The “Big Friendly” building in Ware Shoals could get hollowed out and prepped for a new use, if Ware Shoals moves forward with plans to propose that project for the 2024 Capital Project Sales Tax.

Across Greenwood County, municipalities and groups are preparing their project applications for possible funding through a 2024 CPST. The penny sales tax will be up for vote in November, and will include a list of projects to be funded using the tax’s revenues.

In the meantime, the commission in charge of selecting the projects that will make that list is soliciting applications. On Monday, the Ware Shoals properties and economic development committee discussed some ideas to get the town its piece of the CPST pie.

Kyle Campbell, the owner of Preservation South who Ware Shoals selected to manage the renovation of Katherine Hall under the 2016 CPST, spoke with the committee Monday to find out what it wants from the current town hall building. Formerly known as the “Big Friendly,” the building served as a company store for Riegel Mill and, in the 1930s, was a commercial center near Katherine Hall.

Campbell, who did an assessment of the building, said its lowered ceiling and partitioned internal rooms don’t make it particularly suitable for commercial use as it stands. The building offers a lot of square footage for a town hall that sees, at most, a half-dozen people in the building.

Campbell told the committee he saw the potential for the building, if hollowed out and refit, to house commercial space on its main floor, a boutique hotel or Airbnb-style rental space on the second floor and a grocery store or climate-controlled storage in the basement. The basement could also house municipal court, once town hall’s other functions are relocated to the renovated Katherine Hall.

If this were proposed as a CPST project, Campbell said he’d focus on stripping the building’s façade back to its pre-1950s brick front and remove all other non-historic elements.

“You’re thinking on the same page as I am,” said Mayor Bryan Ross.

Ross said he sees a path forward moving town hall’s functions into the soon-to-be renovated Katherine Hall while the city simultaneously pursues a new CPST project to prepare the “Big Friendly” building for a new purpose. He made a motion to condense and move the city’s offices.

“We have an opportunity here to get the town into a building that’s up to code,” Ross said. “We’re not even up to code here.”

Councilman Micheal Powell had his doubts. If Ware Shoals doesn’t get CPST approval for this project, what would become of the now-empty building? Powell said he was concerned a future council would sell the building in that case, and the town would lose the opportunity to shape the development at its center.

“Whether you get the next penny sales tax funding here or not, there’s other things you could be doing with this building,” Campbell said.

Ross’ motion failed, but Councilman Brandon White made a similar motion to consolidate and move town hall, contingent on the town getting draft architectural plans for what to do with the current town hall building, to be used in a CPST project application. This passed despite Powell’s dissent, and will go to the full town council for consideration at its next meeting.

Ross brought up another prospective CPST project: finishing elements of the town’s amphitheater. He told the committee he’d like to see a CPST project application to fund a restroom facility and a concessions stand.

The deadline for CPST project applications is Feb. 5.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Jan 11, 2024

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/ware-shoals-eyes-2024-cpst-projects/article_5d5f8da8-afe5-11ee-9f78-239d788b2ba6.html

TUESDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION AND COMMITTEE

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Presentation: Attorney Billy Garrett, judicial selection process for Greenwood County. New business: A. Update of Greenwood County operating and electric capital accounts — John Wiseman, Greenwood Capital B. Consideration to accept ownership of 1.04 acres of land (Parcel ID# 7813-469-370) on Carter Road for a volunteer fire station — Josh Skinner, CPST coordinator C. Consideration of an intergovernmental agreement pertaining to a joint medical examiner service for respective coroner’s offices — Sonny Cox, county coroner D. Consideration of revision to county policy 5.3 (g) compensation plan — Elizabeth Taylor, county attorney. E. Consideration of boundary line agreements as follows — Robert Russian, county engineer 307 Nautical Way Michael & Deborah Spicer 6897-092-880 Harborside 334 Compass Point John & Barbara Beauford 7806-846-649 Grand Harbor 114 Dunn Lane John & Nira Daleda 7815-775-600 Greenwood Shores 121 Belle Rive David & Kathleen Fitts 7807-076-523 Belle Rive 119 Belle Rive Dorothea & David Dancesia 7807-063-516 Belle Rive 117 Belle Rive Gerald & Donna Brooks 7807-049-510 Belle Rive 134 Natchez Trace Harvie & Patty Nunn 7815-898-646 Greenwood Shores 215 Agnew Road Cecil Skidgel 6869-011-889 Ligon Estates 292 Lakefield Road Terry & Kathy Hodge 371-00-00-014 N/A F. Resolution 2019-26 to transfer funds from the FY19 special appropriation fund’s fund balance to the FY20 operating fund -Derek Oliver, interim EMS director. Pending Items: Executive session: 1. Discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, a student, or a person regulated by a public body or the appointment of a person to a public body; however, if an adversary hearing involving the employee or client is held, the employee or client has the right to demand that the hearing be conducted publicly. Nothing contained in this item shall prevent the public body, in its discretion, from deleting the names of the other employees or clients whose records are submitted for use at the hearing. 2. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale or purchase of property, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice relates to a pending, threatened, or potential claim or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege, settlement of legal claims, or the position of the public agency in other adversary situations involving the assertion against the agency of a claim. 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body.

