Sumter County Council denies heavy‑industrial rezoning for Guignard Parkway property

Sumter County Council denied second reading of RZ-25-17 on Nov. 25, 2025, rejecting an applicant’s request to rezone roughly 2.2 acres at 1650 S. Guignard Parkway from Agricultural Conservation (AC) to Heavy Industrial (HI).

Helen Roodman, planning staff, told council the request was compatible with the county’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and that the Planning Commission recommended approval. The applicant, Raymond Smith, asked for the rezoning to expand manufacturing and assembly operations, stating his nearby operation had minimal impact on neighbors.

Several nearby residents opposed the change during the public hearing. Jimmy Golden cited traffic concerns and the property’s proximity to churches and homes; Jacqueline Wright and Pauline Anderson raised safety and neighborhood‑compatibility issues. Councilman Charles T. Edens moved to deny second reading; Councilmember Tasha Gardner‑Greene seconded. The motion carried 5–1; one councilmember was absent.

After the vote, Smith returned during public comment and expressed disappointment with the council’s decision, saying he faces difficulty finding affordable locations to relocate his business.

Because council denied second reading, the property’s zoning remains Agricultural Conservation. No further action was recorded at the meeting.