Economic development, revitalization on agenda for Council

Several ordinances to receive final reading

Simpsonville, S.C. — Simpsonville City Council will consider on Tuesday multiple ordinances related to economic development and downtown revitalization.

The business meeting agenda for Tuesday night includes four proposals for annexation and rezoning, multi-million dollar bonds for downtown and public facilities projects and a forward-looking balanced budget. Simpsonville Community Relations Specialist Justin Campbell said the agenda is a "snapshot in time" of Council's priorities.

"When I look at the May business meeting agenda, I see a commitment to progress," Campbell said. "From bringing undeveloped land into the City  for development to investing in downtown revitalization to prioritizing proper funding of City services, the agenda items that Council is expected to take up in Council Chambers reflect a focus on the future."

If passed upon second reading Tuesday, one ordinance would annex and rezone property on Stenhouse Road for a townhome community, while a second ordnance would annex and rezone property for phase 5 of the Morning Mist subdivision. A third annexation and rezoning ordinance, if passed upon second reading, would set the stage for a small subdivision development.

On top of the development ordinances, the agenda also features second reading of a series of bond ordinances that would secure up to $18 million for downtown revitalization projects and up to $14 million for public facilities improvements. Potential downtown projects include street reconfiguration to alleviate traffic, creation of a festival street on Main Street and improvements to City Park.

The planned public facilities improvements are construction of a new fire department headquarters and consolidation of City Hall and the police department into one municipal complex near City Park. Part of the municipal complex would be reserved exclusively for court.

Campbell said capital improvements to public facilities will enhance the experience and customer service that the public will receive.

"Because court is currently held at City Hall in Council Chambers, the logistics on court days can be less than ideal," Campbell said. "Once a space solely dedicated to court is created, foot traffic and services will be more streamlined, which will lead to better customer service. Relocating City Hall to City Park property will also free up space in the downtown area while making City Hall more inviting and visits there more pleasant."

The projects currently pursued by Council have been made possible by balanced budgets with smart spending. Council will take up first reading of a budget ordinance Tuesday night that includes no new taxes or millage increases all while supporting a Public Works enterprise fund to bring sanitation back under the control of and properly fund Public Works and making needed capital purchases for the police department, such as vehicles.

The budget even includes funding for improvements to the Simpsonville Potato House near City Park.

"By making smart decisions with taxpayer money, conservatively estimating revenues and maintaining a healthy fund balance, the City of Simpsonville has positioned itself to continue moving forward toward a Simpsonville that is revitalized, bustling and competitive and at the same time keeps that small-town feel. The proposed balanced budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 supports a bold vision of growth and progress."

Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall on Tuesday. Simpsonville residents and business owners can participate in the Citizen Comments portion of the agenda by signing up in Council Chambers 15 minutes before the meeting is gaveled into session.