Proposed Luxurious Inn on the Horizon in Travelers Rest

News Summary

Travelers Rest is abuzz with news of a proposed luxurious inn by the Divine Group, aiming to transform 40 acres of picturesque land into a luxury hotel. The group has submitted annexation and rezoning applications to develop a 150,000-square-foot hotel featuring 150 guest rooms and event spaces, earmarking $60 million for the project. Accompanying this development is a plan to donate land for a public park, offering conservation benefits to the community. Despite the promise of job creation, local residents have expressed concerns about environmental impacts, leading to significant opposition.

Exciting New Development in Travelers Rest: Proposed Luxurious Inn on the Horizon!

In a bustling corner of Travelers Rest, the community is buzzing with news of an ambitious new project. The Divine Group has set the wheels in motion with annexation and rezoning applications submitted on April 2 for two parcels located at 2221 Altamont Road. This site is nestled on the picturesque Paris Mountain and covers roughly 40 acres currently sitting within the boundaries of Greenville County.

What’s Being Proposed?

Now, here’s where it gets interesting! The land is currently zoned as R-M20 and part of the Environmental Sensitive District – Paris Mountain, which means constructing a luxury hotel is off the table—at least for now. The Divine Group is aiming to change that by requesting both parcels to be rezoned to the Flexible Review District within Travelers Rest, which is a step towards making this hotel dream a reality.

Picture this: a stunning 150,000-square-foot hotel that features around 150 guest rooms, elegant event spaces, and top-notch guest amenities. The developers have earmarked a whopping $60 million for this project! It’s not just a hotel, but a potential hot spot for family getaways, weddings, big events, and conferences, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Paris Mountain.

A Public Park in the Works

As if that’s not enough, the Divine Group plans to donate approximately 20 acres of land for conservation purposes, which would be transformed into a public park for the community. This is definitely a win-win scenario for locals who value green spaces!

Community Reactions

Mayor Brandy Amidon is optimistic about this new venture’s potential to create jobs and invigorate downtown commerce. However, not everyone is on board. At a previous meeting, over 800 residents voiced their opposition to the project, raising concerns about the environmental implications. These concerns are rooted in the area’s steep terrain and the critical headwaters streams that support local wildlife—something that has caught the attention of various environmental groups.

In fact, the Greenville County Council has even passed a resolution opposing the annexation, citing fears of environmental degradation and worries over a “hostile takeover” of political boundaries. The public will get their say on this hot topic at a planned public hearing, where the city’s Planning Commission is scheduled to review the application on April 24.

The Path Forward

Next up, the Planning and Development Committee will sift through the proposal before it goes up for a vote at the Travelers Rest City Council meeting. The council holds significant power in this equation, as they can either approve, deny, or approve with changes the annexation request. Depending on the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the council will need a majority or potentially a three-quarters majority to move forward.

What If It Doesn’t Happen?

Should the annexation fall flat, there’s still a possibility that the developers might pivot to constructing high-density multifamily residential apartments instead. However, it’s worth noting that this alternative also comes with its own set of environmental concerns.

For now, the city of Travelers Rest stands at a crossroads. This proposed Inn at Altamont could usher in a new era for the community, but it’s clear that there’s a lot of important discussion ahead. Will locals embrace this luxurious hotel or remain staunchly protective of their beautiful landscape? Only time will tell!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Furman University Announces New Sustainability Initiatives
Growth in South Carolina’s Tourism Sector
Travelers Rest Introduces Bunny Hunt and SBA Loan Aid
Spartanburg Sees Significant Growth in Tourism
Asheville Faces Tourism Turmoil Following Hurricane Helene
Greenville County Council Opposes Luxury Hotel on Paris Mountain
Suspicious Death of 60-Year-Old Man Investigated in Greenville
South Carolina’s Tourism Sector Sees Significant Growth
Greenville Planning Commission Proposes Zoning Changes

Additional Resources

• Greenville Journal
• WSPA News
• Post and Courier
• Fox Carolina
• Wikipedia: Travelers Rest, South Carolina