Concerns Over Major Project Discussed During Planning Commission Meeting

The Oconee Planning Commission moved closer to modifying developer standards following a two-hour meeting.

This month, for the second time, concerns about a large commercial/residential project on SC 130 dominated the planning commissioners’ meeting. Chairman Mike Johnson, at the start of the meeting, warned the audience members who were against the Keowee River project, pursued by Greenshores Development LLC, that commission decisions cannot be based solely on public opinion.

Johnson urged the public to identify issues that could be added to a list for the planners to consider in their work. Issues such as green space, clear-cutting, density, and traffic congestion have been highlighted by audiences at the planning commission meetings, including the one held on March 4 and the most recent one…

Ultimately, the commission decided to instruct its staff to compile the raised issues into a list for consideration. Chairman Johnson expressed his belief that due to Oconee’s unique characteristics, a “one size fits all” solution is unlikely to be feasible.