Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – November 15, 2022

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. Chair Kevin Fays presided. All commissioners present: John Collins, Billy Parker, Max Ray Joiner, Hop Maxwell, Chris West, Andrew Denton, Alan Brock, and Alan Thomas. The meeting included a rezoning request, three preliminary plat approvals, and a presentation from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 18, 2022 meeting were approved by a motion and second, with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning (GUC property): Phil Dixon, General Counsel for Greenville Utilities Commission, spoke in favor, noting the property has been used for industrial purposes since 1976, is now surplus, and received a $2.9 million bid. He stated the rezoning is essential for the sale and would bring the property onto the tax rolls. No opposition was expressed.
• Langston West Phase 12: Landon Weaver (Bill Clark Holmes) and Richie Brown (Stroud Engineering) spoke in favor, explaining the 14-lot subdivision includes stormwater detention for the 25-year storm and that they addressed drainage concerns with neighboring Red Oak subdivision residents. No opposition.
• South Creek: Mike Baldwin (representing East Domus development) spoke in favor, describing patio homes and noting that environmental areas (wetlands) will be protected. Tom Marsh and Kathy Marsh, adjacent residents, raised concerns about existing drainage problems, noise from South Central High School, and the need for a buffer and a walkway. Mike Baldwin responded that the developer plans to regrade the ditch to improve drainage, which will require removing trees along the property line. No other opposition.
• Tram Industrial Park: A representative for the developer (unidentified) spoke in favor. Dow Drizek, an adjacent property owner, asked about the future of Tram Lane (a dirt road) and was told it will be improved to asphalt and extended to serve his property. Tommy Corbett raised concerns about a ditch that drains his and his mother’s farm; the developer stated the project will improve drainage by creating a detention facility. No opposition.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning – 32.30 acres between Mumford Road and Pactolus Highway: City Planner Shante (last name not provided) presented the staff recommendation for approval. The property, owned by the City for the benefit of Greenville Utilities Commission, is currently zoned RA20 and R6. It has been used as a utility operations center since 1976. The City plans to sell the property after relocating operations. The rezoning to I (Industry) is required for the sale because the property is not grandfathered and would revert to residential zoning. Staff found the request consistent with the future land use plan and Horizons plan. The commission voted to recommend approval to City Council.
• Langston West Phase 12 Preliminary Plat: Planner Davita Moore presented the request for 14 residential lots on 7.2753 acres at the terminus of Rounding Bend Road. The site is in the Swift Creek Watershed and not within the floodway. The subdivision review committee found it met all technical requirements. The commission voted to approve.
• South Creek Preliminary Plat: Planner Davita Moore presented the request for 67 residential lots on 22.635 acres along Forlines Road, adjacent to South Central High School. The property is zoned R6S (medium-density single-family). The northern portion is in the floodway, and common area is located there. Staff recommended approval. The commission voted to approve.
• Tram Industrial Park Preliminary Plat: Planner Davita Moore presented the request for 3 lots totaling 69.90 acres east of Old Creek Road and north/south of Tram Lane. The property is in the floodplain, and the floodway is within Lot 3. Staff recommended approval. The commission voted to approve.
• NCDOT Presentation: Gene Pittman, Assistant District Engineer, gave an overview of NCDOT’s role in development, driveway access policies, the requirement for Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) for large developments, and upcoming projects (Evans Street widening, Fire Tower Road, 14th Street, etc.). He noted that developers are responsible for roadway improvements. The presentation was informational; no action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning (GUC property): Motion to recommend approval to City Council, consistent with the comprehensive plan, carried unanimously (all ayes).
• Langston West Phase 12: Motion to approve the preliminary plat carried unanimously.
• South Creek: Motion to approve the preliminary plat carried unanimously.
• Tram Industrial Park: Motion to approve the preliminary plat carried unanimously.
• Adjournment: Motion to adjourn carried unanimously at approximately 7:30 PM.