Greer council certifies abandoned building for rehab, approves several first-reading rezonings and appointments

The Greer City Council voted to certify a building at 315 Trade Street as abandoned under South Carolina law and approved a slate of first-reading ordinances and ministerial appointments during its February 2025 meeting.

City staff presented Resolution No. 3-2025, citing the state abandoned buildings statute. City attorney-approved forms in the council packet included an affidavit and a notice of intent to rehabilitate. City staff member Mr. Deaton said the materials met the statutory definition of an abandoned building. "Yes, sir. I believe, based upon the affidavit presented, an additional information that does meet the definition," he told the council.

The developer, Brian Beal of Fountain Inn, said his company will rehabilitate the property and operate a golf simulator and restaurant. "We are turning simulators. We're taking this old building, and giving it new life right there on Trace Street," Beal said, and told the council he is targeting an opening in "early to mid Q2." The council approved the resolution by roll call.

Council also received motions and approved first readings for multiple zoning and annexation matters:

- Ordinance No. 5-2025: Rezoning of 400 West Road from office professional to suburban neighborhood (0.556 acre). Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval; council voted in favor at first reading.

- Ordinance No. 6-2025: Rezoning of a split-zoned parcel at 1778 Bright Road to medium-density residential (1.8 acres). Staff said medium-density could allow up to 31 units on the site; the applicant indicated duplexes or townhomes are likely. Planning staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval; council approved first reading.

- Ordinance No. 7-2025: Annexation of a parcel at 1522 South Highway 14 and zoning to Regional Center to establish contiguity with adjacent parcels; staff recommended approval and the council approved first reading.

- Ordinance No. 8-2025: Annexation of two city-owned parcels on South Highway 14 and South Buncombe Road (about 25.8 acres) and zoning to Regional Center; staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval and the council approved first reading.

Administrative actions included the four-year reappointment of ministerial recorders Emily Moses and Lauren Brown; the council "received" both appointments by unanimous voice/roll call. The council also approved the minutes of the Jan. 28, 2025 meeting.

Near the end of the session the council voted to enter executive session to discuss a contractual matter related to "Project Keystone" under state statute section 30-4-70(a)(2).

Votes at a glance

- Minutes, Jan. 28, 2025: approved (unanimous roll call) - Appointment of Emily Moses as ministerial recorder: approved (unanimous) - Appointment of Lauren Brown as ministerial recorder: approved (unanimous) - Resolution No. 3-2025 (abandoned building certification, 315 Trade Street): approved (unanimous) - Ordinance No. 5-2025 (400 West Road rezoning, first reading): received/approved (roll call yes) - Ordinance No. 6-2025 (1778 Bright Road rezoning, first reading): received/approved (roll call yes) - Ordinance No. 7-2025 (1522 S Highway 14 annexation, first reading): received/approved (roll call yes) - Ordinance No. 8-2025 (city-owned parcels annexation, first reading): received/approved (roll call yes) - Motion to enter executive session under S.C. Code Section 30-4-70(a)(2): approved (roll call yes)

The council did not provide detailed funding or construction timelines for most projects beyond the abandoned-building applicant's target opening. Staff said the abandoned-building resolution was prepared using forms approved by the city attorney and noted the property is on Greenville County tax maps.