PACOLET — A developer's request to rezone property for a nearly 300-home development in Pacolet took an unexpected turn during what was at times a contentious meeting centered on debate over the town's future.
Pacolet Town Council opted June 26 to table a vote on whether to grant Mark III Properties final approval to rezone 80 acres from light industrial to flexible review district and general commercial district. That request had already cleared a first vote June 5. The matter required a second reading to make it official. Councilman Thomas Williams said Mark III Properties told officials it needed to take a step back from the process.
The proposed development has been met with criticism from some who think it's not the right fit for the eastern Spartanburg County town of close to 2,300. Plans included developing 276 homes on a site connected to Highway 176 and Briarwood Drive.
The development threatened Pacolet's small-town way of life, opponents have argued. Others, including Pacolet Mayor Ned Camby, said the development represented an opportunity to move the former mill town forward.
Williams said it was time to pause. His fellow council members agreed, unanimously supporting his motion to table the vote.
"There have been a lot of concerns that we don't need to rush it," Williams said. "We need to clear up some misconceptions. I don't see a problem with tabling it. People have questions, and there has been misinformation about it."
Williams also said the project's timing for Mark III Properties wasn't right and more discussions needed to take place between the town, developer and community.
Councilman Jason Wright said Town Administrator Patrick Kay told council members Mark III Properties suggested it needed more time to discuss plans. Wright agreed with tabling the vote, and he chastised leaders who said the town is dying while arguing the proposed housing development was needed to jumpstart the town's economy.
"My concern is that I have heard a lot of chatter how Pacolet is dying," Wright said. "I am sorry. This community is not dying. Pacolet is not dying. Pacolet is a survivor."
Wright argued bringing in high-density housing as proposed by Mark III Properties would not automatically bring new business. He agreed that the town has struggled to keep restaurants and other businesses. But despite the textile mill closing in 1983, Wright said the town has managed to remain relevant. What's needed is moving forward on projects in the town's comprehensive plan and showing local investors the town is serious about the right kind of growth.
Wright also said while a comprehensive plan has been updated there's not a clear path on moving forward. He criticized Mark III Properties for not being "rooted in Pacolet" and views the developer as an outsider.
The Pacolet Planning Commission met June 2 and voted against the rezoning request, which was a recommendation for council to consider. Council voted in favor of the rezoning request on first reading June 5, with a 3-2 vote paving the way for council to consider the issue again on June 26.
More speakers favored the rezoning request than opposed it during the meeting on June 26.
Among those who wanted the rezoning request approved was Leland McKelvey, who sold his Lighthouse Fish Camp at South Pine Street to the R.L Jordan Oil Company, which plans to build a Hot Spot gas station and convenience store at the location. The building that formerly housed the fish camp has been torn down. McKelvey said new housing was needed to spur additional growth, and without development, the town would decline.
"Pacolet can be a vibrant community," he said.
DeDee Quinn, who lives near the proposed development site, expressed concerns about the project. She's not against all growth, but doesn't want to see nearly 300 homes built near her property. Quinn also criticized the town for what she saw a a lack of transparency throughout the process.