Knightsville residents oppose commercial development amid concerns over traffic and property values

Concerns over potential commercial development in the Knightsville area dominated the Planning Commission meeting in Summerville on January 27, 2025. Local residents voiced strong opposition to a proposal that could rezone two properties, currently under contract, from residential to general business.

Eddie Upshaw, representing the property owners, highlighted the growing interest from potential buyers and the inevitability of commercial zoning in the area. He acknowledged the ongoing discussions but noted that no formal plans were in place yet. "We feel like these properties now and in the future will end up being in the commercial zones," he stated, emphasizing the need for development.

However, residents like Wayne Gibbons, who has lived in the area since 1972, expressed deep concerns about the impact on their long-standing residential community. "Placing commercial property in the middle of a residential neighborhood is not to our benefit," he argued, pointing out that the proposed site would be surrounded by homes that have been in families for generations. Gibbons and others raised alarms about potential noise, traffic issues, and decreased property values.

Don Patrick, a local realtor with deep roots in Knightsville, echoed these sentiments, stressing the lack of commercial zoning on Parsonage Road and the potential drainage problems that could arise from such a change. He urged the commission to consider the adverse effects on the neighborhood, particularly regarding traffic safety.

New residents, like Roy and Elizabeth Traylor, who recently purchased adjacent lots, voiced their fears about losing the quiet charm of the area. "If that turns to commercial, we probably cannot recoup our money," Roy Traylor lamented, highlighting the financial stakes involved.

As the meeting concluded, the commission faced a significant decision that could reshape the character of the Knightsville community. The residents' passionate pleas underscored the importance of preserving their neighborhood against encroaching commercial interests, setting the stage for further discussions in the coming weeks.