Forest Acres Considers Ordinance to Reshape Covenant Crossing Area

New restrictions proposed on smoke shops, alcohol sales in growing commercial district

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Forest Acres City Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would prohibit new smoke and vape shops from opening in the Covenant Crossing overlay district, as well as restrict the sale of beer, wine, and liquor in the area. The goal is to encourage a different mix of businesses and guide future development in the growing commercial corridor.

Why it matters

The Covenant Crossing area has seen an influx of residential growth with several new apartment complexes, prompting concerns from city leaders about the types of businesses opening in the district. The proposed ordinance aims to steer the area towards more family-friendly retail and dining options.

The details

Under the proposed ordinance, new smoke and vape shops would be prohibited from opening within the Covenant Crossing overlay district. The measure would also restrict the sale of beer, wine, and liquor in the area. City Councilman Stephen Oliver said the proposal is partly driven by concerns about the surrounding residential population, noting that the city would "love a new family restaurant to come in that area" and "some retail shops to come in that area" instead of businesses "taking advantage of those residents".

  • The Covenant Crossing overlay district was recently designated by city leaders.
  • The proposed ordinance came before the Forest Acres City Council in early 2026.

The players

Forest Acres City Council

The governing body of the city of Forest Acres, South Carolina, which is considering the proposed ordinance.

Stephen Oliver

A Forest Acres City Councilman who supports the proposed ordinance, citing concerns about the types of businesses opening near new apartment complexes in the Covenant Crossing area.

Haskell Kibler

A Forest Acres City Councilman who made a motion to defer the proposed ordinance to allow for additional review based on concerns raised by the Planning Commission.

Forest Acres Planning Commission

The city's planning advisory board, which advised against approving the ordinance in its current form due to concerns that the language could unintentionally limit future grocery stores or restaurants that serve alcohol.

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What they’re saying

“We've got three major apartment complexes there and I just kind of feel like those type of businesses coming in is really taking advantage of those residents. They put up neon flashy lights, things that appeal to kids, things that draw their attention all the time. That's not the look we're going for in that area. We'd love a new family restaurant to come in that area. We'd love some retail shops to come in that area.”

— Stephen Oliver, Forest Acres City Councilman (wltx.com)

“I'll make a motion to defer it and let us do a little more homework and research based on Planning Commission comments.”

— Haskell Kibler, Forest Acres City Councilman (wltx.com)

What’s next

City staff will now revise the proposed ordinance and present an updated draft to the City Council for further consideration. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled once the revised ordinance is ready for review.

The takeaway

The proposed ordinance in Forest Acres highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing commercial development with the needs and concerns of surrounding residential communities. By restricting certain types of businesses, city leaders aim to shape the future of the Covenant Crossing area, but must also carefully consider the broader implications for the local economy and community.