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Neighbors oppose Simpsonville rezoning for a tax office, citing traffic and ‘commercial creep’
Summary
Applicant seeks C‑1 zoning at 907 Highway 14 for a tax preparation office (CZ2026‑033). Neighbors and the Holly Trace HOA opposed the rezoning, warning it could enable future commercial uses, worsen traffic at a nearby signal, and permanently change neighborhood character.
An applicant asked Greenville County to rezone a 0.57‑acre single‑family parcel at 907 Highway 14 in Simpsonville from R‑15 to C‑1 to permit a professional tax office. The applicant, Carmen Vlad, was represented by Adam Buckalow, who said the family wants a modest professional office while retaining the existing structure.
"We are very invested in the community," Buckalow told council. He said the applicants considered more restrictive designations (OD and neighborhood commercial) but selected C‑1 because of setback constraints on the property.
Neighbors and neighborhood leaders urged council to deny the rezoning. Fred Finch said the site sits immediately adjacent to an intersection that routinely backs up at the red light and described limited and hazardous ingress and egress. Chris Norris, president of the Holly Trace HOA, said rezoning a one‑lot parcel on a predominantly residential corridor risks irreversible “commercial creep.” "If this site is changed to C‑1, it's almost a guarantee that it will never be residential again," Norris said.
Council members and staff discussed alternatives (OD, neighborhood commercial, special‑use authorizations and variances) and noted that a home‑occupation special use could allow similar activity if the owner continues to live on the property. No vote was taken at the hearing; the application will proceed through the planning committee and council readings.
