GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Growing developments in Greenville County are sparking debate among neighbors and developers as the county looks to update its cluster housing regulations.
County leaders held a stakeholders meeting on Thursday, offering residents a chance to give input on the newly proposed cluster housing ordinance.
The county enacted a 12-month moratorium on new cluster developments in July after neighbors expressed concerns.
“This does account for more resiliency in the environment,” a resident said Thursday about the ordinance.
The proposal includes limiting the number of houses that can be built on one acre of land. The density decrease would vary by zoning classifications.
Critics said reducing the density would limit affordable housing options.
“Are we trying to keep people out because they don’t make enough money?” asked one person. “Do you have to make a certain amount of money to embrace the American dream? What about the nurses? What about the teachers?”
The ordinance also requires 70% of the land in a cluster development to be dedicated to open space. Current specifications are vague and determined by the Planning Commission.
Some developers said this would lower the value of land for both landowners and developers.
FOX Carolina compared Greenville County’s requirements with those of other municipalities. Newberry County requires 25% open space, Pickens County requires 20-50% and Mount Pleasant requires 25-50%.
“If the cluster like this is 70% open space, landowners won’t be able to sell their land,” another person said. “Additionally wetlands, floodplains essentially becomes worthless.”
Some attendees also expressed frustration over the limited number of county officials at the meeting.
“Where are the councilors? Where are the commissioners?” asked someone. “I think for them to understand what they put on paper [they should be here]. It makes absolutely no sense.”
Councilman Curt McGahey called the meeting productive and said the more public participation will help the county shape its new ordinance.
Greenville County Council will hold a workshop specifically dedicated to cluster housing on September 11.
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