Greenwood Approves Changes to Comprehensive Plan Amid Rising Development

Greenwood Approves Changes to Comprehensive Plan Amid Rising Development

The city of Greenwood is gearing up for more organized and responsible growth, thanks to new changes to its Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Maps. The Greenwood City Council unanimously approved several updates on Monday, aiming to better reflect current land uses and accommodate anticipated development.

“Our Comprehensive Plan should realistically and accurately reflect existing land uses, as well as future growth,” said Carol Coleman, Greenwood City/County planning director. “The document, therefore, needs to be fluid and is subject to revisions as needed.”

Transforming for the Future

The city turned to external consultants, Arnett Muldrow and Orion Planning, for guidance. This comes after Greenwood witnessed an enormous surge in the development of high-density, smaller lot residential subdivisions over the past three years. “South Carolina is seeing immense population growth, and Greenwood is no exception,” stated City Manager Julie Wilkie. “This process was a necessary step in ensuring our community is growing in a healthy and responsible way.”

The consultants recommended updating the definitions of low-, medium-, and high-density residential uses, aligning them more closely with the city’s zoning ordinance. They found that many of the city’s residential properties were categorized as high-density on future use maps. Their approved changes transition several of these areas to medium density. This shift is expected to encourage the growth of larger lot subdivisions with lower densities while still allowing for higher density development in suitable parts of the city.

Moratorium Lifted

The changes have also led to lifting a temporary moratorium enacted by the council on May 6. This moratorium paused the creation of subdivisions with parcels smaller than 7,000 square feet. Initially set to expire on September 3, it was lifted early due to the new ordinance.

“Greenwood is fortunate to have a proactive council that recognized the need to make some adjustments to address rapid growth in our city,” Wilkie said. “On behalf of City Council, we are excited to implement these changes on which our consultants worked so diligently. We appreciate the public’s patience during our necessary temporary moratorium.”

Other Council Approvals

In addition to updating the Comprehensive Plan, the council approved several other measures:

• First reading of a Planned Development District at the corner of Marshall Road and 25 Bypass, including residential and commercial uses. This 146-acre development plans to feature 362 single-family residences, 109 townhomes, with commercial use on all four corners. The project is expected to take five to seven years to complete.
• First reading on the Kitson Mill Redevelopment. This project will consist of 400 residential units including apartments, lofts, and townhomes. It will also redevelop old mill buildings for commercial use and save the former mill office as the leasing office.
• A contract authorization to begin construction on the city’s Waller Avenue Streetscape Plan. Funded partly by a $750,000 federal Community Development Block Grant, the project will cost the city $482,000.

Community Engagement

Greenwood Mayor Brandon Smith emphasized the importance of these measures: “Our staff stands ready to listen to our citizens and work with interested developers in furtherance of responsible growth.”

To explore the current and future city land use maps and the rendering of the Waller Avenue Streetscape plan, residents can visit the city’s website.