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Council approves heavy-industrial rezoning near Montgomery Road over resident objections
Summary
Richland County approved rezoning 63.07 acres on Montgomery Road from agricultural to heavy industrial despite a 5-2 planning commission recommendation to disapprove and sustained neighborhood opposition focused on truck access, a truncated 300‑ft buffer and environmental risks to the Broad River.
The Richland County Council voted March 24 to rezone 63.07 acres on Montgomery Road (case 25-044MA, applicant Sidney Castalucci) from agricultural to heavy industrial, overriding a planning commission recommendation to disapprove the proposal.
The parcel, identified as TMS R066-00-02-17, was described at the hearing as non‑compliant with the county comprehensive plan; the county planning commission had recommended disapproval by a 5-2 vote. Residents who spoke at the public hearing said the change would invite heavy truck traffic and pose environmental risks to the Broad River and adjacent neighborhoods.
"None of us want this expansion," said Wendel Patton, a Montgomery Road resident, representing neighbors who attended community meetings. Eddie Wolfe, another nearby resident, told the council a new entrance could bring "heavy truck traffic and trailer traffic, trash, debris, noise, and a decrease in the property values." Randy Wolfe raised concerns that the proposed 300‑foot setback stops short of the railroad tracks and said a small county‑owned parcel near the road end could serve as a staging area for large trucks.
A presenter for the proponent said the application had been discussed in five community meetings and said staff had addressed environmental constraints; the presenter also stated, "There will not be any traffic down Montgomery Road." That assurance was disputed by residents who urged written protections and changes to the setback.
After discussion, a council member moved to approve the rezoning. The council approved the motion on roll call, with Council member Weaver voting no and the other members voting yes.
The council did not state any additional, enforceable conditions on truck access during the public record of the hearing. The decision completes local approval; any further permits or site plans required for industrial operations will follow county procedures.
The meeting adjourned after the vote.
