Council rejected a proposed rezoning for a 86-acre development in Lugoff, citing concerns over infrastructure capacity and the impact of rapid growth on schools and public services
Council members emphasized the need for a more strategic, long-term approach to managing development as the county experiences an uptick in housing projects.
7 votes6 passed1 failed
The vote behind the headline
Zoning Map Amendment for 86 Acres (2nd Reading):Council rejected a rezoning request for 86 acres due to infrastructure and growth concerns.DevelopmentSchools
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council unanimously rejected the second reading of a zoning map amendment for an 86-acre parcel in Lugoff. The developer sought to rezone the land from RD-2 to R-15 to accommodate a new residential subdivision. Council members and the public raised significant concerns regarding the capacity of current infrastructure, particularly schools and roads, to handle increased population density. Several members, including Danny Catoe and Russell Brazell, noted that residents in the area are increasingly frustrated by rapid development that outpaces public services. Despite the developer stating that the project would feature quality homes, the council felt it was premature to approve more housing without a comprehensive study on growth impacts. The county plans to form an ad hoc committee to address these long-term infrastructure and school capacity concerns before proceeding with future rezoning requests.
FAILED (Unanimous). Council declined to rezone the property from RD-2 to R-15, citing concerns regarding traffic, sewage, and school capacity
Acceptance of State Grant for School Resource Officers (SROs):Council accepted a state grant to fund two additional School Resource Officers, completing coverage for every school.Taxes & budgetGrantsSchools
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This measure secures 100 percent state funding for two new School Resource Officers (SROs) and two additional vehicles. This grant completes a long-standing initiative by the Kershaw County Coalition for Safer Schools to station an officer in every school within the district. County leadership noted that this program adds no extra costs to local taxpayers, as the positions are entirely funded by the state. Council members praised the advocacy of local parents Leanne Torres, Shelly Fox, and Donnell Powers for their three-year effort to see this goal reached. Sheriff Lee Boan explained that the county will continue to apply for these state funds annually to maintain the positions. Beyond traditional security, council members highlighted the role of SROs as mentors and counselors for students. The motion passed unanimously, finalizing a public safety goal discussed since the previous election cycle.
PASSED (Unanimous). This grant secures funding for two additional SROs, fulfilling the goal of having an officer in every county school with no additional cost to taxpayers
Proclamation Honoring National Black History Month:Council proclaimed February as Black History Month to honor the contributions of Black African-Americans.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Kershaw County Council officially proclaimed February as Black History Month to celebrate the achievements and heritage of Black African-Americans. The proclamation acknowledges the historical significance of the month, dating back to Carter G. Woodson’s Negro History Week, and aligns with the national 2022 theme of health and wellness. Council members took the opportunity to recognize local members of the NAACP who attended the meeting. The resolution also highlights the county’s commitment to addressing equity gaps and fostering an inclusive community for all residents. The proclamation serves as a symbolic and practical commitment to the county's Vision 2030 goal of creating an inviting environment for all families.
Fee in Lieu of Tax Agreement for Project Panel (2nd Reading):Council approved a tax agreement for a 7.9 million dollar investment creating 80 new jobs.Taxes & budgetJobs & economy
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council approved the second reading of a Fee in Lieu of Tax (FILOT) agreement for Project Panel. This economic development project involves a 7.9 million dollar capital investment in the county. The business is expected to create 80 new full-time jobs with an average hourly wage of 20 dollars. Jeff Burgess, representing the county, noted that the company serves residential, commercial, and industrial markets, making it a valuable addition to the local economy. The site selection near major transit corridors like Interstate 20 and Interstate 77 was cited as a strategic move for the business. This agreement provides the company with predictable tax payments, a standard incentive tool used by the county to attract and retain industry. The measure passed unanimously and now moves toward a final third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). The agreement supports a 7.9 million dollar investment creating 80 new jobs with an average wage of 20 dollars per hour
Zoning Map Amendment for 86 Acres (2nd Reading):Council rejected a rezoning request for 86 acres due to infrastructure and growth concerns.DevelopmentSchools
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council unanimously rejected the second reading of a zoning map amendment for an 86-acre parcel in Lugoff. The developer sought to rezone the land from RD-2 to R-15 to accommodate a new residential subdivision. Council members and the public raised significant concerns regarding the capacity of current infrastructure, particularly schools and roads, to handle increased population density. Several members, including Danny Catoe and Russell Brazell, noted that residents in the area are increasingly frustrated by rapid development that outpaces public services. Despite the developer stating that the project would feature quality homes, the council felt it was premature to approve more housing without a comprehensive study on growth impacts. The county plans to form an ad hoc committee to address these long-term infrastructure and school capacity concerns before proceeding with future rezoning requests.
FAILED (Unanimous). Council declined to rezone the property from RD-2 to R-15, citing concerns regarding traffic, sewage, and school capacity
Appointment of Cook Young to the Zoning Board of Appeals:Council unanimously appointed Cook Young to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals.DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council voted to appoint Cook Young to the Kershaw County Zoning Board of Appeals. Members described Young as a long-time resident and a dedicated team player who understands the needs of the community. Russell Brazell, who sponsored the appointment, emphasized that Young is a natural problem solver who is well-suited for the board's duties. The appointment was passed unanimously, with members noting that Young’s local roots would provide valuable perspective in his new role.
Motion to Draft Zoning Code Amendment:Council directed the administrator to prepare an amendment to simplify the county's zoning and land development code.Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Council directed the county administrator to draft an amendment to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations. Jimmy Jones introduced the motion, arguing that the existing code has not been comprehensively reviewed since 2010 and has become overly cumbersome and bureaucratic. The amendment aims to simplify administrative reviews, provide more flexibility for variances to prevent undue hardship, and eventually lead to a more user-friendly zoning ordinance. Council members agreed that the current planning and zoning processes often frustrate citizens and create unnecessary obstacles for development. Staff will prepare a timeline for these changes to be presented at the next council meeting. The motion reflects a bipartisan desire to streamline county operations and provide clearer guidance for residents and business owners alike.
PASSED (Unanimous).
Council directed the administrator to prepare an amendment to the unified code of zoning and land development to simplify administrative review, provide more flexibility for variances, and move toward a more citizen-friendly ordinance
The Kershaw County Recreation Department provided a presentation on 2021 special events, specifically highlighting the success of the Tinsel Trail. Staff discussed future needs for the park, including restroom facilities, improved traffic logistics, and enhanced lighting.
Council members also held a discussion regarding an anonymous letter concerning 9-1-1 operations, with staff confirming that staffing and operator support are a priority for the upcoming budget cycle.
Public comment▸showhide
No members of the public signed up to speak during the public comment period.
Coming up▸showhide
Council Retreat: Saturday, February 5, 2022.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 8, 2022.
Ad Hoc Committee formation: Council plans to initiate a committee to study growth impacts on schools and roads, with a formal memo to follow.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above). Rely on the official county record for anything important.
