Lowe's: 116,000-square-foot store here
Published on 5/8/2008
Written by Tommy Howard
Beyond that, there would be a garden center, covered area and shade structure adjacent to the building. That area would be more than 25,000 square feet, for a total of more than 141,000 square feet. Those figures don't include receiving and storage areas at the rear of the store, nor a truck well and generator pad.
It's not a done deal, attorney Richard Smith said, but the site plan shows a lot of thought has gone into the planning.
During the May 1 meeting, as previously reported in the Georgetown Times, city planners approved a sign plan, viewed the site plan and approved annexation of the property into the city and automatic rezoning to General Commercial. Those approvals or recommendations must be agreed to by City Council before they become effective.
Overall, the property is about 27.5 acres in size. It's currently owned by East Rosemont Limited Partnership, represented by attorney Dan Stacy. Smith represents buyers who would purchase the land and then lease the property or building to Lowe's.
From that larger parcel, four "out lots" would be carved. The Lowe's Tract would be 21.14 acres. Three of the "out lots" are almost two acres in size and the fourth is more than three-fourths of an acre. Two of the "out lots" -- along Summit Avenue -- would remain in their natural state.
The proposed site plan shows two primary entrances along U.S. Highway 701/North Fraser Street. There are also two curb cuts shown going into the "out lots."
Along Summit Avenue, there are two main entries to the Lowe's parcel, and one more curb cut into an "out lot." The rear-most entry on Summit Avenue would be designed for shipping and receiving, but there are currently no plans shown that would prevent personal vehicles from using that entry.
Parking would be in front of the Lowe's store along North Fraser Street. The site plan appears to have about 300 parking spaces in front, and another 100 or so near the garden center. That's the side closest to Summit Avenue.
When the Planning Commission held its special meeting last week, the agenda item indicated a sign plan was up for consideration, along with annexation of the property into the city limits. Right now, the line between the city and county is on the south side of the property adjacent to where the Wendy's Restaurant is located.
While there was a legal display advertisement in the Georgetown Times about the meeting, there was no separate notice to the news department.
The only people present for the meeting were seven of the nine members of the Planning Commission, three members of the city's planning staff, the two attorneys and a reporter for the Times. No member of the public attended the meeting.
Director Sabrina Morris of the Building and Planning Department said the request for the property would be a regular annexation of the entire 27.5-acre property. That makes it automatically zoned as R-1, Low Density Residential. The annexation request included a provision that, if approved, the parcel would immediately be rezoned to General Commercial.
Contained in the provisions for signage were requests for "pylon" signs. Those would have had 35-foot-high poles with a billboard-style sign on top of the pole. The requested pylon signs were subsequently turned down by commissioners.
There will be one large "monument sign," similar to the one along North Fraser Street in front of Wal-Mart. Several smaller signs will be allowed, including signs on the buildings and at the entry/exit points of the property.
Morris said that deliveries would be made before and after school.
Traffic concerns
The nearness of the Lowe's store to Kensington Elementary School several years ago and people's concerns about traffic ultimately led to Lowe's decision to seek a location elsewhere. The company then wanted to build on a 19-acre parcel at the South Causeway to Pawleys Island.
A campaign using the slogan "Don't Box the Neck," led in part by Glen O'Connell who was later elected to Georgetown County Council, led to defeat of a rezoning of that property in 2004.
Now, Lowe's is once again planning to build a store on the same property it previously considered.
While there are still people who voice their concerns about traffic and nearness to Kensington Elementary, others say those opponents don't represent them. They say they are tired of driving to Pawleys Island, Surfside Beach or Myrtle Beach to purchase items from the stores in those areas.
Overlay district
Morris said that City Council could create a special sign overlay district for parcels 10 acres in size or more. Because of that provision of the overall city sign ordinance, such a parcel would not need a variance but would be its own stand-alone district.
In discussion before casting their vote on signage, members made it clear that they would not approve pylon-style signs.
"What we are trying to avoid is having billboards," Don Glewwe said. "It isn't in feeling with what we want to do. Something smaller, but monument style, would be appropriate to me."
