Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – July 21, 2020

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on July 21, 2020, at 6:00 PM in person with social distancing measures. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, continuances of several agenda items, new business including rezoning and preliminary plats, election of officers, and a discussion on the format for future meetings.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the June 16 and June 18, 2020 meetings without amendment.

Continuances

• Items 2, 3, 4, and 5 were all continued to the August 2020 meeting by unanimous votes. Item 4 (a text amendment related to the 14th Street area) was continued at staff’s request, noting ongoing meetings with the neighborhood and progress toward a compromise. No opposition was voiced to any continuance.

New Business

• Item 6 – Rezoning Request (23.9964 acres, south of Greenville Boulevard): Staff presented a revised request to rezone the property from RA20 (Residential Agricultural) to R6ARU (Residential Medium Density, Restricted Residential Overlay). The original request was modified to address neighborhood concerns, increasing acreage but shifting development away from a church property. Staff found the request consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval. One speaker (Kim Alpha, representing the owner and the church) expressed support, noting agreements reached. No opposition. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
• Item 7 – Preliminary Subdivision Plat (Bent Creek Phase 6): A request by HBL Investments LLC for 19 duplex lots on 6.944 acres at the terminus of Gordon Drive. Staff found the plat met technical requirements and recommended approval. The applicant’s representative (Scott Anderson) spoke in support. No opposition. The commission voted unanimously to approve.
• Item 8 – Preliminary Subdivision Plat (Stonehaven): A request by Rocky Russell Development LLC for 44 single-family lots on 11.7957 acres west of Allen Road. Staff recommended approval. The applicant’s representative (Richie Brown) spoke in support. No opposition. The commission voted unanimously to approve.

Election of Officers

• The commission elected Les Robinson as Chair and Michael Overton as Vice Chair for one-year terms. Both elections were unanimous.

Discussion on Meeting Format and Procedures

• The commission discussed whether the August 2020 meeting should be held in person or virtually via Zoom, given COVID-19 concerns. Members expressed varying views on safety, capacity (limited to 44 socially distanced seats), and the desire to allow public participation. Staff noted that hybrid meetings (some members virtual) are possible but require additional coordination. After debate, Mr. Faison moved to hold the August meeting in person with temperature checks and face masks as a minimum standard. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with no opposition. Staff will investigate the feasibility of temperature checks.
• The commission also discussed repeated continuances (items 2–5 had been continued multiple times). Members indicated that future continuances would require a strong articulated reason; otherwise, they would expect items to be heard or withdrawn.

Other Business

• Public Email Regarding Bent Creek (Item 7): Chair Robinson noted an email from citizen Lois Lewis Rosner dated July 18, 2020, expressing concerns about fencing between her property and the proposed development. All commissioners confirmed they had received the email. Staff clarified that the preliminary plat review only considers technical requirements, not fence disputes. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Minutes approved (unanimous).
  • Items 2, 3, 4, 5 continued to August (unanimous).
  • Item 6 rezoning recommendation approved (unanimous).
  • Item 7 preliminary plat approved (unanimous).
  • Item 8 preliminary plat approved (unanimous).
  • Les Robinson elected Chair (unanimous).
  • Michael Overton elected Vice Chair (unanimous).
  • Motion to hold August meeting in person with masks and temperature checks passed (unanimous).
• Directives: Staff to explore temperature screening options for future in-person meetings.
• Next Steps: The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 2020; the format will be in person with safety protocols.