Jim Fair
Freedom Blast had an excellent turnout at the June 30 festival. Most of the crowd remained during a light, intermittent rain which stopped during the fireworks.
Jim Fair
City Councilwoman Kimberly Bookert has had a busy several weeks answering concerns from her constitutents on the growth of housing developments, roads, fire and other public services in the Abner Creek community. A large crowd from her district spoke at the June 24th council meeting.
The fiscal year 2014-2015 kicked in July 1 and the month is typically filled with vacations, conferences, appointments and cleaning up leftovers from the past budget.
City Administrator Ed Driggers thanked council for his vacation time and then asked for their understanding in resending all email correspondence during his sojourn.
Council was reminded to respond to a survey the city takes after each Freedom Blast to review and begin planning for 2015.
Freedom Blast had a big turnout that mostly stayed despite an intermittent light rain during Ride 20, The Zac Brown Tribute Band concert. All the spectators apparently returned for the fireworks display.
Council’s actions Tuesday (Lee Dumas was absent):
• Allison Ringer appointed District 1 representative to the Board of Zoning Appeals, 6-0.
• Mickey Montgomery appointed District 4 representative to the Planning Commission, 6-0.
• Kevin Tumblin appointed at-large representative to the Planning Commission, 6-0. Tumblin’s appointment makes a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals where he previously served.
Old business
• Second and final reading repealing texting ordinance, 6-0. Gov. Nikki Haley signed bill on June 11 that made it effective immediately.
• Second and final reading of Abner Creek Rd. approving rezoning from PD-R (planned development residential and R-15 residential) to DRD (design review district), 6-0. That clears the way for Redwood Acquisitions LLC to build 173 apartment homes at the site.
• Second and final reading of Foxfield Way/Chandler Road rezoning from PD to R-15 (residential patio home district), 6-0.
Councilwoman Judy Albert (District 3) noted on the record her commenting on the numerous concerns of her constituents regarding roads, fire protection, services and the growth of single-family homes being built in the Abner Creek area.
New business
The following annexation and zoning requests (A-D) for property at 441-445 South Suber Road is for 77 patio homes that will be built with a $250,000 price range.
A First reading of property at 445 S. Suber Road for annexation and zoning request of R-10 residential single family for 2.0 acres with the purpose to combine with other properties (below) to construct 77 detached single family dwellings, 6-0.
B First reading of property at 431 S. Suber Road for annexation and zoning request for 0.79 acres with the purpose to combine with other properties (above) to construct 77 detached single family dwellings, 6-0.
C First reading of property at S. Suber Road for annexation and zoning request for 13.8 acres with the purpose to combine with other properties (above) to construct 77 detached single family dwellings, 6-0.
D First reading of property at 431 S. Suber Road for annexation and zoning request for 1 acre with the purpose to combine with other properties (above) to construct 77 detached single family dwellings, 6-0.
• First reading (Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance) to amend the city code of ordinance by repealing and replacing chapter 35 Flood Damage Prevention in its entirety and replacing it to incorporate the new floodplain maps for the city and Greenville County with other minor amendments. Those amendments are forthcoming, according to Glenn Pace, for the second reading on July 22. The city must adopt these maps in order to remain in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, 6-0.
• Council went into executive session to consider one economic development item and one contractual. No action was taken.
The next council meeting is Tuesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend or speak.