TRAVELERS REST, S.C. - In a 5-1 vote, the Travelers Rest Planning Commission recommended that the annexation and rezoning requests for the proposed Inn at Altamont should be denied.

The decision comes after residents of Travelers Rest spoke in opposition of the proposed $60 million development at a public hearing Thursday night.

Some concerns shared at the meeting include the development’s impact on the environment and traffic safety.

“Our comprehensive plan as a town explicitly calls for smart community driven growth, not oversized developments that risk overwhelming our infrastructure.” Said Greenville County resident, Sheryl Guarniero.

Krut Patel, CEO of Divine Group, gave a brief presentation about the development at Thursday’s hearing and shared how his team is working to address some of those concerns.

Some of the proposed solutions include partnering with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), mitigating environmental impacts using sustainable practices, and establishing programs to give back to the community. Patel also says the project will create up to 100 new jobs. 

In order for the 150,000 square-foot project to move forward however, Divine Group must get two parcels of land in Greenville County approved for annexation and rezoned into the Travelers Rest city limits. 

This is where the commission has voted to recommend that request be denied.

Two approved readings by City Council are required for final passage but because of the vote, as well as a legal protest filing, the City Council can only approve the matter with a three-quarters supermajority vote. 

If approved, Divine Group officials say they plan on opening The Inn at Altamont in 2030.