Council Gives Initial Approval to Watts Mill Developers

Laurens County Heading towards a Residential Transformation

The Laurens County Council cast a unanimous vote on Monday night, granting initial acceptance for a taxing incentive plan regarding the “Project Onward”. The anticipated residential development represents a surge in County’s growth. The venture, located on the ex-Watts Mill site beside Highway 221 just North of Laurens, promises to add a fresh dynamic to the area’s residential profile.

The Greenville-based Clear Mountain Properties, the project’s developer, has requested a Special Source Revenue Credit for the project. The $50 million development outlines the construction of 178 townhomes, which the company projects to rent for a value between $1,200 and $1,800 per month.

A Taxing Incentive with Developers Interest in Mind

The proposal from Clear Mountain Properties invites for a front-loaded SSRC, averaging a 65% tax concession over the planned 15-year agreement course. Stormie Ellenburg, the director of development for Clear Mountain, justified the request, arguing the company needs the incentive in the project’s initial phases due to the heavy initial investment required.

In Laurens County, developers and rental property owners are subjected to a 6% tax rate. In comparison, homeowners are levied with a 4% tax rate. This could be the first SSRC for Laurens County. Council chairman Brown Patterson and Vice-chairman Jeff Carroll highlighted how neighboring counties such as Spartanburg, Greenville, and Anderson have successfully adopted this arrangement with Clear Mountain Properties and other developers.

A Potential Boon to the County’s Infrastructure

The creation of a framework that resembles an “industrial park” is required by county law to put such incentive agreements into action. However, it’s not about establishing a physical industrial park but providing the necessary structure to facilitate the execution of the SSRC agreement.

Patterson raised the question of the destination of the SSRC revenues once collected, suggesting Laurens County School District 55 would be a preferred beneficiary. An expected increase in student enrollments might follow as more families consider moving into the area.

Revamping the Legacy

Ellenburg shared plans of including commercial spaces within the project, such as coffee shops and public gathering areas. In a nod to the site’s historical fabric, the developers aspire to refurbish the existing Watts Mill smokestack, a prominent local feature, and the boiler room into a common area for residents.

Council members anticipate further consultation with District 55 leaders before sealing final approval of the project. This will necessitate two additional readings and a public hearing.

Clear Mountain Properties aims to offer the County and the City of Laurens a new gateway through this development. Jeff Carroll visualizes the project as a vital step towards furnishing the area’s rental landscape, thereby proving beneficial for both the county and City of Laurens.

In other council news, a public hearing has been set on Thursday, July 18 as part of the process to review the county’s comprehensive plan for approval. County Attorney Wes Meetze has been tasked with strengthening ordinances concerning fireworks usage after residents in the Gray Court area raised safety and noise concerns.