, two other proposed developments faced significant challenges. The 72-unit Bellewyn subdivision in the Greer area met fierce opposition from local residents, who expressed their concerns about how the new homes would clash with the character of the existing Sugar Creek community. These residents argued that the project would exacerbate traffic issues and lead to potential water runoff problems.

The meeting had a tense atmosphere, with neighbors filling the room to voice their objections. Property owner William Bradshaw had hoped to create a development plan that respected the established residents and preserved existing greenspace and trees. Ultimately, the commission was initially split but voted against the proposal in a second attempt.

The Smallest Project Hits a Wall

The third development, known as Patriot Place in Taylors, also saw rejection, garnering a 5-3 vote against it. This project, which was smaller, proposed to fit 28 homes into just 11 acres at the intersection of Stallings and Reid School roads. According to Chairman Bichel, the proposal didn’t adhere to the requirements for a cluster development, leading to its downfall.

Looking Ahead

As Greenville County continues to grow and evolve, the decisions being made by the Planning Commission will greatly influence the future of housing and community development in the region. With the establishment of new townhomes in Glengarry, it will be interesting to see how the area responds, especially concerning traffic and infrastructure.

For residents of Pitt county and surrounding areas, it’s a time for reflection and adaptation as they witness changes unfolding around them. Will these new developments bring growth opportunities or additional challenges? Only time will tell!