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Greenwood County Council approves second reading of 46‑acre master‑planned rezoning despite residents’ calls to slow growth
Summary
On second reading May 19, Greenwood County Council approved rezoning about 46.48 acres at 615 Old Abbeville Highway from R1/R2 to master‑planned residential. Residents urged pause to study traffic, stormwater and public‑safety impacts and requested a unified development ordinance; council members said the developer agreed to most committee requests.
Greenwood County Council on May 19 advanced Ordinance 2026‑03 on second reading, approving the rezoning of roughly 46.48 acres at 615 Old Abbeville Highway from single‑family classifications to master‑planned residential.
Planning Director Ryan Bland told the council the developer reduced the plan from 107 to 104 lots (about 2.25 dwelling units per acre), removed the previously proposed Woodlawn Road entrance and submitted a traffic study prepared to SCDOT standards that projects 2031 levels of service of C or higher at nearby intersections. Bland said utilities are available near the site and that a power‑line easement could provide space for an emergency secondary entrance if needed.
Several residents urged the council to pause approvals until technical reviews and broader planning are completed. Walter Kimble, speaking on item 2026‑03, said the "rapid pace of the approval process" was disconcerting and asked the county to allow reasonable review time for the traffic impact study and to consider public‑safety impact fees so developers "pay their fair share." Marion Moore described repeated property damage from runoff after nearby development and asked, "Who's going to take care of doing this thing correctly?" He urged the county to hire a stormwater manager because, he said, DHEC inspections are limited. Tina Eskew Hana urged a temporary halt and creation of a unified development ordinance and citizen panel, saying, "Stop the train. Stop all of this development because you don't have all of the information that you need to be able to approve these developments."
Council members said a committee met with the developer and secured concessions on multiple points; councilman Templeton said he would honor prior notice to constituents about his vote and moved to pass second reading. The motion was seconded by Ms. Griffin and carried after discussion that emphasized both residents' concerns about rapid growth and staff findings that the plan conforms with the future land use map.
Planning Commission had previously recommended denial 8–2 while staff recommended approval based on the future land use map and utility availability. Council members said they intend further discussion before third reading, and some members reiterated support for moving forward on a unified development ordinance to address countywide standards and long‑term infrastructure planning.
The council recorded the second reading approval on May 19; third reading and final action were discussed as an upcoming step where additional public input and committee follow‑ups may occur.
