Council Oks Ethics Measure, Tax Incentives, Townhouse Restrictions

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council approved on Tuesday measures to protect the integrity of the Planning Commission, limits on townhouse developments and for tax incentives for a growing local company and a new company.

Members of the Anderson County Planning Commission will now be required to recuse themselves from any vote on project of which they have any vested interest that might be eligible for tax incentives, including fee in lieu of agreements.

In response to concerns over how some previous projects have been built, Council voted that Townhouse developments of more than 32 units would need to clear new hurdles with the planning commission. The goal is to mitigate impacts of such developments and mandate compliance with stormwater and buffering standards, aiming to integrate multifamily developments responsibly.

On second reading, council moved ahead on Duke Energy Carolinas’ $2.5 billion natural gas combined-cycle unit at Gaffney and True Temper Roads which forecasts 30 jobs at $52 hourly and $752 million 30-year impact. First-year taxes jump from $292 to $459,000, with School District Three gaining substantially; claw backs apply if investments or jobs lag.

Anderson County has had two such plants in operation for more than 25 years with no serious issues, Councilwoman Cindy Wilson said Tuesday.

Tax incentives for a worldwide company project promising 202 new jobs, which will provide greens, tapas and other food service products was also approved Tuesday night.

At the earlier recognitions meeting Tuesday, which brought a nearly full house, council honored the Anderson Red Cross, West Pelzer Elementary School, Coach Russell Blackson for his career as football coach at Belton-Honea Path High School and the commemoration of the induction of the late S.C. Sen. T. Ed Garrison’s contributions to the community as he is inducted into the Anderson County Museum Hall of Fame.