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Old business: A. Third reading: 1. Ordinance 2019-18 authorizing the execution and delivery of one or more Fee-in-Lieu of ad valorem taxes and Special Source Revenue Credit Agreements by and between Greenwood County, South Carolina and Pine Gate Renewables, LLC and other affiliated entities, to provide for payment of a Fee-in-Lieu of taxes with respect to certain projects; authorizing the inclusion of certain project sites in a multi-county business park; authorizing Special Source Revenue Credits; and other related matters. – Elizabeth Taylor, County Attorney B. Consideration of boundary line agreements as follows — Robert Russian, county engineer 307 Nautical Way Michael & Deborah Spicer 6897-092-880 Harborside 334 Compass Point John & Barbara Beauford 7806-846-649 Grand Harbor 114 Dunn Lane John & Nira Daleda 7815-775-600 Greenwood Shores 121 Belle Rive David & Kathleen Fitts 7807-076-523 Belle Rive 119 Belle Rive Dorothea & David Dancesia 7807-063-516 Belle Rive 117 Belle Rive Gerald & Donna Brooks 7807-049-510 Belle Rive 134 Natchez Trace Harvie & Patty Nunn 7815-898-646 Greenwood Shores 215 Agnew Road Cecil Skidgel 6869-011-889 Ligon Estates 292 Lakefield Road Terry & Kathy Hodge 371-00-00-014 N/A C. Consideration to accept ownership of 1.04 acres of land (parcel ID# 7813-469-370) on Carter Road for a volunteer fire station -Josh Skinner, CPST coordinator. D. Consideration of an intergovernmental agreement pertaining to a joint medical examiner service for respective coroner’s offices — Sonny Cox, county coroner E. Consideration of revision to county policy 5.3 (g) compensation plan — Elizabeth Taylor, county attorney F. Resolution 2019-26 to transfer funds from the FY19 special appropriations fund’s fund balance to the FY20 EMS operating fund -Derek Oliver, interim EMS director. Executive session: 1. Discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, a student, or a person regulated by a public body or the appointment of a person to a public body; however, if an adversary hearing involving the employee or client is held, the employee or client has the right to demand that the hearing be conducted publicly. Nothing contained in this item shall prevent the public body, in its discretion, from deleting the names of the other employees or clients whose records are submitted for use at the hearing. 2. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale or purchase of property, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice relates to a pending, threatened, or potential claim or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege, settlement of legal claims, or the position of the public agency in other adversary situations involving the assertion against the agency of a claim. 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body.

SALUDA TOWN COUNCIL

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: 100 S. Jefferson St., Saluda

AGENDA: Appearance by citizens or others. Reports from municipal officers.

FRIDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION

TIME: 12 p.m.

LOCATION: 600 Monument St., room 104

AGENDA: Veterans Affairs office. PARD Grant applications: Greenwood County Parks and Recreation and Town of Ware Shoals. Other business as needed.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Nov 3, 2019

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/public-meetings/article_a64c90ef-0798-58bc-a56d-845283126943.html

Madeline Adams’ dedication to duty stole the show at Monday’s Greenwood City Council meeting.

With 48-and-a-half years under her belt, the seasoned school crossing guard received a standing ovation as she received special recognition from council on her retirement. Adams was flanked by Mayor Brandon Smith and Police Chief T.J. Chaudoin as she received an engraved memento from the city, alongside a bouquet of flowers and an envelope of money collected for her from her supporters in the city.

“I think it’s a testament to the work ethic of a different generation,” Smith said. “I’m not going to name names, but I think there’s at least three of us here she helped cross the road back in school.”

