FLORENCE — A proposed market on South Irby Road is elevating concern that it’ll deliver elevated visitors and convey extra homeless individuals to the realm.

The market— positioned at 711 S. Irby Road, the place Orangeland Seafood restaurant was previously positioned— is designed to extend the accessibility of recent native produce for individuals in Florence.

However opponents, seven of whom have spoken at public conferences, argue the property doesn’t have sufficient parking to accommodate clients, will improve congestion and supply an area for people who find themselves homeless to congregate, which is able to all negatively have an effect on native enterprise homeowners.

Rev. Leo Woodberry, govt director of the New Alpha Neighborhood Growth Corp., which is behind the challenge, in addition to the pastor at Kingdom Residing Temple, which sits on the adjoining property, stated the issues are unfounded.

“I completely do not see any foundation the truth is or actuality about something that they are saying,” he stated.

The challenge is on maintain after Florence’s Design Assessment Board requested for extra details about the plans earlier than approving or denying the market’s software.

At an April board assembly, when the plan was launched, Woodberry stated the market could have an identical design to the flea market on East Palmetto Road.

There could be a semi-permanent construction, equivalent to an open shed, and a number of other momentary tents arrange when the market is in operation throughout common enterprise hours Friday via Sunday 26 weeks of the 12 months. Woodberry stated indigenous vegetation will beautify the property.

Outdoors of these plans, Woodberry stated the group is keen to work with town to adjust to the design tips for the Irby Road hall, one of many areas town has targeted redevelopment efforts.

The market is a part of the New Alpha Neighborhood Growth Corp.’s broader work to advertise environmental justice, Woodberry stated in an interview. The market could be a chance for small, native farmers to promote their produce, and a supply for native, recent produce for Florence residents. There would even be coaching alternatives accessible to show individuals how one can use the meals that’s accessible.

Along with meals, the market additionally will promote title model clothes and family merchandise.

Parking was a important concern for quite a few individuals who spoke in opposition to the challenge. On-street parking shouldn’t be accessible within the space, and enterprise homeowners stated they didn’t need overflow visitors to park of their tons.

Cherie Springs, who owns Bazen’s restaurant throughout the road, stated Kingdom Residing Temple’s occasions often overflow already and that guests have ended up utilizing Bazen’s car parking zone previously. That’s not one thing that she desires to occur frequently, she stated.

The event company estimates the market could have a peak occupancy of 45 individuals, however opponents stated they assume many extra will come. Design Assessment Board members additionally questioned the methodology the company used, saying they should plan for the chance that occupancy will exceed 45.

At an occupancy of 45, town would require the market to have 20 parking areas, that are included within the web site plan.

Woodberry additionally stated Kingdom Residing Temple would be capable of present additional parking areas as wanted.

Woodberry stated parking issues are overblown and the market would be capable of present an acceptable variety of parking areas.

He identified the earlier occupant of the property was a seafood restaurant and stated he doesn’t assume congestion can be any extra of an issue than it was then.

“I can’t fathom why individuals would assume that there could be an issue of congestion, both with automobiles or with individuals,” he stated.

Opponents additionally stated they’re anxious the market will present a spot for people who find themselves homeless to collect. That will negatively have an effect on their companies, they stated.

Springs stated there are already quite a few people who find themselves homeless within the space and that the market, when it’s not in operation, would encourage their presence.

“We now have a really great amount of homeless individuals within the space. We provide them free meals. We’re completely happy to feed them. However I can’t have them hanging out and asking my clients for cash,” she stated in an interview.

Woodberry stated homelessness already exists within the space and that he doesn’t assume the market will exacerbate the issue.

Due largely to issues of congestion and homelessness, opponents additionally stated they consider the market will turn into an eyesore.

“My understanding is that this redevelopment of Irby Road was to boost Irby Road and enhance it. I feel that is in direct battle to that. I do not assume that is an enchancment of Irby Road,” stated Dewey Powers, who owns the State Farm workplace subsequent to the property.

Powers spoke on the April Design Assessment Board assembly.

Powers declined to reply questions from The Submit and Courier.

A number of individuals referenced the flea market on East Palmetto Road – which they stated was rundown and full of trash – they usually didn’t need one thing like that of their neighborhood.

However Woodberry in contrast the market to the Metropolis Heart Market downtown and stated he thinks it would enhance the standard of life within the space.

“That is the sort of factor that you just wish to have in order that individuals are interested in your metropolis,” he stated.

Members of the Design Assessment Board stated the plans they obtained have been too preliminary for them to make an knowledgeable determination. They really helpful on the April assembly, and Woodberry agreed, to defer approving the challenge till they might collect extra info.

Assistant Metropolis Supervisor Clint Moore stated town has not obtained any extra info from New Alpha Growth.