Malden Planning Commission recommends denying indoor swim school rezoning request

The City of Mauldin is considering a proposal to rezone a 1.45-acre tract from the Office District (OD) to the Commercial District (C2) to accommodate an indoor swim school. This facility aims to provide one-on-one swim instruction, operating primarily in the late afternoon and early evening on weekdays and during the morning on Saturdays. The applicant anticipates starting with five lessons per session, potentially increasing to ten as the business grows.

During a recent city council meeting, concerns were raised by local residents regarding the impact of this development on the neighborhood. A neighborhood meeting held in February attracted at least 23 attendees, many of whom expressed worries about traffic, aesthetics, and the potential for future businesses if the property is rezoned to C2. The area is designated as a neighborhood center in the city’s comprehensive plan, which typically supports light commercial uses but is more aligned with C1 zoning rather than C2.

City staff noted that while the proposed swim school aligns with the types of uses envisioned for the area, the C2 zoning could allow for other businesses that might not fit the community's character. This uncertainty has led to significant opposition, including a petition signed by 65 residents voicing their concerns about traffic congestion, property values, and environmental impacts.

The Planning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend denial of the rezoning, citing insufficient information about the site design and potential impacts. They suggested an alternative approach: keeping the property in the OD district while amending it to allow the swim school as a permitted use. This would address community concerns while still providing the desired service.

As the city council prepares to make a decision, the outcome will require a favorable vote from at least five of the seven council members due to the formal protest from nearby property owners. The discussions highlight the ongoing balancing act between fostering local business development and addressing community concerns in Mauldin.