This Tuesday (September 5th), the East Lynne Neighborhood Association(ELNA) hosted a neighborhood meeting to discuss the Whataburger special exemption application requesting permission to operate a 24-hour drive-thru at 1601 Laurens Rd. At that meeting, Whataburger representative Anita Thomas and project developer Bill Runge of Collett, presented the project to and answered questions from East Lynne residents. Also on hand were representatives from the city planning staff as well as city council members Dorthy Dowe and Wil Brasington. The meeting was well attended by East Lynne residents and ample opportunity was given for attendees to ask questions and express concerns.
On Friday(Sept 8th) the City Of Greenville planning staff released the “Planning Staff Report to Board of Zoning Appeals”. This analysis by the planning department recommended that the Board of Zoning Appeals “DENY” the Whataburger Special Exemption Application to operate a 24 hour drive-thru at 1601 Laurens Road. This recommendation has been submitted to the BZA for their consideration.
The City of Greenville planning staff found the proposed 24-hour use to be incompatible with two key special exemption standards. (Standards c. & d. on pages 4/5 of the report) The full report can be accessed here:
Whataburger Planning Staff Report:
https://greenvillesc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/25327/23-0616-S-23-616-Agenda-Packet
On Thursday September 14th the Board of Zoning Appeals(BZA) will be holding a meeting to solicit public input on the Whataburger special exemption application prior to voting on the matter. East Lynne residents interested in influencing the board vote are encouraged to participate.
Mike Austin, the ELNA organizer, will be attending the meeting and speaking before the BZA board to relay ELNA’s understanding of the neighborhood’s level of support/opposition of the proposed special exemption. Residents concerned about this matter (opposed or for) are encouraged to also participate.
People interested in speaking are encouraged to see the standards information HERE and keep comments pertinent to the special exemption standards criteria. Commentary that does not speak to the four standards listed for making this decision will not be taken into account by the board.
