The Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission approved a waiver of sidewalk and multiuse trail requirements for the Hacker property along US 31 and Long Drive at its Nov. 10 meeting after staff recommended the waiver on the basis of extreme topography.

Petitioner Lacey Raider, representing property owner Walter Hacker, said the segment of US 31 in question has a steep drop‑off adjacent to the lot and that constructing the required five‑foot sidewalk and a 10‑foot trail would be impracticable without extraordinary construction. Planning staff told the commission that "due to extreme topographical conditions, staff does recommend approval of the waiver," and the commission accepted that recommendation and moved to approve the waiver by roll call.

Why it matters: The waiver removes an immediate construction obligation for the property owner but leaves the broader policy preference for sidewalks intact; staff and commissioners noted sidewalks remain desirable where feasible but may be waived when terrain prevents safe, practical installation.

What happens next: The waiver was approved by the commission and will be reflected in the development’s required approvals; any future development or changes in site conditions could prompt a revised requirement.

Source: Petitioner remarks and planning staff recommendation during the Greenwood Advisory Plan Commission meeting.