Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Rezoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
James Island planning commission votes to recommend disapproval of rezoning for Folly Road parcel
Summary
The commission voted to disapprove a requested zoning change for a parcel on Folly Road and forwarded its recommendation to Town Council for public hearing July 17.
The James Island Planning Commission voted July 10 to recommend disapproval of a rezoning request for a parcel on or adjacent to Folly Road, and its recommendation will go to Town Council for a first reading and public hearing on July 17.
The commission’s vote followed a staff presentation about the parcel’s zoning context and a discussion among commissioners about how a zoning change could affect future uses. Planning Director Kristin Crane and Secretary Francis Simmons were present for the item; Vice Chair Kelly Hall, Commissioner Zenny Quinn and Commissioner Patrick Broderick took part in the vote.
Why it matters: A recommendation to disapprove does not itself change zoning; it sends the matter to Town Council for the formal public hearings and readings required under the town’s zoning procedures. If Council takes a different position at those hearings, the parcel’s zoning could still change.
Commissioners who spoke during the item said they were concerned the lot is on the market and that a zoning change could allow a future owner to pursue uses the commission finds incompatible with the immediate area. One commissioner summarized the concern by saying the parcel’s sale could “leave it wide open to many different options,” and Commissioner Patrick Broderick argued the recent aggressive price reductions show the seller is motivated and that the current use may be temporary. Broderick said, “I 100% agree. I believe just the the aggressive price reductions in the past year clearly, showing that the seller’s motivated to sell and that this is a temporary business.”
The record shows the parcel previously was considered during the planning process for a swimming school; several commissioners referenced that prior review in explaining reluctance to change the zoning now.
Formal action: A motion to disapprove the rezoning request was made, seconded and approved by the commission. The commission recorded that Town Council will hold a first reading and public hearing on July 17; a second reading and vote will be scheduled at Council’s August meeting (date not specified in the record).
What’s next: The item will appear on Town Council’s July 17 agenda for first reading and public comment. Any further actions or changes will be documented in Town Council minutes and the subsequent second-reading agenda.
