Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – November 16, 2021

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on November 16, 2021, at 6:00 PM via a remote electronic platform. Chair Kevin Faison presided. The commission approved the previous meeting's minutes, considered a rezoning request (passed 5–1), and unanimously approved a preliminary plat for a new subdivision. One member recused himself from the rezoning vote due to a conflict of interest.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (October 19, 2021): Moved by Brad Goose, seconded by John Collins. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning (Item 2): Brian Fagundis, representing the applicant Spring Forest Road Group, LLC, argued that the request is compatible with surrounding uses despite being inconsistent with the comprehensive plan. He noted the property has been zoned Medical-Office since 1985 and remained undeveloped for 30+ years. Michael Overton (speaking as a property owner's son, not a commissioner) also spoke in favor, stating they had marketed the property for 14 years without success. An email objecting to the rezoning was received but no speakers registered in opposition.
• Preliminary Plat (Item 3): Igor Poliwada, representing the applicant, spoke in favor, explaining that the plat creates a public street to meet fire access requirements for multifamily buildings. No opposition speakers registered.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Rezoning Request (Spring Forest Road Group, LLC): The applicant sought to rezone 11.764 acres at the northeast corner of Spring Forest Road and the CSX Railroad from MO (Medical-Office) to MR (Medical-Residential, High Density Multi-family). Staff presented that the property is vacant, located in the Greensmill Run watershed, and recommended denial because the request does not comply with the Horizons Future Land Use Plan, which designates the area as Medical Transition and Office. The applicant argued that the surrounding properties are zoned MR or R6 (high-density residential) and that the property's market conditions justify the change. Commissioner Michael Overton recused himself due to his father being a property owner. After public hearing, Billy Parker moved to recommend approval, with language noting the inconsistency with the comprehensive plan but deeming the zoning appropriate. Seconded by Les Robinson. Vote: 5–1 in favor (Chris West, Les Robinson, Billy Parker, Brad Goose approved; Pat Maxwell and John Collins did not explicitly vote, resulting in a 5–1 tally).
• Item 3 – Preliminary Plat (Caroline Place, Caviness Land Development, Inc.): Staff presented a preliminary plat for a 23.79-acre tract along Charles Boulevard, south of Tucker Estates Subdivision. The plat creates one lot and a public street (cul-de-sac) to provide access for multifamily development. The prior 2017 approved plat used a hammerhead street design; the new proposal switches to a cul-de-sac. The property is zoned R-6 (high-density residential) and is in the Meeting House watershed. The subdivision review committee found all technical requirements met. Commissioner Chris West suggested that in the future, both old and new plats should be provided for public comparison. No further discussion. Motion to approve by Chris West, seconded by Brad Goose. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning (Item 2): Approved 5–1 (motion: recommend approval of the zoning amendment, noting inconsistency with the comprehensive plan but appropriateness of classification). The decision will be forwarded to the City Council.
• Preliminary Plat (Item 3): Approved unanimously. The plat for Caroline Place (23.79 acres, one lot) will proceed to final plat review.
• Conflict of Interest: Commissioner Michael Overton was recused from voting on Item 2 but allowed to speak during the public hearing.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM.