Areas on both sides of the Saluda River in Piedmont are seeing tremendous growth with sixteen large subdivisions either planned or already underway.
Some residents of the area want to plan for the impact of the growth and for preserving Piedmont’s identity and natural resources as it happens.
Members of a newly formed organization, Piedmont Community Alliance, are already working with Greenville County Long Range Planning and Anderson County Planning to develop an Area Plan for the Piedmont community.
“We are a community organization committed to advocating for the conservation of our natural resources, preserving street trees, promoting bike lanes, and enhancing walkability,” Piedmont Community Alliance spokesperson Sarah Lyons recently said. “We believe that sustainable and controlled growth are essential for our community to thrive economically while preserving our unique identity and abundance of natural resources.”
“Our vision is to create a vibrant, livable community where every member can enjoy the benefits of progress without compromising our cherished natural assets, and we are dedicated to using available resources to advocate for responsible land use.”
Organizers are in the process of applying for 501C3 status as a non-profit.
They are currently working with the following officials:
From Greenville County – Rick Bradley, County Council – District 26; Tee Coker, Assistant Administrator – Community Planning and Development; Rashida Jeffers-Campbell, Planning Director; A. Tyler Stone, Long Range Planning Manager; Suzanne Terry, Planner II; Austin Lovelace, Planner II, Project Manager; Saeideh Sobhaninia, Planner II and Guadalupe Franchi, Long Range Planning Intern.
From Anderson County – Jimmy Davis County Council District 6; Jon Caime, Special Projects Manager and Alesia Hunter Planning and Development Director.
Members of the Alliance are in the process of working on an Area Plan for the Piedmont area.
The Area Plan document will serve as a guide to Anderson and Greenville County councils, boards, and commissions when making decisions affecting the Piedmont community.
Several input meetings are planned for June.
According to the Piedmont Community Alliance website, an Area Plan is a strategic document that guides the future development and growth of a specific community. It is a community-driven effort that involves gathering input from various stakeholders including citizens, businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and others.
The final document, while non-binding, will serve as a guide to Anderson and Greenville County councils, boards, and commissions when making decisions affecting the Piedmont community, created by the Piedmont community.
“Overall, an area plan provides a roadmap for the physical, social, and economic development of an area, guiding decision-making, promoting coordinated growth, and fostering a desirable and resilient future for the community, ” the website states.
Some of the factors considered in an Area Plan include: Community engagement, Design, Economic development, Historic preservation, Housing, Land use, Natural resources, Parks and recreational facilities, Social equity and well-being, Transportation, Parks, Schools and Population.
Growth the area is seeing is the driving force behind the need for a plan.
The following major subdivisions are either under construction or approved by Planning Commissions in either Anderson County or Greenville County: Acadia on Highway 153 – 18 new lots; Bluffton Valley on Highway 17 – 23 lots; Brook Valley on Payne Drive – 73 lots; Campbridge Creek on Furr Road – 277 lots; Cloverdale Hills on Bessie Road – 63 lots; Cottonwood Ridge on Bessie Road – 459 lots; Dogwood Ridge on Old River Road – 126 lots; Evergreen Hills on Bessie Road – 100 lots; Grove Creek on Old Pelzer Road – 340 lots; Holiday Farm on Shiloh Road – 55 lots; River’s Edge on River Road – 61 lots; Riverwood Farm on Old River Road – 247 lots; Shiloh Valley on Shiloh Church Road – 162 lots; Southpark on Furr Road – 37 new lots; Walls at Rivers Edge on Anderson Street – 116 townhomes; Woodglen on Highway 86 – 592 lots; Woodmont Springs on Bessie Road – 277 lots/units.
The number of Approved Housing Units around Piedmont currently total 3,026.
Residential growth is not the only growth the area is seeing.
Also planned is Piedmont Riverfront Park, being developed by Anderson County on River Road at the confluence of the Saluda River and Big Brushy Creek. The initial phase will include an accessible kayak launch and sidewalk.
AnMed Health is currently constructing a new Ambulatory Care Center facility on Highway 86 at the corner of Old Williamston Road. The facility will provide emergency medical services, physical therapy, and routine healthcare. Construction is expected to be completed by 2025.
Additional information about the Area Plan and Piedmont can be found on the PCA website www.piedmontcommunityalliance.org
The website includes information on local events, a list of local businesses, and information about local organizations and non-profits including: Piedmont Emergency Relief Center, Piedmont Historical Preservation Society and Museum, Upstate Cemetery Preservation Alliance of South Carolina, Bonnes Amies Club, Bridge327, Piedmont Artist Guild, Piedmont Crime Watch, Piedmont Forever Young Club, Piedmont Lions Club, Piedmont Mothers Club, Rose Hill Cemetery Association, Piedmont Village Christmas Lights and Appalachian Ministries of The Carolinas.
There is also a list of Piedmont area churches and links
Kickoff and Public meetings are planned for June and July.
Scheduled Meetings and Events include: Kickoff Meeting #1 June 1; Kickoff Meeting #2 June 2; Chalk Piedmont Event June 27; Public Meeting #1 June 29; Talk Piedmont Event* July 10; Public Meeting #2 July 12; Walk Piedmont Event July 25; Public Meeting #3 July 31; Public Workshop #1 August 21 and Public Workshop #2 August 31.
Locations for events and meeting will be announced closer to the event.
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