MorningStar Fellowship Church and York County have reached a settlement, concluding a 12-year legal dispute over the unfinished 21-story Heritage Tower in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The agreement, finalized on October 9, 2024, outlines specific timelines for the church to either renovate or demolish the structure.
Settlement Details:
- Building Permit Application: MorningStar is required to apply for a building permit within 18 months, demonstrating that the Heritage Tower can meet current building codes.
- Demolition Timeline: If the church fails to secure the necessary permits within the stipulated period, it must demolish the tower within the following nine months.
- County Intervention: Should MorningStar not comply with these terms, York County is authorized to demolish the tower at the church’s expense.
The Heritage Tower was originally part of Jim Bakker’s Heritage USA, a Christian theme park that operated from 1978 until its closure in 1989 amid financial and legal troubles. MorningStar acquired the property in 2004, intending to complete the tower. However, disagreements over development plans led to prolonged litigation between the church and the county.
In 2012, MorningStar filed a lawsuit against York County over disputes related to the tower’s repair plans. The church alleged religious discrimination in a subsequent 2018 lawsuit. By 2020, both parties had agreed to dismiss ongoing legal actions, but new disputes arose in 2021 when MorningStar announced renovation plans, prompting the county to file another lawsuit.
The recent settlement aims to resolve these longstanding issues, providing a clear framework for the future of the Heritage Tower. The agreement was signed by Rick Joyner, president of MorningStar, and Allison Love, co-chair of the York County Council.
This resolution marks a significant step toward determining the fate of the Heritage Tower, a structure that has remained incomplete for decades. The settlement offers a definitive timeline for action, ensuring that the building will either be brought up to code or removed, addressing concerns from both the church and the local community.
Read the settlement here.
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