Marina re-zoning recommended

Lake Keowee Marina expansion received a favorable vote last night by the Seneca Planning Commission.  The planning commissioners voted 4-0 to recommend a zoning change that’ll allow the marina new facilities for boat service and storage off the Old Salem Road.  The change will be subject to city council action November 8 and December 13.  Last night’s hearing to consider a PD-C (planned development-commercial) zone for 11.6 acres belonging to the marina drew a large crowd to city hall chambers.  And there was divided opinion in the audience as to whether the re-zoning is best for those who live nearby.  However, it appeared that Lake Keowee Marina’s application—and pre-hearing preparations—made good impression on the planning commissioners.  For one, Matthew Durham complimented the marina for holding meetings with residential neighbors ahead of time –even though one Marina Bay property owner complained later she was not included.  The planning commissioners took into account several issues pertaining to changing RM-16 property to PD-C including the need of the long-time marina to replace outdated boat servicing facilities with those capable of handling modern-day watercraft.  The commission also heard concerns that if the re-zoning is not granted, the property owner could develop the 11.6 acres into multi-family housing, which could impact the value of single-family homes in the lake area.