New Subdivision Near Midway School Given Initial Approval

By Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council on Tuesday night gave unanimous approval, on first reading, to a new 74.6-acre subdivision in the area around Midway Road, Harriet Circle and Crestview Road which would bring between 170-180 single-family houses to the property.

The project, which would be built by Falcon Real Estate Development, would also set aside 25 acres of the property as green space, which would include a trail, a dog run and playground area. Two entrances to the tentatively titled “Preston Trails” subdivision, one on Crestview, one on Midway would also be included. Details on the project here. 

“I think the thing that stood out to me (about this new plan) is that in 2008 they were given the right to put retail there,” said Anderson County Councilman Craig Wooten, who represents the district in which the project is proposed, and who lives near the property.

Wooten said the new zoning would no longer allow retail commercial, duplexes, and will include sidewalks on both sides of the road connecting to the Midway Elementary School. 

“Actually living in the area, I believe this is the most optimal thing that can be done here,” Wooten said.

“The main issue is still the traffic,” said Anderson County Councilwoman Cindy Wilson. “Midway is probably the oldest and longest road in the state system. We do have a mechanism in place so that after the zoning is approved, we can go back through the process of the studies of traffic to keep the public safe.”

Council also gave first reading approval Tuesday night to tax incentives for an established international company which will bring $6.2 million in capital investment, and 31 jobs with an average salary of $23.81 per hour.

“These are high skilled, high-paying jobs,” said Anderson County Economic Development Director Burriss Nelson. “This is the right kind of company (for Anderson County). 

Nelson said the 20-year economic impact of the company (in business for more than 100 years old) on the community is estimated at more than $150 million.

The business, which will involve detailed technical testing of equipment, will require highly-skilled positions and require a two- or four-year degree. It will be located in Anderson County Council District Six, which makes up the northeast corridor of the county.

Also on Tuesday night, Council: 

Gave final approval to a series of agreements to allow the county to spend up to $5.4 million. The funds, already included in the budget, will be used in part for the purchase of vehicles and property.  

Gave final approval to a $2.8 million for plans to expand the Starr-Iva Landfill which is nearing capacity. The expansion will be paid by new debt service payment of $289,000. The current debt service payment of $358.000 wil be complete this year, so the new funds for expansion could represent some savings. A mulcher/grinder machine for the site is also being considered. The machine would cost approximately $550,000, with an estimated $75,000 per year additional cost to run the new equipment. More information here: https://youtu.be/3pdCg_QUZp0 The mulch created at the facility would be free to Anderson County citizens. 

Approved, on second reading, a tax-incentive agreement to work with the City of Anderson to help develop unused buildings in downtown Anderson to recruit and bring in new businesses. The buildings are directly across South Main Street from City Hall. The buildings are being renovated for commercial use. The infrastructure credit agreement will allow investors to pay reduced property taxes on those properties. 

Approved, on second reading, tax incentives for JB Ferguson Properties, LLC, to purchased and renovate a number of buildings on South Main across from City Hall. The properties are expected to eventually generate approximately $70,000 in tax payments for the county. 

Approved, on second reading, tax incentives for the collaborative project with the City of Anderson for a $12 million, 90-bed hotel downtown at the corner of South Main and East Market Streets. 

Approved Williamston EMS contract based on recommendation of the Anderson County Public Safety Committee.