PICKENS — Hundreds of concerned residents showed up on Monday night to the Pickens County Planning Commission to voice their disapproval for a proposed housing development near Glassy Mountain.

According to the application submitted to the Commission, the development — which would call for more than 250 homes on 182 acres of property — is owned by Florida company Glassy Mountain Holdings, LLC under the representation of William Fendley.

The nine-page application is dated November, 2014.

In the letter of intent submitted to the Committee, Fendley writes the site will be “designed to promote the natural setting of the mountain” and to provide “the optimum view amenity present on this incredible geologic site.”

In the interests of transparency, County Councilman Wes Hendricks held an informational meeting for residents prior to Monday’s Planning Commission meeting and has been pushing the issue on social media sites.

Topics discussed ranged from potential effects on the environment, pollution, erosion and strain on the water supply for community residents to road usage, traffic increase and effects on Ambler Elementary student population.

Most residents at the meeting voiced concerns about wildlife and plant life as the area is a known and widely used wildlife conduit.

“As a community, we all need to be aware of what is being proposed,” wrote Hendricks. “It’s very important we do what’s best for our community. Everyone’s input is important.”

Despite resident’s misgivings, Fendley’s application for the development was passed 5-0 with Commission Chair Bill Cato stating the commission follows county planning rules — and is not based on people saying “we don’t want this here.”

Hundreds of concerned residents showed up on Monday night to the Pickens County Planning Commission to voice their disapproval for a proposed housing development near Glassy Mountain.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_Glassy1.jpgHundreds of concerned residents showed up on Monday night to the Pickens County Planning Commission to voice their disapproval for a proposed housing development near Glassy Mountain. Courtesy photo

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.