Lancaster City Council Reviews Affordable Housing Proposal, Farmers Market Plans, and Annexation

The Lancaster City Council convened for its regular meeting on March 25, 2025. The session opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Miller. The meeting featured two important presentations, one on a proposed workforce housing project and the other on the conceptual design process for a new farmers market. Additional agenda items included nominations to the Red Rose City Development Corporation, municipal signage upgrades, budget planning, and the first reading of an annexation ordinance. The meeting concluded with an executive session addressing contractual and personnel matters.

Special Presentations

A. Blue Ridge Workforce Housing Project (Sarah Niemann, Niemann Consulting)

Sarah Niemann, an affordable housing consultant working with Blue Ridge LP, presented a detailed proposal for an 80-unit workforce housing development on Oakleaf Drive. The project targets families and working individuals, offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units at affordable, income-restricted rates based on Lancaster County’s area median income (AMI). Niemann emphasized the growing competitiveness of affordable housing tax credits in South Carolina and explained how Lancaster’s recent move into Group A (competing with counties like Charleston and Greenville) makes local support even more critical.

To strengthen the application to SC Housing, Niemann requested the City’s assistance through fee waivers (e.g., building permits, tap fees) and support for leveraging points, which could also be achieved by accepting a donation of approximately 13 acres of excess land for greenway expansion. The development would occupy about 8.5 acres and include numerous amenities, while the donated land would help connect the site to surrounding infrastructure, including existing greenways and nearby businesses.

• Proposed 80-unit workforce housing complex off Oakleaf Drive (mixed 1BR, 2BR, and 3BR units).

• Income-restricted, family-oriented housing (20%–60% AMI).

• Includes clubhouse, community room, business center, playground, fitness room, and walking trail.

• Developer under contract for 28-acre parcel; ~13 acres offered as greenway donation.

• Application submitted to SC Housing’s Group A pool; currently tied for 4th place in scoring.

• Requested Council support via:

  • Waivers (tap fees, permitting, impact fees).

  • Acceptance of excess land to expand public greenway/trail systems.

  • Aiming for $800,000 in value to earn maximum leveraging points.

B. Farmers Market Concept Design Process (Cary Perkins, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture)

Cary Perkins, Principal and Director of Design Engagement at McMillan Pazdan Smith, presented an overview of the visioning process for the proposed Farmers Market in downtown Lancaster. The city is exploring a multifunctional and community-driven space that supports local agriculture, community events, and small business engagement. Perkins highlighted the importance of inclusive and accessible design, ensuring that the market becomes a lively civic destination.

The early concept is still in the public engagement phase, focusing on understanding community priorities through feedback. While no final design has been selected, preliminary renderings and design ideas were shared to help visualize how the space could function both as a market and a social gathering space.

• Concept focuses on walkability, public gathering, and mixed-use functionality.

• Early design efforts emphasize:

  • Accessibility and inclusivity.

  • Flexibility for year-round use (markets, events, pop-ups).

  • Enhancing the downtown corridor and pedestrian activity.

• Still in public input phase; final design pending community engagement.

Cash Management and Finance Report (February 2025)

The finance team presented cash flow and expenditure data for February.

General Fund revenues for the month are $2,463,541 compared to revenues of $2,193,438 during the same period last year. The difference is primarily due to increases in property tax rollback ($174,702) and Building Permits ($88,154).

Year-to-date taxes received are $8,392,123, which is 87.02% of the $9,644,000 budgeted amount. February tax rollback revenue was not posted until March and totaled $156,870.

General Fund expenditures for the month totaled $1,279,080 compared to expenditures of $1,207,148 during the same period last year. The difference is primarily due to an increase in general expense ($102,607). Year-to-date expenditures including encumbrances of $1,614,673 total $14,022,704 (66.27% of budget). Outstanding encumbrances are primarily for CIP, contracted services, and blanket purchase orders.

Discussion & Action Items

A. Red Rose City Development Corporation Board Nominations

The council considered and approved a slate of individuals recommended for appointment to the Red Rose City Development Corporation board. These nominees are expected to help guide local economic development initiatives and strategic planning.

B. Replacement of Municipal Justice Center Sign (Arch Street)

Council discussed replacing the current sign in front of the Municipal Justice Center. This proposal aims to modernize signage for improved visibility and branding. No final design was adopted at the meeting, but direction was given to continue evaluating options.

C. Adoption of FY 2025–2026 Budget Calendar

The proposed budget calendar was adopted by council. This timeline outlines the key dates and milestones for developing and approving the city’s budget for the next fiscal year, including public input sessions and departmental reviews.

Ordinance

A. Ordinance 025-03 (First Reading)

The first reading of Ordinance 025-03 was approved. This ordinance concerns the annexation of a 0.162-acre parcel located near 208 Wylie Park Road into the City of Lancaster. The land is owned by Mayans Real Estate, LLC, and the annexation brings it into city limits, allowing for coordinated planning and services.

Executive Session

Council entered into an executive session citing attorney-client privilege and personnel matters under §30-4-70(a)(2) & (a)(1). Items discussed:

• Proposed contractual arrangements.

• Performance compensation for certain employees. No action was reported publicly following the session.