Laurens County Council Recognizes Black History Month, Finalizes Open Space Ordinance

Laurens County Council met Monday evening, February 9, recognizing Black History Month while also taking final action on the county’s updated open space residential development ordinance and advancing several economic development projects.

At the opening of the meeting, Council approved a proclamation recognizing Black History Month. The proclamation acknowledged February as a time to honor the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of African Americans to the nation’s heritage. It referenced the origins of Black History Month in 1926, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, and noted that every U.S. president has officially designated February as Black History Month since 1976.

As part of the recognition, Council Member Philson invited African American members of the community forward, including members of the NAACP and Black business owners, recognizing their contributions to Laurens County.

Council then took final action on the county’s open space residential development ordinance. Members unanimously approved an ordinance allowing certain non-conforming lots from previous construction projects. Council also approved Ordinance 991 on third and final reading, adopting updates to the open space development standards following several proposed amendments.

During public comment, one speaker presented materials related to housing density permitted under the ordinance, while another expressed concerns about the placement of recreational open space areas in close proximity to residential properties. Councilman Younts made a motion to table the ordinance due to questions surrounding density, but the motion failed.

Council then reviewed proposed amendments to the ordinance:

• Amendment #11: Would have reduced maximum density to two homes per acre. The amendment was not recommended by staff and failed.

• Amendment #13: Approved, allowing setbacks to follow the International Building Code.

• Amendment #14: Proposed to change the open space percentage to 40/60. The amendment passed.

Under old business, Council addressed several economic development matters and appointments. Chelsie Carter of District 6 was unanimously approved for appointment to Gateway Counseling.

Council also approved multiple fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) agreements tied to major investments and job creation across the county. Ordinance #994, known as Project Floyd, received unanimous third reading approval following a public hearing with no speakers. The project represents a $63 million investment and is expected to create 13 new jobs.

Ordinance #997, Project Diamond, was unanimously approved on third reading after no public comment. The recast systems company plans a $9 million investment and is expected to create 70 new jobs. Council also approved the project’s location at Hunter Industrial Park.

Ordinance #1000, the Palmetto FILOT, passed unanimously on second reading. The relocation project represents a $22 million investment and is expected to create 57 new jobs. Council also unanimously approved Project Basil, an amendment to an existing FILOT agreement representing a $40 million investment.

The February meeting reflected Council’s continued focus on balancing residential development standards with economic growth while recognizing the cultural and historical contributions of the community during Black History Month.