Fort Mill Town Council Defers Mixed-Use Development, Prepares for Holiday Festivities, and Launches Beautification Initiative at November 11th Meeting

The November 11, 2024, Fort Mill Town Council Meeting discussed several key agenda items, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation led by Council Member Helms. Following the approval of previous meeting minutes, the council proceeded to the public comment session.

Key Presentations

1. Employee of the Quarter: Cary Vargo, Town Manager, recognized Marin Long from the HR department for her dedication and commitment to the town’s employees.
2. Christmas Events Update:
   • The Fort Mill Christmas Village and Tree Lighting Ceremony scheduled for December 5 at Walter Elijah Park, featuring food vendors, entertainment, and a 50-foot tree lighting.
   • The 77th Annual Fort Mill Christmas Parade on December 7, with Representative Raye Felder as Grand Marshal.
   • The Christmas Cookie Crawl on December 14, allowing residents to visit local businesses to collect holiday cookies.
3. Fort Mill Economic Partners Update: Mariah Price and David Busbin shared updates on recent projects funded by accommodations tax grants, including the launch of a new website, a successful Strawberry Sprint and Stroll, and a utility improvement grant for downtown Fort Mill businesses.

New Business Items

1. Resolution for Keep Fort Mill Beautiful: Mina McDonald introduced a resolution supporting a new “Keep Fort Mill Beautiful” committee, focusing on community beautification, litter prevention, and environmental initiatives, with support from Keep America Beautiful.
2. Mixed-Use Development Proposal:
   • The Mixed-Use Development Proposal discussed during the November 11, 2024, Fort Mill Town Council Meeting included plans to rezone approximately 15.9 acres (York County Tax Map Numbers 020-06-01-051, 020-06-01-052, 020-06-01-053, 020-06-01-054, 020-06-01-058, and 020-06-07-034) from General Industrial (GI) and R-10 One Family Residential Districts to Mixed-Use Development (MXU)
   • The proposed development, owned by Unique USA, Inc., aims to convert the historic Luna Cotton Mill (later known as the White Plant) into a vibrant residential and commercial community. Key aspects of the proposal include
     • 147 residential units within the existing mill structure, preserving the building’s historic architecture.
     • Construction of a new building along Watson Street, which will add up to 78 additional residential units.

• • The council voted to defer the vote until the first meeting in January 2025.

3. Budget Amendments: The council reviewed budget amendments to fund the construction of Fire Station #3 and improvements to the Public Works Operations Center, as well as               to support multiple capital projects for fiscal year 2025

Additional Notes

The meeting concluded with a positive reception for the town’s beautification and holiday initiatives, with plans to further community involvement through environmental and economic development programs. The session adjourned without additional items.