(excerpted from SCNOW.com) In other business, council members voted unanimously to defer action on a proposed rezoning for 1616 S. Coit Ave. near Timrod Park Developers want to upzone the property for a more aggressive business use. Neighbors are mostly against the idea. The deferral will allow the city more time to work on new zoning plans, but the only way the property gets rezoned any time soon is if the developers can reach some kind of accommodation with the neighbors.
“If we had voted on it today I’d have been against it,” Wukela said. “So now we have some more time. I’m leaving it up to you guys (the developer) to find some kind of solution here.”
TO READ FULL ARTICLE IN FMN from Tucker Mitchell CLICK HERE

Residents of Timrod Park vehemently oppose the rezoning of 616 S Coit St to B1(A) because:

1. All Coit Street properties were to be protected as limited business to provide our residents a much-needed buffer from Irby Street.
   
2. B-1(A) will allow businesses such as: 

• Credit Intermediation businesses - This drains money from low-income communities & exploits financial hardship for profit 

• Clothing and Accessory Stores; Furniture & Home Furnishings; Electronic and Appliances; Food Stores; Miscellaneous Retail Spaces-  There are plenty of spaces available on Irby Street to accommodate commercial retail.    

    3.   This designation will encourage commercial business encroachment in our neighborhood. This is a direct contradiction of the    “Neighborhood Conservation” designation that was approved by council in the Comprehensive Plan.   
    4.    Up-Zoning will directly impact the quality of life and property values in the Timrod Park Neighborhood.