Lancaster County Council Advances Rezoning Requests, Transportation Tax Referendum, and Recognizes Community Leaders at July 21 Meeting

The Lancaster County Council convened on July 21, 2025, with a full quorum and addressed a range of topics including rezoning approvals, policy amendments, and community recognitions. The meeting opened with citizen comments focused heavily on traffic concerns in the Indian Land area, particularly on Caroline Acres Road. Special recognitions highlighted the work of student environmental groups and watershed board achievements. Council approved several ordinances on first and third readings related to zoning changes, text amendments, personnel policies, and a potential transportation sales tax referendum. Appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions were confirmed, and executive session matters were discussed regarding legal and personnel issues.

Detailed Summary by Agenda Item:

1–4. Opening Procedures:
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Brian Carnes. A quorum was confirmed, and public notice requirements were met. The invocation was delivered by Council Member Bryant Neal, followed by unanimous approval of the meeting agenda.

5. Citizens Comments:
Multiple residents from Caroline Acres Road expressed concerns about increased traffic volume, speeding, and safety hazards due to its use as a cut-through. They requested traffic studies, speed calming measures, and restrictions on tractor-trailer usage. Other speakers discussed county job residency requirements and congestion along Highway 521.

6. Special Presentations:

• Palmetto Pride Club (Indian Land High School): Student Isabella Kad reported on litter cleanups, beautification, and awareness campaigns. She received a scholarship from Palmetto Pride.
• Lancaster Watershed Boards: Amanda Roberts recognized Donnie Little and the Little Lynches Board for state awards. Updates were provided on dam rehab grants, rain gauge funding, and new public education efforts including a seed library and adult gardening programs.
• Ted Arant Board Member of the Year Award: Fred D. Witherspoon (Historical Commission) was announced as the 2024-2025 winner among several nominees.

7. Consent Agenda (Approved Unanimously):

• Minutes from the June 11 and June 23 meetings.
• Third Reading of Ordinance 2025-1973: Rezoning 2 acres on Green Pond Road from MDR to RN for property consolidation (Case RZ-2025-0636).

8. Non-Consent Agenda:

• 2025-1977: First Reading and Public Hearing (Approved Unanimously)
  Rezoning 9.18 acres on Potter Road from RN to INS to consolidate Pleasant Dale Baptist Church property (Case RZ-2025-0857).
• 2025-1978: First Reading and Public Hearing (Approved)
  Rezoning 0.44 acres on Phil Thurman Drive from GB to MDR (Case RZ-2025-1016). Planning Commission approved; staff neutral.
• 2025-1979: First Reading and Public Hearing (Approved)
  Text amendment to UDO Section 7.2.4 to allow off-site parking within 600–1200 feet under specific conditions (Case TA-2024-0344).
• 2025-1980: First Reading (Approved)
  Amends county personnel policy to update travel reimbursement and performance evaluations.
• 2025-1975: Third Reading (Approved 6–1, McGriff opposed)
  Ordinance revising the County Attorney appointment process.
• 2025-1967: First Reading (Approved)
  Addresses residency requirements for county leadership positions. Previously postponed.
• 2025-1966: Third Reading and Public Hearing (Approved 5–2)
  Ordinance to place a transportation sales tax referendum on the November 2025 ballot.

9. Discussion and Action Items:

• Board Appointments:
  • Reappointments for Keep Lancaster County Beautiful, Recreation Advisory Board (District 1), and Board of Assessment Appeals (District 5).
  • New appointments to the Historical Commission, Fire Commission, and Board of Assessment Appeals (District 7).
  • Council reviewed current vacancies and upcoming expirations.

10. Status of Deferred Items:

• Ordinances 2025-1972 and 2025-1976 related to Old Hickory Road rezonings and comprehensive plan amendments were postponed at the applicant’s request.

11–12. Executive Session & Follow-up Votes:

• Topics included legal advice regarding contracts (ERP system, impact fees) and a personnel matter involving the County Administrator’s Office. No public votes were recorded immediately following.

13. Adjournment:
The meeting concluded after the completion of executive session discussions.

Sources:

• Lancaster County Council Agenda Packet – July 21, 2025
• Lancaster County Council Meeting – July 21, 2025