Council approves rezoning for 316 Ashley Ave., citing neighborhood redevelopment goals

Greenville City Council approved a rezoning application for 316 Ashley Avenue, changing the property's designation from RNO to RNXB, with council members citing neighborhood outreach and alignment with redevelopment goals along the Ashley corridor.

Council members discussed the project at length before the vote. One council member said the property owner "did an excellent job of outreach to the neighbors" and noted neighbors expressed support for redevelopment, which the member said will help address crime and trespassing at that end of Ashley. The council member added the redevelopment will introduce gateway elements, lighting and vegetation to improve the area.

Council members asked whether the applicant intends to renovate existing structures or demolish and rebuild; staff and presenters said no building plans had been submitted and that the property would be required to meet new-code standards if redevelopment occurs. The council also discussed concerns about lighting and spill onto adjacent lots; members said they expected the developer to be sensitive to neighbors' concerns but noted rezoning could allow future owners to use the site under the new zoning.

During roll call on the rezoning, council members recorded aye votes and the rezoning was approved. Council members who spoke noted the developer's local ties to the Gower neighborhood and said that factored into confidence that the project would be sensitive to nearby residents.

Staff indicated the rezoning is part of a broader pattern of small-lot and missing-middle housing opportunities the city is evaluating in that area; specific development plans will be reviewed under the city's permitting process if and when they are submitted.