It was a closely contested vote but the 1st reading of a plan to build a new housing complex passed the Clemson City Council, last night. The council voted 4-3 on rezoning a property near Abernathy Park and Lake Hartwell.
The proposal calls for the property to be classified as a planned development district. The developer plans to turn the property into a housing complex. The new complex would have 450 apartment and townhome units, it also would include retail and green space.
Some residents are against the development, a group of them gathered outside city hall Monday night to protest the new development. One person against it is Jo Ann Abernathy, the widow of late Clemson Mayor Larry Abernathy, whom the park is named after.
Growing traffic issues are the #1 complaint for those against it. The Council plans to revisit the issue at its next meeting. The rezoning plan still has to pass another vote before it becomes official.