Council approved one zoning request for residential multi family, tabled another and was surprised when an unannounced developer said his company is preparing to build apartments on another property already zoned residential.
Brenda Medlock's request to have property at 706 W. Poinsett rezoned from C-2 (commercial) and R-12 (residential single family) to RM-2 (residential multifamily) clears the way for McKean & Associates Architects from Montgomery, Ala., to proceed with a proposed $6 million, 56-unit Poinsett Street Apartments.
Greer Partners told council it did not want to pursue its zoning request at 217 Cannon Street for development of the proposed Cannon Street Elderly Apartments. Glenn Pace, city planning and zoning coordinator, said Greer Partners, "would not like to move forward at this time and requested to delay the request to another time or removal." Council tabled the rezoning request in lieu of further action.
The biggest surprise of the evening was when Tab Bullard, vice president of development for Zimmerman Properties in Atlanta, informed council the plan to build a 56-unit complex at S. Suber Road and Suber Mill Road. Bullard said the real estate developer is from Springfield, Mo.
"I didn't know he was coming before council until about an hour ago," Mayor Rick Danner said. The property originally was scheduled for multifamily housing. "I think they're picking up where the others left off."
The complex is scheduled to have 8 1-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom and 24 3-bedroom units each. Bullard said rent will range from $400-$600 and the developer will manage and maintain the property.
Bullard said he will come before council with more details at a later date.
Medlock said council's discussion over her rezoning request was stressful. "I didn't expect that," Medlock said, of the split council vote, 4-2 in favor. "It was unanimous last time."
Jay Arrowood (District 1), Wayne Griffin (District 2), Judy Albert (District 6) and Mayor Rick Danner voted for rezoning. Lee Dumas (District 4) and Wryley Bettis (District 5) voted against. Kimberly Bookert (District 3) was absent.
"I'm not in favor of this type of project or this kind of model," Dumas said. "I don't see the need to add 56 units in that area."
Bettis said, "It's difficult for me to believe we need more value-priced housing in Greer. That's not a good location for it."
Dumas and Bettis were objecting to the developers seeking tax credits that would limit tenants' income ($35,000) and keep rents low because of the government assistance.
Danner suggested it was appropriate development more for up and coming young professionals and good for the area, "that has suffered greatly in growth. It fits our planning design and that is what we're asked to do.
"We ought to be careful about these people we are talking about," Danner said. "These people are our firefighters and police, cooks, wait staff, mechanics and childcare providers. These people need to be afforded this opportunity for housing."
Danner said he reflected on his two sons having the opportunity to live at the Poinsett Street Apartments. Both are young professionals and would benefit with the opportunity to live in that type of housing proposed near their work places.
Griffin objected to Dumas calling the tax credits a "handout". "No, it's not a handout. It's not about where you live but how you live," Griffin said. "It fits our model. It's commercial and residential."
Albert said her only problem was visualizing how tall the four-story apartments would appear. "I'm trying to perceive what four stories would look like. Would it be taller than City Hall?"
City ordinance mandates no building taller than 60-feet in the city.
Eric Lipp, representing McKean & Associates, said the developers will make application for the tax credits this month and expect to have a response in August.
Sidewalks, fencing, landscaping and/or a combination of both is required to buffer between residential/commercial uses. The 1.8 acre property is vacant except for one small building used formerly as an office for a used car lot. A grocery store and laundromat is across the street.
Parking will accompany 89 vehicles including handicapped.