Greenville council annexes Greenlink transit property after resident raises historic land-transfer concerns

The Greenville City Council voted unanimously to annex approximately 26.58 acres and 10.08 acres of adjacent right of way at 205 Arcadia Drive, bringing property owned by the Greenville Transit Authority into the city and assigning it CV zoning, council members said during the meeting.

The vote followed public comment from resident Angela Aiken, who said the parcel includes land she and others view as historically tied to the New Washington Heights community center and alleged parts of the property were redrawn in 2017 without neighborhood notice. "We feel hostage," Aiken said, urging council to pause the annexation to allow more community input.

The council and staff clarified that the annexation petition came from the Greenville Transit Authority and, as approved, applies only to the property owned by the transit authority; the council noted the action does not include the neighborhood community center. Council members said neighborhoods remain free to pursue annexation if they want city services and that annexation can change which jurisdiction collects property taxes and which services apply.

Why it matters: annexation changes which government provides services, collects property taxes and enforces zoning. Neighbors who live on the county side told the council they want clearer notification when property lines affecting neighborhood facilities are changed.

The ordinance presented to the council described the parcel and the requested CV zoning. The council completed the roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting in favor.

Discussion, direction and decision

- Discussion points: Angela Aiken (resident) said a portion of the parcel historically served New Washington Heights and that boundary lines were redrawn in 2017 without zoning notices to the community. She asked the council to delay annexation and investigate past transfers.

- Direction: Councilmembers and staff said the annexation applies to the parcel requested by the Greenville Transit Authority and does not include the community center; staff and council offered to follow up with the resident for more detail.

- Decision: Ordinance to annex approximately 26.58 acres at 205 Arcadia Drive and designate the zoning as CV — approved by roll-call vote.

Ending

Council members approved the annexation after brief discussion and a public comment appeal to delay the action. Staff and the resident indicated they will continue communications after the meeting to clarify which parcels are affected and the history the resident raised.