Rock Hill City Council Advances Rezoning, Approves Senior Housing Incentives at April 28 Meeting

The Rock Hill City Council met on April 28, 2025, to address a range of legislative, zoning, and development matters. Key decisions included the approval of property conveyances and zoning changes, recertification of the Bleachery Site for redevelopment incentives, and multiple Planning Commission recommendations related to rezoning and annexations. The Council also approved a Growth Management Incentive (GMI) request for a $15.7 million senior housing development contingent upon maintaining the property’s taxable status. The meeting concluded with announcements and council updates, with no final action taken in executive session.

Detailed Summary

1. Opening Procedures

• The meeting was called to order following a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Council had previously met in Executive Session with no action taken at that time and intended to return after the public session.

2. Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously)

The council approved the following items without discussion:

• Minutes from the April 14 (Regular Session) and April 15 (Work Session) meetings.

• Conveyance of property along Cel River Road to York County.

• Easement transfers to York Electric Cooperative and a private party at 113-115 E. Main Street.

• Rezoning of approximately 220 acres along Eden Terrace and Mount Gallant Road to Industry General (IG), consolidating previous mixed zoning designations.

3. First Reading of Ordinance

• Bleachery Site Recertification: Council approved the first reading of an ordinance recertifying the Bleachery Site under the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act, enabling it to continue qualifying for state tax credits for redevelopment.

4. Planning Commission Recommendations

• Furr Street/Sanborn Street Rezoning (M-2025-04):

  • Rezoned ~2.41 acres from General Commercial (GC) to Single Family-5 (SF-5).

  • The property previously hosted a mobile home park and is now intended for single-family housing development.

  • No public opposition was received; Planning Commission and staff recommended approval.

• 2102 Eden Terrace Rezoning & Annexation (M-2025-05):

  • Rezoned 0.54 acres from York County’s RSF-40 to Rock Hill’s Neighborhood Commercial (NC).

  • Proposed conversion of an existing home to a State Farm office.

  • Council approved annexation and zoning ordinance amendments as part of the rezoning process.

  • Discussions noted this area’s transition to more commercial use and concerns about housing stock reduction.

• Annexation of Mount Gallant Rd./Eden Terrace Area I:

  • Council approved the petition and related ordinances to annex and zone this area into the City.

5. Growth Management Incentive Application

• Developer: Commonwealth Development Corporation

  • Proposed a $15.7 million, 60-unit affordable senior housing development at 1867 W. Main St.

  • Council approved an incentive package (~$300,000) contingent on the developer agreeing to a deed restriction preventing future sale to a nonprofit that would exempt the property from taxes.

  • Additional stipulations included coordination with the Rock Hill Housing Authority to prioritize local residents for affordable housing access.

6. Recognitions and Reports

• SmartSwitch Winner: Larry Byrd

• CustomerConnect Winner: Latoya Dixon

  • Each will receive a $50 utility bill credit.

7. Closing Business

• No miscellaneous items were raised.

• Council reconvened into Executive Session with no further public action taken before adjournment.