A recent rezoning decision in Woodruff, SC, has raised concerns for property owners, shedding light on challenges related to zoning regulations in the area. In an exclusive interview, Frank, a local property owner, shared his frustrations while city officials explained the reasoning behind the decision.
Frank’s Perspective
Frank owns a 13,000-square-foot property that was previously zoned for retail use. However, the property was rezoned to C4, a zoning category aimed at concentrated development and redevelopment in the city center. Frank discovered the rezoning when potential buyers approached him earlier this year. He expressed his frustration, stating that he never received notice of the rezoning.
Moreover, Frank found it challenging to sell his property due to the new zoning restrictions. It is currently costing him $18,000/month in various taxes, insurance, and fees as the property sits vacant. Medical facilities interested in the property, like an urgent care and pharmacy, were deterred by the ban on drive-through services and insufficient parking. He believes that the city appears to favor the establishment of a restaurant in the area despite the building’s size being impractical for such use.
In his forty years of business, Frank says he has never encountered such restrictive zoning regulations. His broker even quit, citing the difficulties posed by the zoning restrictions. As a result, Frank has taken his property off the market.
When asked about other property owners facing similar issues, Frank was not aware of any such cases in Woodruff. He had reached out to local officials, including Woodruff City Manager Lee Bailey and Brandon McMahan, to voice his concerns.
City Officials’ Insights
To gain a better understanding of the city’s perspective, we spoke with City Manager Lee Bailey regarding the recent rezoning and its implications.
The rezoning, Bailey explained, was part of a comprehensive update to the city’s zoning ordinance, which hadn’t seen major changes since its original drafting in 2005. The new zoning ordinance was developed over 18 months with the assistance of a consultant to address the city’s growth and development needs.
A public hearing held in August 2023 was advertised in various local media outlets, and public hearing signs were prominently placed throughout the city, including along Main Street. While one person spoke positively about the ordinance at the hearing, there was limited public participation.
The city’s vision is to foster growth and development, striving to make downtown Woodruff one of the most vibrant areas in the upstate. They aim to diversify the business landscape, including retail, hospitality, and office spaces.
In response to concerns from property owners, the city officials acknowledged receiving two complaints out of the thousands of parcels in the city. They emphasized that their focus is on the overall development of the city and assisting property owners in protecting and selling their properties.
The city desires a variety of commercial businesses within the central downtown district to create a thriving and dynamic environment for everyone.
While there are no immediate plans to revisit the rezoning decision, the city expressed a commitment to future planning and development. The city officials believe that Woodruff is in a historic moment and anticipate a bright future for the community.
The situation in Woodruff highlights the complexities of rezoning and its impact on property owners. As the city evolves, the challenge lies in finding a balance between promoting growth and addressing the concerns of property owners like Frank.
Author: Tracy Sanders
