News Summary
On April 3, 2023, the Greenville Planning Commission approved a variance for stormwater management and a rezoning request aimed at addressing housing shortages. Locals expressed concerns about the environmental impact and infrastructure adequacies as Greenville prepares for significant developments, including the potential multi-billion dollar redevelopment of County Square. The commission’s decisions may reshape the city’s growth trajectory.
Greenville Planning Commission Greenlights Key Developments Amid Community Concerns
In a notable session on April 3, 2023, the Greenville Planning Commission made significant strides towards shaping the future of the area, with a blend of hope and concern from locals echoing through the meeting. The commission dove into an application for a variance in stormwater management, drawing attention to the delicate balance of development and environmental consciousness.
Stormwater Management Variance Approved
During the review, the commission looked at a proposal that aimed to reduce the floodplain compensatory storage requirement from 150% to 62%. What does this mean, you ask? Well, it means that the developers would be allowed to offset the impact of their project on flood-prone areas without having to disturb a current wetland. Given the potential to build a child care facility at the site, located north-east of the bustling intersection of Halton and Haywood Roads, the request sprang from a pressing need.
After thorough discussion, the commission debated how this variance might set a precedent for future land development. Ultimately, after weighing the pros and cons, the commission voted 6-1 in favor of the variance, which is now final. This decision might signal a shift in how developments in similar areas are approached moving forward.
Rezoning Request Receives a Green Light
The push for rezoning is motivated by the need for what has been termed the “missing middle housing“, a solution to address housing shortages. The RN-C zoning allows buildings to be up to 100 feet wide, a sizable increase from the previous 40 feet limit under the RN-A zoning. The commission supported the rezoning request with a vote of 5-1, setting the stage for City Council review on April 28.
Big Plans for County Square Redevelopment
Among the most ambitious topics discussed was the potential redevelopment of County Square, a significant site spanning 37 acres near Falls Park and Fluor Field. This project is projected to cost over a staggering $1 billion and would take an estimated decade to complete. Given the scale and the magnitude of previous projects in the area, including Camperdown and ONE, which ran costs of $200 million and $100 million respectively, County Square’s redevelopment is viewed as a huge opportunity for Greenville’s future.
The county council is focused on ensuring that this redevelopment is done right, as it presents a rare opportunity to start from scratch and design the area based on current best practices in urban design. Efficiency in traffic flow and pedestrian accessibility were high on the agenda, along with the incorporation of green spaces to make the completed project a breath of fresh air in the heart of downtown Greenville.
Residents Voice Concerns
As with any development project, community concerns were front and center during the Planning Commission’s meeting. Residents raised issues surrounding potential traffic impacts, effects on local wildlife, and the adequacy of emergency services in light of the new proposals. These discussions reflect an engaged community keen on contributing to the vision of their city.
It’s evident that Greenville is at a crossroads of growth, with developments looming on the horizon and community voices ringing loud and clear. The cities’ planning decisions will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the area in the coming years, ensuring a balance between growth and community needs.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Floodplain Variance Approved
- WITN: Greenville Residents Speak Out
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County UDO Approved
- Greenville Online: Matt Alexander’s Candidacy
- WYFF4: Greenville Development Code Changes
- Wikipedia: Urban Planning
- Google Search: Greenville Community Development
- Google Scholar: Greenville Urban Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Planning
- Google News: Greenville News
