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Council approves annexation and rezoning on East Gap Creek Road after debate over proposed museum near middle school
Summary
After hours of questions about owner anonymity and whether the site would host a weapons-style exhibit near Greer Middle School, Greer City Council approved second/final readings to annex and rezone parcels on East Gap Creek Road; the property owner’s representative said the plan centers on a history museum with artifacts secured behind glass.
Greer City Council approved second and final readings of ordinances to annex a small parcel and change the zoning classification of adjoining parcels on East Gap Creek Road following extended debate about the proposed use and the owners’ anonymity.
The annexation (Ordinance 14‑2026) and the rezoning (Ordinance 15‑2026) cover properties the staff packet described as owned by a related set of entities (variously identified in the record as Tasali/Tali/Sulli Properties LLC) near Greer Middle School. During the public hearing and discussion, council members said school‑district trustees had contacted staff with concerns that the property might host a museum featuring weapons and asked the council to weigh safeguards and better engagement with the school board.
Alan Stein, who said he is a former owner and is serving as a representative on the project, told the council the applicant (identified in public comments as Yanui Chen and his wife) plans "about a third banquet center, about a third storage and items, and about a third history museum." Stein said the displays would be secured: "the artifacts, the helmets, the things that will be on display will all be behind glass… There won't be any ammunition. There won't be any firing." He said the owners hope to collaborate with the school system on field‑trip visits and curriculum ties.
Several council members said they were worried about the level of anonymity around ownership and about how a museum that includes historical weapons would operate next to a middle school. One council member asked for safeguards and greater engagement with the school district; another proposed holding the item for two weeks to allow additional outreach. A motion to table or delay the rezoning failed on a roll call; the council then proceeded to second/final readings and adopted the annexation and rezoning ordinances by roll call votes.
Council members who supported the ordinances said office‑professional zoning is appropriate for the site under the comprehensive plan and limits the property’s uses; those opposed cited public‑safety and transparency concerns. The record shows the council voted on the rezoning with the following roll call: Mr. Wood — yes; Mr. Booker — no; Mr. Hopper — yes; Mr. Lander — yes; Mr. Bettis — no; Mr. Lamb — yes; Mayor Rick Banner — yes.
Next steps: the applicants will continue site planning and the council and staff expect further coordination with the school district and neighbors during permitting and site‑plan review.
Sources: Council discussion and testimony by Alan Stein during the June 9, 2026 Greer City Council meeting.
