City debates controversial rezoning plan for high density housing
July 01, 2024 | Clemson, Pickens, South Carolina
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In a recent public hearing, city officials discussed a proposed rezoning of approximately 23 acres near Highway 76 and Lincoln Street from a two-family residential district (RM 1) to a multifamily residential district (RM 4). The proposal, which includes the Rosehill and Cedarwood Apartments, aims to accommodate higher density housing, potentially allowing for up to 1,000 new beds in the area.
City staff member Jacob provided an overview of the zoning change, emphasizing that the RM 4 designation would enable greater occupancy, density, and building height compared to the current RM 1 zoning. The public hearing served as a platform for community members to voice their concerns and questions regarding the implications of the rezoning.
Several residents expressed apprehension about the potential for increased density, with one speaker highlighting that the proposed change could lead to a significant rise in the number of units, raising concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and community character. Critics argued that the shift from RM 1 to RM 4 represents an extreme leap in density, questioning the necessity of such a drastic change when many properties in the area remain vacant.
Concerns were also raised about the motivations behind the rezoning request, with some residents suggesting that it primarily benefits developers rather than addressing the needs of the community. One speaker pointed out that zoning changes should prioritize the interests of residents over profit-driven motives of developers.
The discussion also touched on the city’s comprehensive plan, which suggests that the area may be suitable for medium-density housing rather than high-density developments. Residents urged city officials to consider the long-term implications of the rezoning, particularly in light of other pending requests for similar changes in the region.
As the public hearing concluded, city officials encouraged community members to continue engaging with staff for further clarification and to participate in future discussions as the proposal moves forward in the legislative process. The next steps will involve further deliberation and a first reading of the proposed rezoning at an upcoming city council meeting.
City staff member Jacob provided an overview of the zoning change, emphasizing that the RM 4 designation would enable greater occupancy, density, and building height compared to the current RM 1 zoning. The public hearing served as a platform for community members to voice their concerns and questions regarding the implications of the rezoning.
Several residents expressed apprehension about the potential for increased density, with one speaker highlighting that the proposed change could lead to a significant rise in the number of units, raising concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and community character. Critics argued that the shift from RM 1 to RM 4 represents an extreme leap in density, questioning the necessity of such a drastic change when many properties in the area remain vacant.
Concerns were also raised about the motivations behind the rezoning request, with some residents suggesting that it primarily benefits developers rather than addressing the needs of the community. One speaker pointed out that zoning changes should prioritize the interests of residents over profit-driven motives of developers.
The discussion also touched on the city’s comprehensive plan, which suggests that the area may be suitable for medium-density housing rather than high-density developments. Residents urged city officials to consider the long-term implications of the rezoning, particularly in light of other pending requests for similar changes in the region.
As the public hearing concluded, city officials encouraged community members to continue engaging with staff for further clarification and to participate in future discussions as the proposal moves forward in the legislative process. The next steps will involve further deliberation and a first reading of the proposed rezoning at an upcoming city council meeting.
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