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Sumter County Council approves first readings on two rezoning requests
Summary
Council granted first readings to two rezoning requests May 14: a portion of parcels on Thomas Sumter Highway to move from agricultural to commercial zoning (one council member opposed) and a Boulevard/Red Bay Road rezoning altered to Neighborhood Commercial by unanimous vote.
Sumter County Council gave first reading May 14 to two separate rezoning requests that would alter zoning on small parcels along Thomas Sumter Highway and at the Boulevard/Red Bay Road intersection.
Helen Roodman, the county planning director, presented RZ-24-06, a request by property owner Lillian Moore to rezone about 1.98 acres of two split-zoned parcels at 3520 and 3580 Thomas Sumter Highway from Agricultural Conservation (AC) to General Commercial (GC). Roodman said the property lies mostly within the Military Protection Planning Area, that the Planning Commission recommended approval, and that no specific use has yet been approved. Council approved first reading on a motion by Vice Chairman Byrd, seconded by Councilman Baker; Councilman Carlton B. Washington voted in opposition.
Roodman also presented RZ-24-07, an application by Jeffrey M. Davis to rezone two parcels totaling roughly 0.88 acres at 1033 Boulevard Road and 408–410 E. Red Bay Road. The applicant said he contemplates an automobile sales use. Staff noted the Planning Commission recommended Neighborhood Commercial (NC) as the more compatible designation; Vice Chairman James R. Byrd moved to change the request from General Commercial to Neighborhood Commercial and grant first reading with that change. Council approved the change and first reading unanimously.
Why it matters: rezoning changes determine what types of businesses or developments can operate on a parcel and can affect neighboring residential areas, traffic patterns and future commercial development. For RZ-24-06, the council’s lone dissenting vote signals at least one member’s concern about compatibility or community notice.
What’s next: both items received first reading and will return for subsequent readings and public notice as required by state law and county procedures. The Planning Department indicated signs have been posted near affected parcels and formal public hearing notifications will appear in the paper in advance of future readings.
Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the council record and public filings.