After Smith commented that the Wal-Mart sign -- several hundred feet away -- would block the proposed Lowe's sign, Gerald Williams said "As far as the sign and visibility, everyone will know where Lowe's is."
Ultimately, planners agreed to allow monument signs and signs on buildings, but no pylon signs.
When it came time to vote on annexation and automatic rezoning, Williams said, "I would like to have the distinct privilege of (offering a) motion for R1 to General Commercial, and also annexation." The motion carried unanimously by the seven commissioners present.
Following the vote, chairman Bill Hartis asked, "Does this mean you guys are in due diligence?"
"There are some issues still to be resolved," Stacy said. "It's not a completed transaction."
The Planning Commission recommendation will go to City Council for its consideration.
If Council does not approve the rezoning, or if the transaction is not completed, the annexation and rezoning would be voided.
On 5/28/2008, Living in the future...not the past. said...· (Report Comment)
Only in Georgetown, South Carolina would anyone call 701 a "traffic problem." You people need to leave town at some point in your life. If it were up to you Georgetown would still look like Maybury.
On 5/22/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
All I can say is IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!
On 5/20/2008, seriously said...· (Report Comment)
No one here is thinking about themselves. We are thinking about the community and the well being of our city. I was born and raised in Georgetown and I would like to see other people come here and enjoy it. For me, generating economy is more important than worrying about your traffic concerns. No local government can stay within the confines of a budget and everyone knows that. So that isn't really a viable argument.
On 5/19/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
I say bring it on every city needs a good building center where you don't have to drive so far to get the things you need and really there isn't any place like that anywhere around this area we need it
On 5/19/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
If you don't want a lowes that bad, then tell them to build it in Andrews on 521. It would bring the jobs here and give us more of an economy. Andrew's economy is dwindling because there is Nothing here. If no one can decide where they want it, just suggest 521 near Andrews, they have a whole place already made where they could put it.
On 5/16/2008, mercedes_lady29440 said...· (Report Comment)
I think it will be a very good thing for a Lowe's to come to Gerogetown. You people on 701 fuss about it but if you take time to think ,wherever a Lowe's Store goes it is not very long before a Home Depot follows . I for one would love to have either store in Maryville or out on 17 South. Lowe's Lover says a lot .
On 5/13/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
Why can't Lowes be built in the old abandoned Wal-Mart building and the wooded lot next to it? Wouldn't that get rid of an eyesore and create less of a traffic issue next to Kensington elementary school?
On 5/12/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
I hope the ones who are holding back letting Lowes come will take a look at the big picture. Georgetown is a great town to live in but we need somewhere to shop for last minute projects and the local small pop places are not open late nor open on Sunday. I welcome Lowes.
On 5/12/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
Lowes is an economic opportunity for Georgetown that should not be missed. When a working man has to spend a half of a day and $25 in gas to get materials that are not available in Georgetown,not to mention battling summer beach traffic, i cannot imagine why anyone would not encourage and support it. God save us from the NIMBYS ( not in my back yard)
On 5/10/2008, Piddler said...· (Report Comment)
...for the city and great for the citizens. It may hurt a few like Dawson's Lumber but it's going to happen sooner or later. Lowe's is determined to be in this area and they will be. There will be many full-time and part-time jobs I'm sure. I guess Table was trying to type Wal-Mart.
On 5/10/2008, table1945 said...· (Report Comment)
Build it somewhere else than the area next to wall mark. You people have lost your mind this will cause more traffic problems and we don’t need more traffic on 701. Its’ easy for people who want be affect by this traffic problem where you live. All you people think of is yourself and tax money for the city. If the City, county, state and federal government would live within a budget they wouldn't have a problem to run the government off the money it received from tax payers.
On 5/9/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
This is a Great opportunity for this city. Think about the jobs that would be created as a result of a new Lowes store. No more long trips to the beach..
On 5/9/2008, said...· (Report Comment)
I think it would be great for Georgetown.Think of the tax revenue
On 5/9/2008, more jobs said...· (Report Comment)
Think of the number of jobs it will bring to our area as well.
On 5/9/2008, Lowes-Lover said...· (Report Comment)
In addition to the cost of gas to drive to Horry County, that is money our county loses by not having a Lowes.
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