Greenwood City Council Approves Changes to Comprehensive Plan

Greenwood City Council Approves Changes to Comprehensive Plan

Greenwood – On Monday, the Greenwood City Council approved significant changes to its Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Maps. The Comprehensive Plan, which guides the city’s policies on future growth and development, now reflects more refined future growth projections and land use adjustments.

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

The City employed outside consultants, Arnett Muldrow and Orion Planning, to help with the revisions. The move comes after Greenwood experienced an unprecedented surge in residential subdivision developments over the past three years, particularly in high-density areas with smaller lots.

“The State of South Carolina is seeing immense population growth, and Greenwood is no exception,” said City Manager Julie Wilkie. “This process was a necessary step in ensuring our community is growing in a healthy and responsible way.”

Key Changes in the Comprehensive Plan

The consultants recommended changes that Council approved, including updates to the definitions of low-, medium-, and high-density residential uses to align them with the city’s existing zoning ordinance. Additionally, they suggested transitioning many of the city’s residential properties from high-density to medium-density classifications. This change is expected to encourage the development of larger lot subdivisions with lower densities while still allowing for high-density developments where appropriate.

“We are grateful for the quick and diligent assistance from Arnett Muldrow and Orion Planning,” Wilkie added. “They reviewed our current planning and zoning documents and offered sound recommendations for change. While growth is certainly welcome in our city, it’s critical that we do so in a sensible way.”

Moratorium Lifted

The approval of these changes also brought an early end to a temporary moratorium enacted by the council on May 6. The moratorium had paused the creation of subdivisions with lots of 7,000 square feet or less. Originally set to expire on September 3, the moratorium was lifted early as part of the newly approved ordinance.

“Greenwood is fortunate to have a proactive council that recognized the need to make some adjustments to address the rapid growth in our city,” commented Greenwood Mayor Brandon Smith.

Additional Council Approvals

In other actions, the council approved the first reading of a Planned Development District at the corner of Marshall Road and 25 Bypass. The project will include both residential and commercial uses over a five- to seven-year buildout period. The property, which spans 146 acres, will feature 362 single-family detached residences and 109 townhomes, with commercial uses planned for all four corners of the development.

Additionally, the council approved the first reading of the Kitson Mill redevelopment project. The venture plans to create 400 residential units, including apartments, lofts, and townhomes, and will redevelop old mill buildings for commercial use. The former mill office will serve as the leasing office.

Waller Avenue Streetscape Plan

Further, the council authorized a contract to commence work on the city’s Waller Avenue Streetscape plan. Funded in part by a $750,000 federal Community Development Block Grant, the city’s share for the project amounts to $482,000.

Mayor Smith also expressed appreciation for the public’s patience during the temporary moratorium. “Our staff stands ready to listen to our citizens and work with interested developers in furtherance of responsible growth,” he said.

For more details, including current and future city land use maps and a rendering of the Waller Avenue Streetscape plan, visit the city’s official website. Share your news tips and story ideas with the planning department.