Council approves first reading to rezone 115 South Magnolia after heated public debate

Summerville — The Town Council approved first reading of an ordinance to rezone 115 South Magnolia (TMS 1370716009) from GR2 (general residential) to DMX (downtown mixed use) after lengthy public comment both for and against the change and extended council discussion over whether the move would set an undesirable precedent for the historic district.

Supporters of the rezoning, including owners Megan Dungan and Justin Dungan and a local realtor, told the council the property has been operated as lodging and that allowing DMX or a comparable mixed-use designation would allow the site to continue hosting visitors and supporting downtown businesses. "Those guests spend an estimated $500,000 every single year in the neighboring businesses that are walkable from our home," Justin Dungan said, arguing the change would bolster the local economy. Realtor Christina Sineath said market interest has been for lodging rather than single-family buyers and urged a path that allows reinvestment without abandoning the town's character.

Opponents — largely neighbors in the historic district — urged the…