The meat of the meeting was spent getting an update from Greenwood County Capital Project Sales Tax Coordinator Josh Skinner. Approved in a referendum during the 2016 election, the CPST is a 1% sales tax increase that intends to fund 27 projects that were listed on the referendum. The tax expires after eight years, or after collecting $87.9 million, whichever comes first.

Many of the city-specific projects aren’t scheduled to be funded until late 2024 and into 2025. They include the creation of the Carolina Avenue Connector, which will connect South Main Street and the Greenwood Genetic Center campus with Liner Drive. Other projects include renovations of the Arts Center, Railroad Historical Center and purchasing a tractor-drawn aerial fire truck for the city Fire Department.

Councilman Johnathan Bass asked if there’s likely to be another CPST proposed to voters on the 2024 ballot, but Skinner said Greenwood County Council hasn’t made a decision on that matter. Bass was concerned about how much time the city might have to prepare and submit project applications if the county chose to move forward with another CPST.

Councilwoman Niki Hutto recalled the advertising campaign to inform the public and drum up support for the CPST in 2016, and wondered when that would have to begin if the county sought another tax referendum for 2024.

Smith asked Skinner about the affect inflation and the economy has had on the cost of projects. As an example, City Manager Julie Wilkie said when the city priced the tractor-drawn aerial truck for the fire department in 2016, it cost $1.4 million. Now it costs about $1.9 million, and the city has already committed the difference in that cost toward ordering a truck that likely won’t be delivered for years.

Council also voted to approve distribution of the city’s accommodations tax funds. Of the $134,220.14 the city had to distribute, part of it is automatically allocated by law — $35,310.76 automatically went to the City of Greenwood, $61,864.59 to Discover Greenwood.

Other agencies then request funds from the remaining balance. The Arts Center of Greenwood, S.C. Festival of Discovery and S.C. Festival of Flowers all made requests: $75,000, $40,000 and $38,000, respectively. Council approved the full amount for the Arts Center, but approved $29,610.07 each to the two festivals.

Bass said the council had discussed accommodations and hospitality tax extensively last year, and after sitting down with the city’s attorney and Wilkie, he had a much better understanding of what these taxes are for, and how they’re supposed to be used.

“It’s very clear to me that we need to encourage groups that are relying on us for operating dollars that this is not a reliable source,” he said.

In other business:

Council presented a proclamation to Anthony Price of the Greenwood Pathway House for being a regional finalist for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award. Price was joined by the restaurant’s cow mascot.

FinTrust Capital Advisors updated council on its approach to investing the city’s money.

Council approved first reading of a request to rezone about 0.35 acres at 97 Kirksey Drive West from neighborhood commercial to general commercial. The lone dissenting vote was by Councilman Ronnie Ables, who didn’t want to see cars parked on that lot and questioned whether the cars on the owner’s existing property were appropriately tagged.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Sep 18, 2023

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-city-council-hears-cpst-update/article_b3687230-59ab-56de-a5b2-7cdfc6dbb85a.html

Developing in Greenwood County is getting more streamlined, as planning staff seeks to take over the responsibility of reviewing and approving plat applications.

At Tuesday’s Greenwood County Council meeting, Planning Director Carol Coleman spoke on an ordinance that would shift the responsibility of reviewing and approving the layouts of subdivisions from the city-county planning commission to the department’s staff.

Coleman explained this stemmed from an issue over a development the commission shot down. The commission denied a development without a reason, but Coleman said state law requires an explanation — but does not require that the commission be the one to make these decisions.

“In all honesty, we have to review these in the black and white of what the ordinance says,” she said.

Applications for variance, appeals of the planning staff’s decisions and zoning change requests will still go through the commission if the ordinance passes. The main benefit of this change, Coleman said, is that planning staff has a better working knowledge of what the law requires in this process, and decisions will come more quickly when done by staff.

Council unanimously approved second reading of the ordinance.

The veterans plaza at the Greenwood County Veterans Center is nearing completion. County veterans affairs head Rosalind Burke told council the project is in the final stretch.

“I’ve got one word for that,” she said, “hallelujah.”

Young’s Concrete has poured the sidewalk and foundation for six stone slabs that will honor each branch of the military. The concrete work cost about $39,460, and has been paid in full, Burke said.

But the Veterans Affairs office asked for help paying for the stone slabs themselves. Burke said they’ve paid $18,000 of the $36,800 quote for the slabs and have more than $8,000 left in their plaza fund. She asked county council to fund the remaining total, along with additional funds for ongoing maintenance, to the tune of $16,319.56 total.

When council members asked if Burke sought funds from the city, she said she asked for money and was told to raise as much as possible, and the city would see what it could do to support the project.

