Sumter County Council denies rezoning for 6830 Fish Road after heated public hearing

Sumter County Council on Tuesday denied second reading of a rezoning request for a 2.71-acre tract at 6830 Fish Road, rejecting a proposal that would have allowed the owner to divide the parcel into roughly four homes.

Planning Director Helen Roodman told council the applicant, Charlene Avant, is seeking to rezone the parcel from Agricultural Conservation (AC) to Residential-15 (R-15) to permit smaller single-family lots; planning staff recommended approval on the basis of surrounding lot patterns and the site’s location at the intersection of two collector roads.

The item drew a full public hearing. Opponents including Dr. Ora Spann and resident David Rivers urged council to follow the county’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and cited safety concerns at the Fish Road–U.S. 261 intersection. "We want the Comprehensive Plan to be followed," Dr. Spann said, asking council to require one-acre lots consistent with past development in the neighborhood. Residents also raised concerns about heavy-truck traffic on the nearby hill.

Supporters, led by attorney Frank Shuler speaking for property owner Charlene Avant, said title work for the subject parcel shows no restrictive covenants and described the proposal as four modest, brick-and-siding homes at an approximate price point of $160,000 suitable for buyers who cannot afford $300,000–$400,000 houses. Shuler said smaller lots nearby and a development a mile and a half away already include half-acre lots. "This project is something that would be beneficial to the entire community," Shuler said.

Council debate centered on consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the degree to which planning staff and the Planning Commission had engaged adjacent property owners. Councilman Carlton Washington argued residents should have had more opportunity to comment during the planning process and urged staff to meet with the neighborhood. Councilman Eugene Baten emphasized the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan as a guide the county has invested resources to produce.

Councilman Artie Baker moved to grant second reading; Councilman Washington moved to table. The motion to table failed 4–3. On the motion to approve second reading, the roll-call vote was 3–4 in favor of approval, which failed to pass: Baker, Vice Chairman James Byrd Jr., and Councilman Charles T. Edens voted to approve; Councilman Eugene R. Baten, Councilwoman Vivian Fleming McGhaney, Councilman Carlton B. Washington and Chairman James T. McCain Jr. voted against. As a result, second reading failed and the rezoning request did not advance.

Next steps: The denial was a final action on second reading at this meeting; proponents could pursue future submittals or alternatives consistent with county regulations or bring additional information to council, but no continuance or remand was recorded at this session.