Development projects at former stadium site get early OK from York County

The move to bring businesses and homes to the former Knights Stadium site in Fort Mill is gaining steam.

York County Council gave the first of three needed readings Jan. 4 to a Cato Land Development rezoning at 2280 Deerfield Drive. The decision involves 13 land parcels at more than 360 acres. It would consolidate five different zonings into a single planned development district.

County staff recommended approval based on a list of what they consider positive attributes, from consistency with comprehensive planning, to future transit route possibilities and interconnecting streets and sidewalks. Among less favorable attributes, staff agrees the main drawback is the “significant number of trips” added to the Gold Hill Road and I-77 interchange and surrounding roads.

Traffic is a frequent complaint mentioned by residents and officials whenever growth and development issues are discussed publicly.

Councilman Michael Johnson (R-Dist. 1) said he spoke with Fort Mill School District leaders after the county received a letter expressing concerns with the project, particularly the up to 600 new homes it includes. The district estimates those homes could bring 391 more students at a $17 million cost to provide schools and services for them.

“Their concern was that debt service would only yield $2.2 million in the first year and $8.2 million after 10 years,” Johnson said.

While those figures leave taxpayers on the hook for $8.7 million, he said, there are larger factors to consider. Mainly the 5.5 million square feet of Class A office space. Focusing only on residential is “looking at a very narrow slice of the pie,” Johnson said.

“This is a game-changing plan for York County,” he said. “This should be applauded.”

Johnson gave his “wholehearted support” for the Cato plan, and he wasn’t alone.

“The pros outweigh the cons,” Chairman Britt Blackwell said.

The school district listed concerns in its letter, but didn’t come out against the rezoning as it has with other residential projects. Councilwoman Christi Cox (R-Dist. 5) and others said the school district and Council realize larger impacts like new commercial growth, but residents in the area need to be aware, too.

“There’s a lot of additional growth going on,” she said, “and we’re going to have to justify it.”

Previously announced plans include office space, retail, a hotel and homes. Initial plans were for a Cato distribution center.

Other decisions

Council also gave first reading to a rezoning for an existing Fort Mill business at a new site.

Earth and Woods wants to rezone almost seven acres of bank-owned property at 3354 S.C. 160 West, up against the North Carolina state line. The property borders Hamilton Place, near several other residential subdivisions, including Eppington South and Spicewood.

The county planning commission recommended approving the rezoning, on the condition Earth and Woods uses it only for garden and lawn equipment sales and services. County staff recommended against the rezoning. Staff noted the new zoning would go against land use planning and nearby uses in the area.

Shannon Parrish, representing Earth and Woods, told Council the former Sugar Creek Garden Center site has been vacant about three years, but is under contract now. Both the former and proposed uses would be similar, but a rezoning is needed due to scale.

“They don’t sell pansies, daisies, that sort of thing,” Parrish said.

The rezoning allows for additions like a produce stand, bulk mulch, pavers or Christmas trees. Despite so much residential around it, Parrish said, the landscape supply business is a good fit.

“It’s very unlikely with the existing parking lot and structures that it will ever be used for something residential,” she said.

Ron Johnson, who lives on a cul-de-sac adjacent to the site, said it isn’t Earth and Woods as a business that concerns him. It’s the nature of that business, mainly the noise it creates.

“You’re dealing with a building supplier that is doing bulk material,” he said. “A lot of noise from dump trucks, front end loaders. I know the business involved is a good business. It’s not that.”

Councilman Johnson said he would vote in favor at first reading, but would like to meet with the business and residents to see if something could be agreed on related to noise. Resident concern “certainly has to be something we consider” before final approval, he said.

The Jan. 4 first readings are two of many actions for Council to consider. Property owner Fresh Water Industries and Meritage Homes have a rezoning in for more than 18 acres off of Regent Parkway. Some residents turned out Jan. 4 to comment on that plan, after the zoning time line changed once information was mailed to residents.

“That is the one that was withdrawn and reapplied, and will be in front of the planning commission on Jan. 11,” said Audra Miller, county planning director. “They will be asking for a rezoning to RD-II. They’re starting over, basically.”

Several plans in that area involve converting the golf course at Regent Park to new residential units.

Three more rezonings are tentatively scheduled for public hearing Feb. 1. Lidl US is applying for one. The discount grocery chain is working with six property owners on more than seven acres. The site sits just south of the Pleasant and Coltharp roads intersection, where new homes are going up. Properties are located on Hampton Trail Drive and Isom, RPC and Pleasant Roads.

Another involving Fort Mill property includes less than two acres at 1940 S.C. 160. Carolinas Land Company is applying for the property owned by 160 River Stop LLC. Both the current and requested zoning designations are commercial.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 12:53 PM with the headline "Development projects at former stadium site get early OK from York County."