“I’m sure your organization will have needs in the future, and when you do, we’ll remind the city that we covered this,” said Councilman Mark Allison.

Council took Burke’s request into consideration, and Chairman Chuck Moates said they would revisit it at a future meeting.

In other business:

Council voted unanimously to rezone a property the county owns at 5624 Highway 25 N. to light industrial, as it connects portions of the North Greenwood Industrial Park.

County Treasurer Steffanie Dorn said her department has begun the 2024 fiscal year budgeting process. About 95% of property taxes for the current year have been collected, hospitality tax income is up $60,000 from the same period last year, while accommodations tax income remains similar to last year’s measure. Although the Capital Projects Sales Tax saw less funds come in than expected in the past quarter, Dorn said she’s still optimistic the county will collect its expected total.

Cheryl Agnew-Bell was reappointed to the Reynolds Colony special tax district commission, and Duncan Swezey joined her as a new member. Megan Adams and Amy Botts were appointed to the Winding Creek special tax district commission.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Feb 22, 2023

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-county-seeks-new-way-to-approve-development-plats/article_a0ba2ae3-213d-54b7-807e-abd05f85ec56.html

Friday’s gray, misty morning wasn’t the best lake weather, but the day still marked a major step in expanding access to Lake Greenwood.

County officials, lake lovers and fishing enthusiasts gathered at the new Greenwood County boat ramp, beside Break on the Lake along Highway 72/221. The ramp, first approved with the 2016 Capital Project Sales Tax, had been under construction since January. On Friday, after multiple delays in construction, county officials were able to finally snip a ceremonial ribbon to open the ramp to the public.

Alongside the new boat ramp and docks, there are dozens of parking spaces to accommodate boat trailers, a modern restroom facility and a roof giving shelter to a few picnic tables.

“It’s certainly a tangible reminder of our mission to provide safe and convenient access for all our citizens to our most prized asset in Greenwood County — Lake Greenwood,” County Council Chairperson Chuck Moates said.

He thanked the engineers at Davis & Floyd for their work planning the facility, the builders at MAR Construction, the county staff who helped coordinate the project and the residents who supported the CPST, which funded the project to the tune of $720,000. Other funds for this project came from a DNR grant of more than $682,000 and another $300,000 from the state.

The vote to approve this project was the first one council member Dayne Pruitt of District 5 cast on council. Since that initial vote, there were delays in the project. Construction was expected to be done by late July, then the target moved to August.

In the end, the delays meant the builder incurred penalties laid out in the contract, getting the county an estimated $11,000 for the delay.

Council member Theo Lane also represents a part of the lake. He remembered sitting on the back porch of late council member Steve Brown one day in 2016, discussing the county’s future.

“One of the things we talked about, we talked about many things, but one of the things we talked about was our shared belief that this beautiful Lake Greenwood … was an economic engine that had never been turned on,” he said.

The plan to activate the lake as a coherent economic driver for the county came with the 2015 lake master plan. The plan identified the need for a destination restaurant on Lake Greenwood’s shores, as well as increased access.

On Friday, a crowd stood at a new boat ramp, beside the Break on the Lake restaurant and the housing development beside it. In 2017, Lane said, there was no sign of these developments — only woods.

“There would be people who would say it’s not the job of county government beyond providing essential services to create things like this,” Lane said. “I would say that’s crazy, because if your people tell you that’s what they want and they need, and you know those initiatives will drive the economy of this county, why in the world would you do otherwise?”

One of the ramp’s biggest benefits is the access it gives for fishing. The Lander University fishing team, Ninety Six Wildcat Anglers and the Eagle Eye Anglers were there to launch the first boats after the ramp officially opened. Kelly McWhorter, executive director of Discover Greenwood, said sports tourism will benefit from this new ramp as Greenwood can market the lake for larger fishing tournaments.

“The other thing that’s going to help us are the additional boat parking spaces,” she said. “The interest and energy is definitely there for Greenwood to step up when it comes to fishing tournaments.”

Jimmy Peden, a co-founder of Connect Lake Greenwood and an integral hand in the 2015 lake master plan, said Highway 72/221 is like Lake Greenwood’s main street. Break on the Lake and the county’s signage along the highway were the first steps to putting the lake’s best face forward, and this ramp continues that effort, he said.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Dec 10, 2022

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-countys-new-boat-ramp-gives-public-lake-access/article_78f8ccf4-7ee1-5312-be7b-d26d7f4febf3.html