The town of Tyrone’s master plan for revitalizing downtown took a major hit Thursday night as the Town Council denied developer Burt Clark’s zoning request for more than 50 acres of prime downtown real estate near Palmetto Road and Swanson Road.

The denial made many in the large crowd happy who told the Town Council that increased density was not what the town needs to breathing new life into downtown.

Clark wanted to change the land use from single family to multi-family to allow for a senior residential community.

“Sewer is not available and this increase the density by five times. You’re asking for eight units per acre,” said Councilman Grace Caldwell.

While Caldwell spoke her mind, Mayor Sheryl Lee sat quietly next to town attorney Brad Sears. Lee had recused herself from any of the discussion on the property because she owns an adjoining parcel.

Caldwell also complained about the environmental hazards at the site.

“There’s one pile of tires that has to be more than 1,000 tires,’ she added.
In staff’s presentation about the project, town manager Barry Amos said the town’s planner had recommended the issue be deferred until the town learned if excess sewer capacity was available.

But tabling the issue drew the ire of Councilwoman Caldwell.
“I want to discuss this now,’ she said.

And discuss it they did, as residents made the trek to the podium to voice their opposition.
“We liked the low density and the sleepy town feel,” said John Watkins.

“It’s just not going to work. Nobody wants to live and work in the same place,” said Gail Onesi.

One of the few supporters was Sybil Stanak, who said she would love to move to a smaller lot and have less upkeep on her yard.

The Town Council agreed with the majority of the vocal residents and voted to deny the rezoning and variance requests for the property. The issue was decided by a 2-1 vote with Councilmen Caldwell and Gloria Furr voting against the rezoning. Councilman Smola supported it, while Councilman Paul Letourneau could not vote, because he was acting in the role of mayor pro-tem.