Greenville City Council Meeting - December 12, 2024

The Greenville City Council met on December 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured public hearings and votes on two rezoning requests, the designation of a local historic landmark, a first public hearing on the 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME funds, and the unanimous sale of four city-owned properties to first-time homebuyers. No public comments were received during the designated period.

Appointments

• Jonathan Wacker was appointed to the Police Community Relations Committee (direct appointment, no vote required).
• Jacob Austin was appointed to the Youth Council, approved 6-0.
• Other appointments (Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Relations Council) were continued or had no nominations.

Discussion Items

Old Business: Rezoning Request – Port Terminal Road (Item 2)

• Proposal: Rezone 1.52 acres at Port Terminal Road and East 10th Street from RA20 (Residential-Agricultural) to CH (Heavy Commercial). Staff recommended approval, citing compliance with the Horizons 2026 plan and a unanimous Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation.
• Council Debate: Councilmember Blackburn moved to deny, seconded by Councilmember Willis, citing traffic safety concerns on East 10th Street. Councilmember Robinson argued for approval, noting consistency with the comprehensive plan, staff support, and no opposition at the prior public hearing. Councilmember Willis questioned the adequacy of infrastructure. Councilmember Scully expressed hesitation based on safety but noted the small trip generation (10 trips/day) and the applicant's investment. Councilmember Blackburn (representing the area) emphasized frequent accidents and lack of infrastructure. Councilmember Robinson countered with accident statistics (nine in three years) and declining trends.
• Vote: Motion to deny failed 4-3 (Mayor Conley opposed the motion). Motion to approve by Councilmember Robinson, seconded by Councilmember Scully, passed 4-3 (Mayor Conley broke the tie in favor).

New Business – Public Hearings

Rezoning Request – North Memorial Drive (Item 3)

• Proposal: Rezone 6.8 acres on North Memorial Drive between Independence Boulevard and MLK Jr. Highway from RA20 to CG (General Commercial). Staff recommended approval; Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously in favor. A traffic impact analysis would likely be required at site plan stage.
• Public Testimony: Applicant Powell Dew presented results of a community survey among Westwood Mobile Home Park residents: 60% wanted a restaurant, 53% a convenience store, 40% a gas station. He emphasized that the request is consistent with the future land use map and that a gas station would require a special use permit from the Board of Adjustment.
• Council Discussion: Councilmembers noted resident distrust from past development decisions, expressed concern about potential gas stations (though not part of the vote), and recognized the area's need for services. Councilmember Willis stated residents would prefer this location over a proposed gas station on Bradley Road. Councilmember Blackburn supported approval, noting some survey interest in gas stations.
• Vote: Motion to approve passed 4-3, with Mayor Conley breaking the tie.

Local Historic Landmark Designation (Item 4)

• Proposal: Designate the O.B. Peatross House – Frances Speight and Sarah Blakeslee Home and Studio at 1910 East 6th Street as a Local Historic Landmark. The property is a notable example of American Foursquare architecture and was home to two influential artists. Staff noted that the house was moved from its original location around 2000 to avoid demolition.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (6-0).

First Public Hearing – 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan (Item 5)

• Overview: Director Tiana Berryman presented intended activities for CDBG and HOME funds: land acquisition, rental development, owner-occupied rehabilitation, down payment assistance, nonprofit support, and economic development. No draft plan yet; a second public hearing will be held in spring 2025.
• No vote taken.

Property Sales – Affordable Homeownership (Items 6–9)

• Properties: 616 Hudson Street (to Dominique Coleman), 618 Hudson Street (to Peggy and Donta Braxton), 620 Hudson Street (to Curtis Wiggins), and 806 Vanderbilt Lane (to Bonita Person). All units are part of the Lincoln Park revitalization project.
• Public Testimony: Each buyer expressed gratitude for the program. Dominique Coleman shared that the home is wheelchair-accessible for her father. Peggy Braxton, a single mother of 11, noted her mother lives nearby. Curtis Wiggins, a long-time renter, credited his sister for encouraging him. Bonita Person, in her 60s and caring for a disabled adult child, realized her dream of homeownership.
• Votes: Each sale approved unanimously (6-0).

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning (Port Terminal Road): Approved 4-3 (CH zoning).
• Rezoning (North Memorial Drive): Approved 4-3 (CG zoning).
• Historic Landmark Designation: Approved 6-0.
• Property Sales (4 homes): All approved 6-0.
• Annual Action Plan: First public hearing held; further engagement to follow.
• City Manager Michael Ross recognized the Neighborhood Business Services team for outstanding work on affordable housing.
• Council members expressed holiday wishes and commitment to infrastructure advocacy.