Council authorizes transfer of 5.3-acre Chapman Grove parcel to family/community use

Greenville County Council approved third reading of an ordinance authorizing transfer of an approximately 5.3-acre county-owned parcel on Chapman Grove Road in Pelzer and authorized the chairman and county administrator to execute deeds and related agreements.

The transfer item was introduced by Councilor Collins and received a public speaker, Santee Charles Cureton, who identified himself as representing the Chapman family and the Chapman Grove Community Club. Cureton provided a family and historical background for the parcel, noting the property’s original 1926 purchase by his grandfather, John H. Chapman, and referenced recorded deed restrictions tying the property’s use to recreation and park purposes; he said the deed includes a reversion clause if the property ceases to be used for such purposes.

Cureton, who serves as treasurer of the reconstituted Chapman Grove Community Club, thanked council members who previously supported the transfer and invited council members to a dedication ceremony on Sept. 13 at New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church honoring the Chapman Grove School (1921–1954). He said the club expects the county to vote in favor of the transfer. Council approved the transfer by voice vote at third reading; clerk roll calls were not requested for this item during final passage.

The ordinance authorizes execution of deeds and agreements necessary to complete the transfer; council did not record specific conditions or conservation easements on the record during the meeting. The speaker asked that his prepared statement be entered into the public record and provided notice of the community dedication event.