Farmers Cove is a proposed high density Mobil home/Tiny home subdivision to be located at the corner of Groce Meadow Road and Bulls Road. The County Subdivision Advisory Committee held a meeting on 2/17/20 at the Greenville County Square regarding the project, where a group of about 60 area residents submitted a petition containing over 1,200 signatures from people who oppose to the development.
Below is brief synopsis of the meetings key comments:
- Introduction
- First person was inaudible
- Michelle Perdue -Eden 911 Office
- Judy Wortkoetter-Land Development Division
- Kurt Walters-Engineering
- Meghan Staten-Zoning
- Patty Wright-Flood Plan Management
- Keith (last name inaudible)….. Service District
Each member of the committee spoke regarding what was needed for the developer to proceed. County Engineer Judy Wortkoetter rendered an opinion that was informative and well constructive.
Here is Ms. Wortkoetter’s statement:
This plan does not show how the development will meet the County Storm Water Ordinance for water quantity or water quality. City of Greer CPW will need to provide a letter that they do not have to meet the water quantity requirements and I don’t see how this site is going to meet the water quality requirements for runoff. Approval from the Corp of Engineers is required due to wetlands located on the site. The County will require a 35’ buffer around that wetland.
What is the plan is for the rest of the parcel listed as “future development”? This area is considered part of a larger common plan for storm water management. Roadside runoff from Groce Meadow Road drains through part of this parcel listed as “septic tank fields”, this is not ideal and could compromise the performance of the septic tanks. Will the lots be mass graded and how does this impact the septic tank areas? What is the grading plan for lots 66-74 given its proximity to the wetlands? If not mass graded, how will runoff from lots 48-56 be directed since septic tank areas (inaudible) adjoins the areas in the natural low spot? Studies have shown that septic tank fields within close proximity, 250’ feet to water bodies and wetlands, have a negative nutrient effect on water bodies. Due to the density of this site it would be my strong recommendation that this site tie into sewer versus the use of septic tanks. Otherwise, approval from DHEC of the site is required due to the septic tank fields proposed on this site. A letter from the City of Greer CPW will be required stating that the sewer is not available to service this development and that they are okay with the number of septic tanks draining to their water source. At this point I do not feel that the site meets the Storm Water requirements and should not be approved.”
Patty Wright
“This site is adjacent to special flood hazard area; section 8-40 of the Greenville County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance will apply. Including Section 8-29.1.9 engineering documentation will be required to verify that the proposed project does not impact the water course, the flood way, (inaudible) elevation or a (unintelligible) will be required. All proposed work may require a flood plain permit. All new structures must have the lowest floor, including utilities elevated at least four feet above the (unintelligible) elevation.”
Rashida Jeffers-Campbell, the Subdivision Administrator weighed in with commentary regarding general requirements for roads and road signage. She also stated the following:
Rashida Jeffers-Campbell
The current parcel is a large tract of land with only a small portion being developed but with the majority of the parcel not being developed, labeled only as “future development”. It appears the parcel will be subdivided as well. We need more information on the proposed land use for all of the property. Is it the development of a Tiny Home community with permanent structures or temporary structures or are these camper spaces or a combination of the two uses? We need more info on the Farmers Cove and the overall Master Plan……………..We are not able to determine if a Traffic Impact Study is needed at this time due to the lack of information available at this time……An outparcel is shown with frontage the south line of 290. We are not sure about intended access. An access easement needs to be shown from the coffee shop parcel to this outparcel. Separate, individual, driveway access will not be given to the outparcel. Run turning templates for RV’s and trucks pulling campers to determine the proposed driveway design if the proposed driveway design is sufficient for the proposed land use. SCDOT requests the right to review the final plat prior to recording and finally SCDOT does not recommend approval at this time due to the uncertainty of the land use of the proposed development as well as uncertainty of the remainder of the parcels shown as future development.”
Ms. Jeffers-Campbell asked if there were questions or comments from the applicant or the authorized rep of the applicant.
A gentleman who responded to this query stood up and gave a brief statement. Because he did not have a microphone I did not capture his statement clearly, or its entirety but he following is what is available:
REP: The only comment is as afar as the highway (Unintelligible) As far as storm water…we’ve done three or four of these….. We’ve already submitted a letter to Greer CPW for their position(?) waiver which they have given us in the past.
The rep was asked if CPW had already seen the plan as far as the amount of area being designated as septic tank and he replied “Yes, I’ve talked to Kevin Riordan and I’ll send him all the details. We’ve dealt with them on similar type of projects and they don’t’ have a problem.”
He stated that these are proposals and the exact location of septic tanks will come from DHEC.
SAC Member inquiry: “We want to see that, until that’s done and we know where the septic tanks are going to be in relation to….” REP: “We’ve already submitted that. We’ve got an application in”
Agenda item #1 Farmers Cove was concluded at this time.
If you are apposed to the Farmers Cove project there is an online petition located HERE that you can sign.
Click HERE for Greenville Online article about the Farmers Cove Project.