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Council rejects first reading of rezoning for proposed U-Haul site on Community Drive
Summary
A rezoning request to convert up to 10 acres of Town Center to limited industrial for a proposed U‑Haul self‑storage facility failed on first reading at the Blythewood Town Council meeting Sept. 22 after public presentation and council questions about visibility, traffic and compatibility with town center goals.
A rezoning request to allow a U‑Haul self‑storage facility on property at the 800 block of Community Drive failed on first reading at the Town of Blythewood Town Council meeting Sept. 22.
U‑Haul representatives presented preliminary drawings, security plans and traffic estimates for a facility they said would be built on the south portion of an 18‑acre parcel they own. Steve (last name not specified), identified during the meeting as U‑Haul’s presenter, told council the company averages roughly 31 customer visits on weekdays and about 53 on weekends and described “state‑of‑the‑art” 24‑hour monitored security at company locations.
The planning commission had recommended rezoning a portion of the parcel to a limited industrial district, conditioned on rezoning no more than 10 acres. During council discussion, members raised concerns about the proposal’s location within the town’s designated Town Center, potential long‑term visibility from Blythewood Road and compatibility with hospitality‑tax revenue goals tied to town‑center businesses.
Council members asked detailed questions about the site layout, the proposed subdivision to leave the northern portion as Town Center, stormwater/retention and whether curb‑cut approvals from SCDOT had been obtained. The applicant said a civil engineer had not yet completed final plans and that curb‑cut approvals would be part of later permitting.
After public discussion and council questions, the council took a roll call on first reading. The vote failed; the mayor voted yes and a majority voted no, so the ordinance did not advance to second reading.
The applicant was offered the option to withdraw or to return with additional information; council members and the applicant discussed tabling or withdrawing to allow the applicant to meet with the planning commission again. Planning staff also noted the South Carolina Planning Act procedures governing council action on planning commission recommendations.
Council’s decision leaves the property in its current zoning. The applicant told council he would consult his board and the planning commission and decide whether to pursue the application further.
