Lancaster County Council Recap: Major Development Agreements, Road Funding, and Tourism Allocations Top September 22 Meeting

LANCASTER, SC — At the September 22, 2025 meeting, the Lancaster County Council addressed several high-impact items affecting development, infrastructure, public services, and tourism. Key decisions included approval of major state accommodation tax grants, budget amendments to allocate excess road funds, the endorsement of a controversial development agreement extension, and the establishment of an ad hoc committee to review a large new residential development.

Top Highlights from the Meeting:

1. Over $170K in Tourism Grants Approved

   • Eight organizations received state accommodations tax funding, including Hope on the Hill, the Indian Land Community Festival, and the Carolina Chili Championship.

   • Council divided votes on select projects due to conflicts of interest.

2. Budget Amended for Road Repairs and Library Funding

   • $1.08 million in excess capital project sales tax funds reallocated to road repairs, including Rise Lane and Cleveland Street.

   • Additional $16,883 in state aid appropriated for library personnel costs.

3. Public Voices Concern on Development Transparency

   • Citizens criticized lack of oversight on current and future developments, particularly regarding road and drainage infrastructure.

   • Calls were made for the county to establish consistent development impact fees and improve UDO enforcement.

4. Development Agreement Extensions Approved

   • A 6-month extension was granted to Century Communities for the Shiloh Woods project despite earlier commitments to avoid further delays.

   • A new 900+ home development—The Haven at North Corner—was introduced. Council voted to establish an ad hoc committee to review the agreement in detail.

5. Public Employees Honored

   • Firefighter Sam Plyer and Sheriff’s Office administrator Kelly Nunnery were recognized as employees of the quarter.

   • Brenda McManis from the county reception staff was awarded for general government service.

Detailed Agenda Summary

Citizens Comments

Multiple residents and developers spoke during the public comment portion:

• Mike Barnes criticized lack of transparency in assessments and community forums.

• Barbara Scanel urged the council to mandate road and drainage impact fees for developers via UDO updates.

• Janine Clifton denounced a developer’s alleged exploitation of UDO loopholes to bypass planning commission rejection.

• John Hardy (Lennar Homes) introduced The Haven at North Corner, a 926-home development with significant land donations and $4.8M in public contributions.

Special Presentations

• Employees of the Quarter were honored from both public safety and general government divisions.

  • Kelly Nunnery (Sheriff’s Office) and Brenda McManis (Receptionist) received top awards.

• Tourism Funding Recommendations were presented by Haskell Faulkenberry of the State Accommodations Tax Committee:

  • 10 applications were received; 8 were funded.

  • $18,996 was held in reserve for future tourism-driven projects.

Consent Agenda

Approved unanimously:

• Minutes from previous meetings.

• Routine financial and administrative actions.

Non-Consent Agenda

8A. Resolution 1310-R2025 – Tourism Grants

Council approved $170,631 in state accommodations tax funding. Grants included:

• Carolina Chili Championship – $33,200

• Hope on the Hill – $30,000

• Indian Land Festival – $20,205

• Cultural Arts Concerts – $12,400

• Lindsay Pettus Greenway – $20,000

• Others for historical sites and July 4th fireworks

Vote was split into three parts due to conflicts; all items passed.

8B. Opioid Settlement Participation

• Approved Lancaster County’s participation in a new settlement with Purdue Pharma (Sackler family).

• Expected payout will go toward opioid remediation and mental health support.

8C. Budget Amendment for FY2025-26 (Ordinance 2025-1983)

• Added $16,883 in unexpected state aid to library staffing budget.

• Reallocated $1.08 million in excess Capital Projects Sales Tax to:

  • Cleveland Street and

  • Rise Lane (controversially capped at $350,000 after debate).

Motion to cap Rise Lane funding passed 6–1; full ordinance passed unanimously.

8D. Ordinance 2025-1984 – Redwood Indian Land Agreement

• Approved updates to the development agreement for Redwood, including:

  • Allowing additional land uses

  • Updating site plans

  • Extending development rights by 5 years

• Passed 4–3 after debate about consistency with original plans.

8E. Shiloh Woods Development Agreement Extension

• Century Communities requested a 6-month extension for the Shiloh Woods development.

• Despite past promises not to extend, the motion passed 4–2.

• Concerns were raised about the multi-year delay due to utility coordination.

Discussion & Action Items

The Haven at North Corner Development

• Council voted to form an ad hoc committee (Bryan Vaughn, Larry McGriff, and Dennis Graham) to review the development agreement for this 900-home community.

• Lennar offered:

  • $4.8M in public impact contributions

  • Land donations for an elementary school, EMS station, and convenience center

Appointments

• Board of Zoning Appeals: Joshua Pangle appointed to a development-related seat (term through 2027)

• Airport Advisory Board: Christy Barnes reappointed (District 5)

Executive Session & Final Actions

• Council met privately to discuss:

  • Development legal strategy

  • Procurement audit (P-card)

  • County Administrator’s evaluation

Outcome:

• Another ad hoc committee was formed (Vaughn, Harper, and Neal) to handle personnel matters regarding the County Administrator.

Next Steps

• The ad hoc committee for The Haven at North Corner will review the agreement and provide recommendations.

• Additional budget tracking for the Rise Lane project and opioid funds will be monitored by staff.