At the forefront of the meeting’s agenda, the board approved an amendment to The Exchange Place North Redevelopment plan that would allow long-term care facilities and hospitals as permitted principal uses. This decision, which will now be forwarded to the city council for formal adoption, has the potential to affect healthcare accessibility and the local economy. In conjunction with this, the board also passed an amendment to the Jackson Hill Redevelopment plan to permit expansion where restaurant Category 3 drive-thrus currently legally exist and approved an amendment to the Greenville Industrial Redevelopment plan, creating the Linden Avenue East remediation and improvement bonus.

A focal point of the meeting was the conditional use application for a Class A cannabis retailer on Martin Luther King Drive, which had already secured approval from the Cannabis Control Board. The property owner, Naima Terry, shared her vision for the business, underscoring its prospective community contribution. Architectural plans for the building were discussed, including the addition of a handicap ramp, an exit stair, a roof deck, and a stair bulkhead. The architectural testimony highlighted the secure storage and sale of cannabis products and the inclusion of a green roof and sidewalk repairs.

The board then deliberated on a new building proposal with a retail store on the ground floor, office space on the second, and a green roof. The project’s presenter detailed a clean leaf air filtration system to manage odors and outlined security measures, noise control, and lighting. No public comments were made on this proposal, which was eventually approved by the board with conditions, including the installation of the green roof preceding the certificate of occupancy and an application to the city council for constructing a ramp on city right-of-way.

Further discussions involved administrative amendments to Herby Tower 2 and Tower 3, where the applicant requested a decrease in the total number of residential units. The presentation on this topic included changes to the Greenway Plaza space and modifications to the building’s facade and retail unit configurations. The board approved these alterations, with staff acknowledging the enhanced green area ratio and environmental benefits despite potential trade-offs related to public space accessibility.

The board also examined a site plan amendment for a property at 232 to 238 Sip Avenue, which entailed an increase in residential units and the introduction of a garage. The project’s design changes were outlined, focusing on the layout and functionality of the added cellar level and new parking and office spaces. The board heard testimony on the topographic challenges of the site and the rationale behind various variances sought for the project.

In addition to these items, the meeting agenda covered a development project featuring a roof-level terrace and several architectural enhancements. Proposed variances related to this project were discussed, with a local resident expressing support for the initiative, citing its potential to rejuvenate the area.