Greenville Board of Adjustment Meeting – August 25, 2022

The Greenville Board of Adjustment met on August 25, 2022, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard and decided several special use permit requests, a surrender of a permit, and recognized outgoing Chair Rodney Bullock for six years of service. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Call to Order, Roll Call, and Approval of Minutes

• The meeting was called to order. All seven board members were present and voting: Chairwoman Sharon Evans, Christopher Lily, Ann Bellis, Nathan Cohen, Hunt McKennan, John Landron, Brian Perdle (spelling?), Nathan Brennan.
• The draft minutes from July 28, 2022, were approved by unanimous vote.

Special Recognition of Rodney Bullock

• Planning Director Tom Barnett presented a certificate of recognition to Rodney Bullock, who served on the board for six years (2016–2022) and as Chair from 2021. His nameplate was retired. Bullock thanked staff and his wife.

Old Business: Special Use Permit for Raed Alhamer (Tobacco Shop Class 1)

• Location: 1210 N Memorial Drive (tax parcel 44938). The applicant, Raed Alhamer (also known as Sammy), sought a permit to operate a tobacco shop class 1. The case had been deferred from the previous meeting.
• Planning staff reported that a meeting with the applicant on August 3, 2022, resulted in compliance actions: removal of prohibited signs, covering of display cases, and submission of a sign permit application. Photos were shown documenting improvements.
• Staff recommendation: Approval with conditions, including: no tobacco shop class 2 or hookah café; no sale of smoking apparatus; no LED/flashing signs; advertisements cover no more than 25% of windows/doors; signage must comply with city ordinance; no lottery outside; no smoking on premises; compliance with all laws.
• No public comments for or against were offered.
• Board action: Motion to approve finding of facts and petition with staff’s recommended conditions passed unanimously. The permit was granted.

New Business: Special Use Permit for Michael Glenn/OMG Properties LLC (Private Club) – Continued

• Location: 622 S Pitt Street (tax parcel 12851). The applicant requested a private club use.
• The applicant asked for a continuance to the next meeting.
• Board action: Unanimously approved the continuance to September 22, 2022.

New Business: Special Use Permit for Brightview LLC (Mental Health Rehab Facility)

• Location: 2090 W Arlington Blvd, Suite A (tax parcel 59924). The applicant proposed an outpatient addiction treatment facility.
• Staff reported the property is zoned MO (Medical Office) and surrounded by medical uses. Notice was mailed and published.
• Applicant testimony: Mike Demaggio, Vice President of Development for Brightview LLC, described the facility’s comprehensive care model (medical, clinical, social services). He cited statistics from a white paper: 70% less illicit substance use, 50% decrease in alcohol consumption, 90% decrease in jail time, 70% decrease in arrests, 50% decrease in unemployment, 40% decrease in depression, 60% decrease in hospitalizations. He stated that Brightview had engaged with local hospitals, courts, and the health department.
• Staff recommended conditions: (1) Comply with all state/federal licensing and regulations; if opioid treatment programs are offered, comply with CFR. (2) Clients are not permitted to wait or be outside without staff supervision to ensure proper behavior.
• No opposition was expressed.
• Board action: Unanimous approval of finding of facts and petition with staff’s conditions.

New Business: Surrender of Special Use Permit for Car Tunes Audio (Tobacco Shop Class 1)

• Location: 2227 S Memorial Dr, Suite 100 (tax parcel 15748). The permit was originally granted in September 2021.
• Applicant testimony: Attorney Lawrence Joseph Shaheen Jr. represented the owners, stating that a subsequent use across the street would open a tobacco shop class 2, and the current holder wished to surrender the permit to facilitate that new use.
• Staff recommended acceptance of the voluntary surrender.
• No public comments.
• Board action: Unanimous vote to accept the surrender.

New Business: Special Use Permit for Sure Foundation BHS LLC (Mental Health Rehab Facility)

• Location: 3219 Landmark St, Suite 3A (tax parcel 47788). The applicant sought to expand existing services to include intensive outpatient treatment (e.g., SAOP/ASOP).
• Recusal: Board member John Landron disclosed he is a paid business consultant for the applicant and close friends with the owners. He recused himself; the board voted unanimously to accept the recusal. Remaining five members constituted a quorum.
• Applicant testimony: Gail Shiver, owner and clinical director, described the facility’s current services (DWI, DLT SAP, outpatient therapy). She has over 30 years in the field, formerly a police officer and corrections officer, and worked at Walter B. Jones for 10 years. The expansion is approved by DHHS and the landlord; neighboring tenants are aware.
• Staff recommended conditions: Same as for Brightview: compliance with state/federal regulations and supervision of clients outside.
• No opposition.
• Board action: Unanimous approval of finding of facts and petition with staff’s conditions.

Announcements and Adjournment

• Staff announced that the written order for the Primex Properties minor repair facility (heard at the previous meeting) would be heard at the next meeting on September 22, 2022.
• The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote around 6:45 PM (approximate).