Seneca welcomes developer’s ambitious plans

A regulatory board in Seneca welcomed the ambitious plans of an Atlanta developer to convert a dilapidated former textile property into a multi-housing complex inside an economic opportunity zone adjoining the Utica Community.  This was accomplished on two votes last night by the city planning commission:  one to annex what used to be a J-P Stevens plant and the second assigning to the property the designation of a PD-R—planned development residential.  Planning chairman Barry Duvall said the project is a “no brainerish” one and, in the words of fellow commissioner Keith Hart, will eradicate blight at 1300 E. South Sixth Street.  Developer John Gumpert invited the commission to see an example of what he’s already doing to revitalize a former textile property in the Anderson County town of Pendleton.  For Seneca, the project referred to as “Seneca Mill Lofts” will be undertaken in four phases, with phases one and four to be undertaken simultaneously.  Gumpert predicted work on the property is likely to become visible by the end of the year.  The planning commission votes last night are recommendations for city council, but Duvall sought to assure Gumpert the council rarely disagrees with them.