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Council advances rezoning request for 0.815-acre Main Street parcel to second reading after debate
Summary
The council moved a request to rezone 0.815 acres at 738 East Main Street from R7.5 (residential) to GC (general commercial) to second reading after discussion that highlighted neighborhood concerns about commercial encroachment and the property owner's intent to seek professional office uses.
The Easley City Council on Dec. 9 advanced an ordinance (first reading) to rezone approximately 0.815 acres at 738 East Main Street from residential (R7.5) to general commercial (GC). The council voted to send the rezoning request to a second reading next month.
The rezoning drew substantial public comment and council discussion about commercial encroachment into established neighborhoods. Several residents said the parcel sits amid an existing residential neighborhood that is already experiencing traffic cuts and asked the council to limit future uses; one resident suggested neighborhood-commercial or office zoning would be preferable to broad general commercial to avoid potential uses (for example, restaurants or other businesses) they said would increase traffic or change neighborhood character.
Applicant Britt Hillier, who said she and her sister inherited the family house on the parcel, told the council they were seeking flexibility so the property could be sold for a lawyer’s or CPA office and noted the house has previously been used as a doctor’s office. Planning staff noted the planning commission’s recommendation (4–1 in favor) was on the record in the work session but that council retains the authority to decide. Several council members said advancing the ordinance to second reading does not predetermine their final vote and gives time to gather more information and public input.
During the hearing a council member clarified that if council votes to deny general commercial at second reading, the applicant could still apply for other zones (such as neighborhood commercial or office) without waiting a full year; but a denial of GC would prevent the parcel from returning as general commercial for one year. The council advanced the item to next month’s meeting to allow additional questions to be resolved and further public input.
