Greer planning commission approves medium-density rezoning and 47-townhome preliminary plat, tables Ballenger Avenue request

The Greer Planning Commission on an evening hearing approved a rezoning request to convert a 1.8-acre split-zoned parcel to medium-density residential and approved a related preliminary plat for 47 townhomes, while tabling a separate Ballenger Avenue rezoning and hearing an annexation proposal for commercial redevelopment.

The approvals included a motion to rezone RZ 25-3 (1.8 acres) to medium-density residential, which commissioners voted to approve unanimously, and a preliminary plat (Preliminary Plat 24-6) for 47 townhomes in a traditional-neighborhood zone that also passed unanimously. Planning staff recommended approval on both items; applicant Miles Daniel described plans to build townhomes or duplexes “affordable for families” within walking distance of Chandler Creek Elementary School. Jamie McCutchen, the applicant for the preliminary plat, told commissioners the site is “topographically challenged” and that the project team plans to preserve stream buffers while flattening slopes and confirming water and sewer service.

The commission also opened a hearing on AN 25-1, an annexation and request to zone three parcels (combined 1.302 acres) along Wade Hampton Boulevard and Hillcrest Drive to commercial corridor for a retail restaurant/fast-food use. Gideon Lee, director of development for Atlanta-based Eden Rock, said the applicant intends to remove existing small retail buildings and redevelop the site with a credit-tenant restaurant. Planning staff recommended approval. Commissioners made a motion and seconded approval during the business meeting, but a roll-call vote on the annexation is not recorded in the transcript excerpts provided.

A separate rezoning request, RZ 25-2 (105 Ballenger Avenue, 0.24 acres), was the subject of public questions and was tabled because the applicant was not present. Resident Vicky Benfield spoke at the public hearing asking what a change to traditional-neighborhood zoning would allow; planning staff explained the property is currently a legally nonconforming duplex in the suburban-neighborhood district and that rezoning to traditional neighborhood would allow remodeling that preserves two units but would change development standards that apply to the parcel. Commissioners voted unanimously to table RZ 25-2 for a future meeting.

Staff presented RZ 25-1 (400 West Road, 0.56 acres), a request to rezone from office-professional to suburban-neighborhood; staff reiterated that the comprehensive plan designates the area as mixed employment and recommended approval. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote on RZ 25-1 during the excerpt provided.

Votes at a glance - Approval — RZ 25-3 (rezoning to medium-density residential, 1.8 acres): motion passed (recorded roll call; unanimous). - Approval — Preliminary Plat 24-6 (47 townhomes, traditional-neighborhood): motion passed (recorded roll call; unanimous). - Tabled — RZ 25-2 (105 Ballenger Avenue, rezoning to traditional neighborhood): motion to table passed (recorded roll call; unanimous). - Annexation — AN 25-1 (annex and zone 3 parcels to commercial corridor, 1.302 acres): motion to approve made and seconded; roll-call outcome not specified in provided transcript. - RZ 25-1 (400 West Road, rezoning recommended by staff to suburban-neighborhood): staff recommended approval; roll-call outcome not specified in provided transcript.

Commissioners and applicants noted several implementation details and next steps: rezonings will proceed to City Council (rezonings require one planning commission public hearing and then two readings at council), applicants should coordinate with planning staff for follow-up, and developers must resolve public-right-of-way or easement constraints identified in title or survey work before final platting. Planning staff also reminded attendees that the commission will hold elections of officers next month and that some cases may return for additional hearings.

“Medium density would allow for more units,” applicant Miles Daniel said when describing why he sought medium-density zoning rather than traditional neighborhood. On the preliminary-plat application, Jamie McCutchen said the team had confirmed utilities through the plan review packet and expected to balance grading and stream-buffer protections while “probably end[ing] up exporting some dirt.” Gideon Lee said Eden Rock is proposing a retail restaurant use for the annexed parcels and that the existing small shops would be removed for redevelopment.

Contact planning and zoning staff for scheduling and next steps for any case the commission acted on or tabled. The transcript excerpts do not include final recorded votes for every action discussed.