Neighbors of a commuter parking lot at Sixth and South Gum Street urged the Summerville Town Council during public comment to reconsider a proposed rezoning and to require protections if the town proceeds with a sale.

Peter Gorman, speaking for about 70 neighbors in the historic district, said staff analysis notes the lot is under contract for a Jewish community center but that the neighborhood disagrees with the staff’s zoning and proximity findings. “The nearest MX zoning is 5 blocks away, not just a few blocks away as your staff support states,” Gorman said. He warned that about half the parcel is wooded and that a drainage creek on the north border “flooded in 2015 and 02/2016” when nearby Sawmill Branch backed up.

Gorman asked how developers would address recurring traffic problems caused by school pickup on nearby Southcom and warned that, under the proposed NMX neighborhood mixed-use zoning, structures could be built “right up to the front and the side lots and up to 40 feet high.” He urged the council to enact a memorandum of understanding (MOU) tying rezoning to the start of construction by the Jewish community center so the land could not be rezoned and then sold to a third party that might build apartments, hotels or other uses the neighbors consider inappropriate.

Another resident, Greg Reichart, echoed traffic concerns at Sixth Street and described the street as a cut-through with heavy daily volumes. Council members acknowledged the neighborhood concerns during consideration of a related rezoning item for the same parcel at first reading; staff and planning representatives explained the requested NMX district was proposed because the existing G R-2 residential zoning would require numerous variances for setbacks and impervious-surface allowances.

Council member discussion confirmed religious organizations may have broader rights to occupy certain districts under state law; staff said the town had not yet negotiated an MOU with the prospective buyer but could discuss it with the buyer and that an MOU could be considered on second reading. Council members noted the matter could be amended at second reading and that they had time to seek additional protections before a final vote.

The transcript records the zoning matter passed first reading unanimously; council members suggested additional discussion with the prospective buyer and staff before second reading.