Planning commission recommends rezoning of two corner parcels adjacent to hospital site

The Fountain Inn Planning Commission on Sept. 18 recommended approval of a rezoning request for two small parcels on a roughly 24-acre property owned by Holly Oak, moving those corners from I1 (industrial) to C2 (commercial) while leaving the rest of the site industrial. Planning staff told commissioners the request aligns with the city's comprehensive plan designation for commercial mixed use and recommended approval.

Applicant Randall Bentley, who identified himself as a Greenville native and local commercial real-estate developer, said the parcels would help set the stage for broader redevelopment tied to a nearby hospital purchase and that two of six proposed retail units already have commitments. "This is an important corner for this town and we will be sure that it's something that everybody in this room is proud of," Bentley said, describing plans for a six-unit retail center and noting an existing 19,000-square-foot industrial building and tenant that remains under lease.

Commissioners questioned access and traffic. Planning staff and Tal from Bluewater Civil said access will include shared driveways aligned with the Wendy's curb cut and that the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) will review curb cuts and encroachment permits. Staff said a traffic study may be required if development triggers DOT thresholds and that any necessary mitigations (turn lanes, signals) would be determined through that process. The applicant and engineer noted potential railroad and Duke Power easements would have to be addressed if access crossed those corridors.

The commission moved and seconded a recommendation to approve PZ-20225-02 "as presented;" commissioners voted in favor by hand and the chair declared the motion approved. The item will return to council as part of the city's approval process.