Greenville County Council Enacts Stricter Paris Mountain Ordinances

In a decisive move, the Greenville County Council has unanimously approved ordinances to bolster environmental protections on Paris Mountain and to temporarily halt cluster housing developments across the county.

 

The newly passed ordinance mandates that future constructions on Paris Mountain must align with the area's natural topography, ensuring that developments blend seamlessly with the environment. This legislation comes in response to significant public opposition to the proposed Inn at Altamont, a luxury hotel project that faced widespread criticism and was ultimately denied.

 

One local resident expressed relief, stating, "It's incredible that we had this finally happen. I wasn't sure if we would ever get here. People have tried this for over decades."

 

Additionally, the council has imposed a temporary moratorium on cluster housing developments. This type of housing allows for higher density by placing multiple units on smaller plots of land. However, concerns have been raised about developers not fulfilling their obligations, particularly regarding the preservation of open spaces.

 

Resident Audrey Pasin highlighted the importance of adhering to the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act, emphasizing that developers are expected to provide meaningful open spaces for community use. "I think we should do around 25 to 30%," Pasin suggested.

 

Councilman Curt McGahhey underscored the need for sustainable development, stating, "We want to make sure that we are developing healthy, and we can maintain it. We have the infrastructure, we have the schools, we have the police, we have the firemen: we have everything in place and just throwing more density and more density is not the solution."

 

These measures reflect the council's commitment to preserving the unique character of Paris Mountain and ensuring responsible growth throughout Greenville County.