Fort Mill Town Council Discusses Homeless Housing Proposal, Museum Partnership, and Infrastructure at August 25 Meeting

FORT MILL — The Fort Mill Town Council met on August 25 to review a range of issues, including a citizen proposal for a homeless housing initiative, updates from the Fort Mill History Museum, and decisions on infrastructure improvements and public park investments.

Citizen Appeals for Tiny Home Community for Homeless

During the public comment portion, Fort Mill resident Karen Kimp addressed the council with a personal and emotional plea for the creation of a tiny home village for people experiencing homelessness. Kimp, who shared that she has been homeless for over six years, proposed a community model where local builders could donate time and resources to construct small homes on donated land. Residents would contribute to rent or ownership over time, with support from mentor families.

Mayor Guynn Savage acknowledged Kimp’s courage and thanked her for speaking. While noting that the town currently does not own land available for such a project, she encouraged Kimp to connect with town staff for resource referrals and affirmed that housing concerns would remain part of future council discussions.

Fort Mill History Museum Presents Annual Update

Representatives from the Fort Mill History Museum delivered a comprehensive year-in-review presentation. Executive Director Christia Hergenrother and board members outlined the museum’s mission to preserve local history and highlighted growth in programming, tourism outreach, and community partnerships.

The museum reported visitors from across the U.S. and internationally, backed by data collected through visitor zip codes. Key initiatives included educational outreach in schools, participation in town events, and work with regional tourism organizations. Council members praised the museum’s efforts and unanimously approved a second reading of an ordinance authorizing continued use of the museum’s office space at 111 South White Street, known as “the caboose.”

Town Accepts Streets in Water Edge at the Catawba Subdivision

Council approved a resolution to formally accept the streets within the Water Edge at the Catawba subdivision into the town’s street maintenance system. Planning Director Penelope Karagounis confirmed that the roads met all town specifications, including a completed one-year warranty period and a maintenance agreement for landscaped medians. The acceptance includes phases 1 through 4 and portions of Whites Road and JW Wilson Road.

Four New Picnic Shelters Approved for Town Parks

The council approved a $122,633 contract with Fort Mill-based Badam Company LLC for the construction of four new ADA-compliant picnic shelters. The shelters will be installed at Harris Street Park (two), Millstone Park (one), and Steele Street Park (one). The project will involve demolition of two outdated structures and improvements to surrounding concrete pads.

Parks & Recreation Director Brown Simpson emphasized that the new shelters will be steel-framed with wood accents and metal roofing, designed to match existing playground structures. Council members welcomed the project and expressed appreciation for the use of a local contractor.

Executive Session Action

Following an executive session, council voted to authorize the town manager to enter into a purchase and sale agreement, though specific details were not disclosed.

The meeting concluded with routine procedural approvals and expressions of appreciation from council members for community engagement and staff contributions.

Sources:

• Town of Fort Mill Town Council Meeting Agenda, August 25, 2025
• Fort Mill Town Council Meeting Transcript, August 25, 2025