CLEMSON — Officials for a proposed Lowe’s store in Clemson told members of the planning commission this week that they have reduced the size of its proposed building in response to concerns by affected residents living nearby.

Planning Director Sharon Richardson said the size of the building, proposed for property at U.S. Highway 123 and Issaqueena Trail, where previous efforts to construct a Wal-Mart, will now consist of 137,000 square feet. Original plans called for a total of 157,000 square feet.

“After Lowe’s finished the market study, they felt it would be more appropriate for the Clemson market,” Richardson said.

David Harner, vice-president of Paramount Development Corporation, met with 35 residents of Ashley Estates and Camelot subdivisions in June to hear concerns about noise, buffering, drainage, screening and lighting that would be impacted by the store’s location.

Also during that month, more than 60 residents jammed City Hall to hear Harner’s presentation to the planning commission and to voice concerns. Those concerns also included the store’s impact on traffic, an area planning officials also felt needed to be addressed.

Richardson said Lowe’s has since taken action in response to concerns. Besides reducing the store size, a type of lighting with no upward or side projection would be used, she said.

In addition, Richardson said Lowe’s, at the planning staff’s request, has moved its delivery and drop-off points further away to minimize noise to surrounding areas. She also said the store is looking into changing some of its storm water management plans by installing an above-ground storm water system.

Lowe’s and planning commission members also discussed tree replantings and design and appearance related issues.

“It was a very productive meeting with productive dialogue exchanged from both sides,” Richardson said.

Harner said in July that Lowe’s wanted to be a good corporate neighbor for Clemson and its residents.

“We will do our best to make it customer-friendly,” Harner said of the store.

Harner added that Lowe’s would produce one third of the volume and one third of the traffic at that site as opposed to Wal-Mart.

Richardson said Lowe’s officials will now await the completion of a traffic study, estimated for September, before formally submitting plans and illustrations to the commission. Once reviewed by the commission, plans will be forwarded to Clemson City Council with the commission’s recommendation.

Two readings and a public hearing are required before final approval can be given. Richardson said the documents are expected to be ready for presentation to planning committee members by their October meeting.