The York County Council convened on December 16, 2024, for its final meeting of the year, addressing a range of key topics including multiple rezoning actions, economic development updates, and community concerns. The meeting featured a heartfelt recognition of Vice-Chairwoman Allison Love for her dedicated eight years of service, with council members reflecting on her impactful contributions to District 2 and York County as a whole. Other highlights included public hearings on industrial park amendments, discussions on self-storage zoning regulations, and the approval of various contracts to enhance county services and infrastructure.
Appearances
- Vice-Chairwoman Allison Love was honored for her 8 years of service on the Council.
- Council members praised her dedication, advocacy, and friendship.
- She reflected on her tenure, highlighting key achievements:
- Resolving the Blue Granite Water issue, saving 5,000 residents from high water rates.
- Advocating for slowing growth in District 2, specifically in Lake Wylie and Clover.
- Securing $20 million in state funds for infrastructure improvements.
- Council members shared personal stories and acknowledged her leadership.
Public Forum
Two speakers addressed the council:
- Brandon Langford (Fort Mill) opposed the Silfab Solar project, citing zoning violations and community concerns about manufacturing chemicals in light industrial zones.
- Carla Pendleton (Lake Wylie) expressed concerns about conflicts of interest on land conservation boards and questioned the timing of recent board appointments.
Consent Agenda
The Council approved various items, including:
- Minutes from previous workshops and meetings.
- Multiple rezoning actions:
- Rezoning Action: Case #24-29
- Request: To apply AGC (Agricultural Conservation District) zoning to 48 parcels (or portions of parcels), totaling approximately 292 acres.
- Location: York/Chester border.
- Council District: District 5 – Chairwoman Christi Cox.
- Applicant: York County Planning Commission.
- Current Status: Some portions of parcels were not previously zoned.
- Recommendations:
- Staff: Approve.
- Planning Commission: Approve (6-0).
- Details:
The rezoning aligns with the York County 2035 Comprehensive Plan, which promotes agricultural and rural land uses in areas like the York/Chester border. Parcels currently under AGC zoning will maintain low-density development to preserve farmland and rural character.
- Rezoning Action: Case #24-53
- Request: To rezone from UD (Urban Development) to LI (Light Industrial).
- Location: 184 Grayson Road, Rock Hill.
- Council District: District 6 – Councilman Joel Huckabee.
- Applicant: Benjamin Powell.
- Owner: PPC Properties LLC.
- Parcel Size: 0.997 acres.
- Recommendations:
- Staff: Approve.
- Planning Commission: Approve (6-0).
- Purpose:
Rezoning to LI allows for industrial uses such as warehousing, light manufacturing, or distribution activities. This aligns with current zoning in nearby parcels and the area’s existing land-use patterns.
- Rezoning Action: Case #24-54
- Request: To rezone from RUD (Rural Development District) to GC (General Commercial).
- Location: 2389 Highway 160 W., Fort Mill.
- Council District: District 1 – Councilman Tom Audette.
- Applicant: Trey Eakin.
- Owner: Springland, Inc., L&C Land Holding, Inc., and New Horizon Electric Cooperative, Inc.
- Parcel Size: 2.759 acres (portion of three parcels).
- Recommendations:
- Staff: Approve with conditions.
- Planning Commission: Approve with conditions (5-0).
- Conditions:
Development must adhere to specific traffic impact mitigations and site design standards. The rezoning supports commercial development along a high-growth corridor near Highway 160, facilitating retail or service-based businesses.
- Rezoning Action: Case #24-55
- Request: To rezone from RSF-40 (Residential Single-Family) to RUD (Rural Development District).
- Location: 2354 Vineyard Road, Fort Mill.
- Council District: District 1 – Councilman Tom Audette.
- Applicant/Owner: Cody Cooper and Cici Carter.
- Parcel Size: 15.15 acres.
- Recommendations:
- Staff: Deny.
- Planning Commission: Approve (6-0).
- Details:
The applicant seeks to allow for low-density rural development, which is more in line with the property’s current use and surrounding land. Staff recommended denial due to concerns about infrastructure capacity and inconsistent density with nearby residential zoning. However, the Planning Commission favored approval, citing the applicant’s desire to maintain rural character.
3. Approval of contracts for:
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- Road improvements (Campbell Road, York).
- HVAC maintenance at Moss Justice Center ($245,832.60).
- Firefighting gear purchase ($91,725.75).
- Landscaping services for county properties ($550,364/year).
- Microsoft Enterprise Agreement renewal ($145,423.58).
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Public Hearings
- York-Chester Industrial Park Agreement:
- Third reading approved amendments to add and adjust parcels.
- Fee Agreement Amendment:
- Approved updating investment requirements for Performance Friction Corporation.
New Business
- Zoning Code Discussion:
- Debate over self-storage facilities addressed concerns about location and oversaturation in rural areas.
- Discussions included:
- Restricting placement on main roads.
- Addressing boat and RV storage in residential developments.
- Creating a comprehensive policy on outdoor and indoor storage.
- Next Steps: A broader zoning review to simplify codes and address concerns.
- COVID-19 Relief Fund Purchases:
- Approved laptops for fire services ($144,202.87).
- Approved storage system for Solicitor’s Office ($244,697.83).
- Project Quicksilver:
- Adopted a resolution for Fee-in-Lieu of Tax (FILOT) incentives to attract manufacturing jobs.
Committee Reports
- Economic Development Committee (Chair: Tom Audette):
- Discussed a Small Business Toolkit to assist entrepreneurs.
- Explored strategies for supporting existing businesses.
- Directed staff to explore new economic development opportunities.
- Finance & Operations Committee (Chair: Allison Love):
- Recommended reappointment of Tom Bach to the Planning Commission.
Council Member Comments
- Council members addressed:
- Honoring Congressman John Spratt, who recently passed away.
- Updates on the Carowinds Interchange Study supported by Governor McMaster.
- Reflecting on the Governor’s visit and York County’s economic priorities.
- Allison Love highlighted concerns about deferred board appointments and urged the council to address the issue.
Executive Session
- Topics:
- Legal/Litigation Updates
- Economic Development Consulting Services
- Following the session, the Council authorized negotiations with Sustainable Consulting Solutions for economic development services.
Closing
- Adjournment at the conclusion of executive session.
- Council members extended holiday wishes to the community and thanked departing member Allison Love for her service.
