Anderson County Council approved on first reading the rezoning of a parcel of land on Reed Road near Greenville Street, to potentially allow for the reported construction of a Walmart Neighborhood Market.
Some residents of the area spoke out in support of the development.
"These are responsible developers, they sought out our input," said Bill Trent, a long-time resident of the area near the proposed grocery store. "I would like to see this happen. This could be a model for the development of 81. Something is going to be built, 81 will be developed, let’s not have another Clemson Boulevard."
Joe Davenport agreed.
“I have never seen anyone cooperate with us the way these people have, and I am completely satisfied with what they have done,” said Davenport, who lives in Cardinal Park, adjacent to the the rear of the proposed grocer. “I appreciate the courtesy they have shown. Frankly I don’t think you should turn it down. I ask you to vote for this for our community.”
Anderson County Councilman Francis Crowder, who also lives in Cardinal Park behind the site, agreed that the developers did a good job planning the site.
Crowder said Reed Road would be able to handle the traffic.
"I want to see planned development, not like what we see on Clemson Boulevard," Crowder said. "People comnig from the Greenville-Spartanburt airport come into town on 81."
Crowder also said a project is in the works to improve the intersection of the other end of Reed Road at Concord Road.
Anderson County Councilwoman Cindy Wilson asked that the county consider the traffic patterns and possibly sidewalks in the area. Wilson also asked developers to consider a frontage road which would connect the grocery store parking lot with the red light in front of AnMed near Churchill's Pub.
Bill West, director of Planning/Community Development, said the dialog could be had on Wilson's idea, but that all the surrounding property is in the city.
Council also gave approval on first reading to rezoning for a new grocery store proposed for the corner of Belton Honea Path Highway at Johnson Road just outside of Honea Path.
On Tuesday night, council also:
Approved an ordinance calling for Anderson County Council will have a published agenda no more than 24 hours before a meeting, except in cases of emergencies determined by a super majority vote of council. Anderson County Council Chairmas Tommy Dunn said that there is already an ordinance on the books requiring an agenda. Councilman Tom Allen said the ordinance needs to be clearly defined to avoid what's happened in the past.
Approved tax incentives for Project Duo, which will bring a $6.5 investment and 14 new jobs with an average wage of $17.54 per hour.
Agreed to on first reading to prohibit through-truck traffic in Nevitt Forest Subdivision.
Approved first reading of a wastewater/sewer agreement with Pendleton.
Approved on third reading, an agreement on the revenues of the Joint Industrial Park.
Approved on third reading the acceptance of certain right of way propery on Marina Road.