Greenville County Council Opposes Luxury Hotel on Paris Mountain

News Summary

The Greenville County Council has taken a decisive stand against the proposed luxury hotel, ‘The Inn at Altamont’, at the foot of Paris Mountain. Voicing unanimous opposition during a meeting on February 18, council members expressed concerns over increased traffic, safety issues, and environmental impacts. Local residents, rallying in support of the council’s resolution, have gathered over 11,000 signatures on a petition to halt the development, emphasizing the need to preserve the natural beauty of the area. The situation is vibrant, with community voices raised against the potential threats to their beloved Paris Mountain.

Greenville County Council Takes a Stand Against Proposed Luxury Hotel on Paris Mountain

In a lively meeting that drew the attention of concerned residents, the Greenville County Council has unanimously voiced its opposition to a proposed luxury hotel project nestled right at the foot of Paris Mountain. The resolution was brought to the table during a session on February 18, catching a wave of public support after local residents expressed their worries about the potential impacts of the development.

What’s at Stake?

The proposed hotel, dubbed The Inn at Altamont, aims to offer a luxurious stay with 150 guest rooms, event spaces, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant, all sprinkled with resort-style amenities. But hold your horses! This dreamy project hinges on the property being annexed into the city of Travelers Rest, and that’s where the troubles begin, according to local voices.

Councilman Steve Shaw, the mastermind behind the resolution, outlined the broad range of concerns that have emerged since the hotel proposal hit the community’s radar in late January. A huge sticking point? Increased traffic, public safety hazards, and potential environmental fallout that could compromise the very essence of what makes Paris Mountain so special.

Voices of the Community

During the council meeting, community members came dressed to impress in their “Save Paris Mountain” shirts, showcasing their adamant support for halting the hotel project. This grassroots movement has garnered significant traction, with residents collecting over 11,000 signatures on a petition designed to stand against the development. A strong sentiment permeated the room as people expressed their desire to preserve the natural beauty and tranquility that the mountain provides.

On the flip side, Krut Patel, the CEO of The Divine Group and the mind behind the hotel development, underscored the importance of adhering to the existing zoning laws. He argues that development can coexist with property rights, but many locals aren’t buying it and fear a slippery slope of further annexation and development.

The Bigger Picture

Adding to the month’s heated discussions, the Greenville County Council also pushed through a second reading of an ordinance aimed at making government meetings more transparent. With real-time streaming and recordings available within five business days, this step aims to foster open dialogue between the council and residents—except, of course, during emergencies, which are exempt from the streaming requirement.

Back to the hotel, the development site is a sprawling 40-acre plot along Altamont Road. While it presents a tempting prospect for hotel-goers, environmental advocates argue vociferously that the potential harm to local wildlife and disruption of natural habitats cannot be overlooked. The increased risk of pollution and stormwater runoff is yet another concern that has stirred the pot.

Interestingly, the mayor of Travelers Rest took a moment to share her thoughts on the situation, suggesting that the council’s worries are a bit premature at this stage since a formal annexation application hasn’t even been put forth yet. Residents, however, remain steadfast in their skepticism, reminding everyone that once these proposals are on the table, it’s often too late to turn back the clock.

Next Steps on the Horizon

Looking ahead, the Planning Commission is gearing up to review the formal annexation request when it finally lands in their lap. This will open the floodgates for public input, allowing those who may be affected by the hotel’s construction to voice their opinions loud and clear. Local leaders share a growing concern over the potential negative impacts of rapid growth in the area, and they are committed to ensuring that everyone has a say in what shapes the future of Paris Mountain.

In short, tensions are high, and opinions are passionate as the community rallies together to protect their beloved mountain. Will they succeed in staving off development? Only time will tell, but the winds of activism are blowing strong in Greenville County.

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Journal
• Fox Carolina
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Greenville County, South Carolina
• Greenville Online
• Google Search: Hotel development Paris Mountain