LANCASTER, S.C. – The Lancaster County Council convened on January 27 to discuss key issues, including infrastructure improvements, public safety measures, and strategic planning for future growth. The meeting, which began with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, was efficiently conducted, covering a range of topics that impact county residents.
Traffic Concerns Raised During Citizens’ Comments
During the citizens’ comments portion of the meeting, Walnut Creek resident Bruce Cohen voiced concerns about potential traffic congestion along Highway 521. He referenced a postponed planning meeting related to the Crestwinds development, emphasizing that if the project is approved, an estimated 2,400 additional vehicles could be added to the area’s roads. Cohen urged council members to consider the long-term impact of such developments on Lancaster County’s traffic conditions.
Council Approves Consent Agenda and Key Resolutions
The council unanimously approved the meeting’s agenda and consent agenda items, which included routine administrative approvals.
The council also passed Resolution 1288-R225, which updates the county’s Continuity of Government Plan. Emergency Management Director Darren Player provided an overview of the plan, explaining that it ensures an orderly transition of county leadership in the event of a catastrophic emergency. Player noted that the plan undergoes updates every two years, with the latest revisions making minor adjustments to clarify terminology.
Second Reading Approved for Increased Building Height in Highway Corridor Overlay District
Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2024-1945, which amends the Unified Development Ordinance to increase the height limit for buildings in General Business-zoned areas within the Highway Corridor Overlay District.
Planning officials explained that the amendment allows buildings up to four stories, not exceeding 55 feet, aligning with existing commercial structures in the corridor. Council members inquired about fire department capabilities to serve taller buildings, and Fire Chief Nicholson confirmed that the county has two ladder trucks capable of handling such structures. The ordinance passed unanimously and will undergo a final public hearing before third reading.
Strategic Plan Quarterly Update Highlights Infrastructure and Safety Priorities
Assistant County Administrator Naomi Jones provided a quarterly update on the county’s Strategic Plan, outlining progress in key focus areas: public safety, infrastructure, quality development, resource optimization, and high performance.
- Public Safety: The county is conducting an operational analysis to assess future needs. Recent initiatives include the construction of a new detention facility, an evidence storage facility, and updates to the fire and EMS departments.
- Infrastructure: Officials are evaluating funding sources for road improvements and prioritizing safety projects. Council members emphasized the importance of coordinating county, state, and federal road funds.
- Quality Development: With the adoption of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, officials are working on financial forecasting models to assess growth impacts. Council members requested additional analysis of the financial effects of city-approved developments on county services.
- Resource Optimization: The county is considering creating a formal grants management position to secure additional funding and reduce reliance on general fund revenues.
- High Performance: The Parks and Recreation Department’s “Dream Team” initiative was highlighted as a successful program, providing opportunities for children of all abilities to participate in sports.
Council members discussed the impact of impact fees and how much revenue the county could have generated if certain exemptions were not made for pre-approved developments. They also requested a review of state-maintained roads in Lancaster County to determine potential funding opportunities.
Board and Commission Updates
The council approved the removal of two members from county boards due to attendance issues.
- Lori Soss was removed from the Van Wyck Fire Protection Board.
- Betty George was removed from the Community Relations Committee due to health concerns.
In new appointments:
- Jim Rier was appointed to the Keep Lancaster Beautiful board.
- Carmen Middleton and Theresa Riou were appointed to the Community Relations Committee as at-large members.
Council deferred a decision on the final appointment for the Board of Zoning Appeals, as members wanted to evaluate additional applicants from the Panhandle area.
Council Discusses Road Funding and Impact Fees
A significant portion of the discussion centered on road funding and impact fees. Council members debated the best approach for addressing infrastructure challenges, particularly in rapidly growing areas like Indian Land. Officials noted that previous road funding plans were not approved by voters, but a revised proposal may be presented as part of the 2025 budget or a future ballot initiative.
Council members also requested an analysis of the financial impact of city-approved developments on county services. Additionally, there was a request for data on how much revenue was lost due to impact fee exemptions granted to pre-existing developments.
Meeting Adjourned
Following board appointments and strategic discussions, the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m. Council members noted it was one of the fastest meetings in recent history.
The next Lancaster County Council meeting is scheduled for February, where road funding strategies, impact fees, and other critical issues will be revisited.
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