Formal Meeting of City Council - 2026-04-27
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Greenville City Council denied first reading of a rezoning application for 2.92 acres at Buncombe Street and Butler Avenue from PD (Planned Development) to MX-2 (Mixed Use), with concerns about potential drive-through traffic impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods. The council approved annexation of 0.63 acres on Redland Way with R-H-C zoning, abandoned a portion of Wilton Street right-of-way, and appropriated $372,960 for South Downtown sewer improvements.
Key Decisions (6)
Rezoning at Buncombe Street and Butler Avenue
Rezoning of approximately 2.92 acres from PD (Planned Development) to MX-2 (Mixed Use) district was denied first reading. The property, owned by Pope and Land (Atlanta) and under contract, was previously approved for a 237-unit senior living facility (7 stories) that was never built. Concerns centered on potential drive-through restaurant use (Cafe Racer) and traffic impacts on adjacent residential areas. Planning Commission and staff had recommended approval.
Annexation at Redland Way
Annexation of approximately 0.63 acres on Redland Way with R-H-C zoning designation.
Right-of-Way Abandonment on Wilton Street
Abandonment of a portion of public right-of-way on Wilton Street. Staff confirmed walkability will be maintained and sidewalks will be constructed to improve pedestrian access. A resident from Avery Avenue had concerns that were addressed through an on-site meeting.
South Downtown Sewer Improvements Appropriation
Appropriation of an additional $372,960 in the miscellaneous grants fund and wastewater fund for South Downtown sewer improvements.
Council Meeting Procedures Amendment
Amendment to Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 2 of the code of ordinances to prescribe procedures and protocols for individuals addressing council during meetings and to modify the order of business.
Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant Application
Resolution documenting required governing body review of the city's submission of a grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Zoning Changes (2)
Buncombe Street and Butler Avenue
Pope and Land (Atlanta)
Redland Way
Not specified
Development Activity (2)
Former Holbrook Senior Living Site
2.92 acres, previously approved for 237-unit senior living facility (33 memory care, 70 assisted living, 134 independent living units) at 7 stories. Current site is vacant concrete slab with chain link fence, identified as environmental concern site. Rezoning to MX-2 would limit development to 2 stories by right, 3-4 stories with development bonus.
Butler Avenue Townhomes
Infill townhome development mentioned as existing investment in the neighborhood
Market Signals (5)
Sentiment
Council expressed strong opposition to drive-through restaurants in mixed-use districts adjacent to residential areas, with staff noting the original development code did not include drive-throughs in MX-2 but compromises were made during 2023 zoning adoption.
Housing Demand
Environmental contamination concerns on the Buncombe Street site make residential development nearly impossible according to Department of Environmental Services, limiting redevelopment options.
Infrastructure
City is investing $372,960 in South Downtown sewer improvements, signaling infrastructure investment in that area.
Sentiment
Council member suggested staff review MX-2 classification and potentially create a new MX-1 lower-intensity zoning category to address concerns about traffic-generating uses near residential areas.
Commercial Demand
Multiple council members expressed confidence that better development options than fast food restaurants would emerge for the Buncombe Street site, suggesting developer interest in the area.