Neighbors,
Below is an email sent to our local city council member, Amy Doyle, about a new convenience store being proposed. We want to thank Amy for making us aware of the situation and we will let you know her response to this resident’s concerns.
——————————————————————————————————————
Amy,
Appreciate the heads up but this question needs a response. It goes to the core of how we want our neighborhood to look. A convenience store is not an enhancement to our neighborhood. Any insight into the logic here?
Would like to publish your response on our North Main Website.
Resident’s Q:
“All recognized that a new fast food restaurant would not be able to open in the PHMP area. How is a convenience store any different? How is a convenience store considered to be consistent with current zoning when a special exception is required?”
————————————————————————————————-
Original Email to Amy:
> Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 8:56 PM
> Re: BZA hearing tomorrow
> Amy,
> Just a few questions. Given the large transient
> population in this area, the Pete Hollis Master Plan (PHMP)
> called for the elimination of pawn shops, day laborer
> businesses and fast food restaurants. Why is staff
> recommending the granting of a special exception to allow a
> convenience store in this planned area? Mixed use
> businesses should not detract from the quality of
> development in the area. The reason that McDonalds was
> granted a variance, according to the BZA, was that there was
> a 50 year lease in place. All recognized that a new
> fast food restaurant would not be able to open in the PHMP
> area. How is a convenience store any different?
> How is a convenience store considered to be consistent
> with current zoning when a special exception is required?
>
> It seems that the City is taking the view that “any
> development is good development.” If this is the
> case, why are we spending taxpayer money on the development
> and implementation of master plans in the first place?
> Please tell me that something can be done to ensure that
> positive development is encouraged in these areas where the
> City has devoted valuable resources in creating master plans
> for future growth and development.
Thank you for calling attention to this application.
> You can be sure these kinds of decisions by staff
> weigh heavy on the minds of local residents…..
On 11/17/10 7:54 PM, “Amy Ryberg Doyle”
> <Amy_Doyle@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Quick fyi….
> You may or may not be aware that the BZA is hearing a
> request for a convenience store at 40 rutherford (across
> from mcdonald’s) tomorrow afternoon. The staff is
> recommending approval of the application for use. (It is
> consistent with current zoning.) Yet, they are not
> approving the design variance request as the application
> request is not consistent with design standards.
> C-stores have unique design standards and we may have
> to look at these businesses like we looked at the auto
> dealerships and restaurants.
> Application and staff comments here:
> http://www.greenvillesc.gov/PlanningZoning/PlanningApplications/default.aspx
> If you have comments, send to Brian Wood prior to meeting
> (bwood@greenvillesc.gov)
>
> Amy Ryberg Doyle
> Greenville City Council
> PO Box 156
> Greenville, SC 29602
> 864.616.2759
> ADoyle@greenvillesc.gov
> GREENVILLE CARES: 232-CARE (City of
> Greenville Customer Service)
> Email messages sent to and from the City of
> Greenville may be subject to discovery under the S.C.
> Freedom of Information Act.
