Sandell Inc., Simpsonville, and SRW Properties LLC have received an important recommendation to move forward on the proposed 300-acre Bush River Resort at 1216 North Sloan St., Clinton.
The Clinton Planning Commission voted 5-2 on Tuesday to recommend to the full City Council a request to rezone 44 acres from residential to commercial in the residential areas of North Sloan, Bluford and Elizabeth Streets. Eventually, developers want an entrance off Forest Road and, after that, a way to enter the property from Hwy 308, which connects to I-385.
The approval is contingent on an opinion from City Attorney Alan Wham that this is not considered “spot zoning.” Planning Commission members were concerned that a large shed was constructed on the property prior to the rezoning request, but it was explained that “a shed” is permissible under residential zoning.
Eventually, developers want to place a large RV Park, swimming pool and spa, restaurant and amenities, cabins, zip-lines and other activities for individuals and for corporate team-building, and shooting clays range on the site.
Residents asked questions about traffic and noise. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing at which 4 people spoke about the project which, before now, had never been publicly presented.
Clinton City Council makes the ultimate decision about rezoning the 44 acres that serves as the project’s initial footprint, inside the city limits, and the rest of the 300 acres is outside the city limits. Laurens County also has a RV Parks ordinance but does not have a Zoning ordinance.
Developers said they want to bring families together through recreation and create a destination for Clinton. Bush River Resort will be a family-safe environment that tests people’s skills, a retreat for events like corporations’ team building, a food, retail and lodging site, and a place that teaches the future generation about family values.
Initially, there will be parking for 250 cars and 50 campers, with 30 amp and 50 amp hook-ups. A bunk house will offer showering and relaxation amenities. The property will be surrounded by a privacy fence and buffering required by the Clinton zoning ordinance. Colors will be earth-tones, and landscaping will take the natural contours of the land into account.
Sandell Inc. also will have a building supplies business on the site.
Developers say they have a “heart for the community” and at some point can offer a program to repair and upgrade local houses using their own labor and equipment, and can work with local groups to host fund-raisers.
The phased approach to developing the property will start with a $3 Million investment.
If this one is successful, developers say that want to open another “fun outdoor experience,” perhaps in or near Clinton.
Planning for this Phase 1 came to the City in November, 2021, but developers say they ran into roadblocks getting deeds and contracting/engineering delays. The shortage shed currently on the property is 14,000 sq ft, the Planning Commission was told. The City of Clinton does not have an ordinance governing RV Parks, but this portion of the development will be “in the county,” developers said. At some point, cabins could be for sale, but not in the city — in the county, developers said.
Find the Planning Commission meeting here.
