The headline
Kershaw County Council passed the final reading of the Airport Overlay District (AOD) ordinance following a series of amendments designed to address community concerns regarding property use. The vote concludes a months-long process aimed at balancing aviation safety standards with land-use protections for local agricultural and residential property owners.
Amendments to Airport Overlay District Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council approved three specific amendments to refine the Airport Overlay District land-use regulations.
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Councilman Brant Tomlinson introduced three amendments to the Airport Overlay District ordinance, which establishes land-use regulations around Woodward Airfield. The first amendment mandates that new structures be sited in the least restrictive zone possible, keeping them away from flight paths. The second amendment protects existing residences from being classified as nonconforming uses by removing the three-year abandonment timeout period, ensuring long-term security for homeowners. The third amendment adds a conditional use classification to ensure policy consistency within the district's land-use table. This ordinance aims to prevent high-density development near the runway to maintain safety, balancing aviation needs with local agricultural and equestrian community concerns. The vote followed months of community meetings and revisions. Councilman Russell Brazell and Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed the measure, citing concerns over potential land takings and the impact on property rights for residents in the Red Fox Road area.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: Explained that the amendments were designed to protect residents and clarify land-use conditions for clarity and consistency. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Expressed concerns about potential property takings and the impact on elderly residents within the district. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Argued that the district is necessary for safety and that previous amendments adequately protected current property owners. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Amendments to Airport Overlay District Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council approved three specific amendments to refine the Airport Overlay District land-use regulations.
Yes 4 · No 2
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Councilman Brant Tomlinson introduced three amendments to the Airport Overlay District ordinance, which establishes land-use regulations around Woodward Airfield. The first amendment mandates that new structures be sited in the least restrictive zone possible, keeping them away from flight paths. The second amendment protects existing residences from being classified as nonconforming uses by removing the three-year abandonment timeout period, ensuring long-term security for homeowners. The third amendment adds a conditional use classification to ensure policy consistency within the district's land-use table. This ordinance aims to prevent high-density development near the runway to maintain safety, balancing aviation needs with local agricultural and equestrian community concerns. The vote followed months of community meetings and revisions. Councilman Russell Brazell and Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed the measure, citing concerns over potential land takings and the impact on property rights for residents in the Red Fox Road area.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: Explained that the amendments were designed to protect residents and clarify land-use conditions for clarity and consistency. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Expressed concerns about potential property takings and the impact on elderly residents within the district. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Argued that the district is necessary for safety and that previous amendments adequately protected current property owners. ▶︎
Airport Overlay District Ordinance as amended (3rd Reading):
Council finalized the Airport Overlay District ordinance, setting new safety zones for land use around the airport.
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This vote marks the third and final reading of the Airport Overlay District ordinance, codifying new zoning and land-use regulations for properties near Woodward Airfield. The ordinance aligns local regulations with Federal Aviation Administration and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission standards to prevent incompatible, high-density development. The measure includes specific zones and a schedule of permitted and conditional uses. It also grants the Aeronautics Commission a thirty-day window to comment on variance applications. Public concern throughout the process centered on the impact of the Runway Protection Zone on existing horse farms and residential properties along Red Fox Road. Despite opposition from Council members Brazell and Jones, the council passed the measure to ensure the long-term viability of the airport as an economic and emergency asset for the county.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Amendments to Project Creed FILOT Ordinance (3rd Reading):
Council approved a technical amendment to the Project Creed solar farm tax incentive agreement.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✗ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council member Derek Shoemake moved to amend the Project Creed Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes ordinance to finalize the project sponsor's name as Creed Solar, LLC, and to populate the agreement with final terms and specific property descriptions. This housekeeping amendment ensures the legal document is complete before its final enactment. Project Creed is a 48-megawatt solar farm project slated to operate for a 40-year term. The project will generate approximately $182,400 in annual revenue for the county. The vote was 4-1, with Councilman Danny Catoe and Councilman Jimmy Jones opposing the final measure, though they did not speak to the amendment itself. The agreement provides tax incentives and special source revenue credits to encourage the development of clean energy infrastructure within the county.
PASSED For 4 · Against 1
About this project: Project Creed »
Project Creed FILOT Ordinance as amended (3rd Reading):
Council passed the tax incentive ordinance for the Project Creed solar farm.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✗ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
With this final vote, Council authorized the Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes agreement between Kershaw County and Creed Solar, LLC. The agreement establishes a 40-year term for the solar project, which includes a 48-megawatt capacity installation. The project represents a significant private investment that will provide the county with stable annual tax revenue, estimated at over $182,000. Additionally, the project includes an innovative partnership with a local beekeeper to place honeybee hives on the solar site to improve pollination for nearby agricultural land. Despite the economic benefits cited, Councilman Danny Catoe and Councilman Jimmy Jones voted against the ordinance. The passage allows the project to move into the construction phase.
PASSED For 4 · Against 1
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: Expressed enthusiasm for the project and its ancillary benefits to the local agricultural community. ▶︎» Sandra Dollar Public comment: Spoke in favor of the project during the public hearing, emphasizing the clean nature and revenue potential of solar energy. ▶︎About this project: Project Creed »
Joint Multi-County Business Park with Lee County (2nd Reading):
Council approved the creation of a multi-county business park to facilitate economic development incentives.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to create a Joint Multi-County Business Park with Lee County. This initiative allows Kershaw County to provide specific industrial incentives, including Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes arrangements and jobs tax credits, for industries that locate within the designated park boundaries. The agreement uses a 99-1 revenue split, where 99% of the fees remain with Kershaw County and 1% goes to Lee County, fulfilling state statutory requirements for joint economic development projects. This is a standard technical measure used by counties to attract business investment. The ordinance passed unanimously, reflecting broad support for fostering regional economic growth. A final third reading will be required before the park is officially established.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine Housekeeping Items:
Council approved various administrative items including meeting minutes and board appointments.
Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
In routine business, Council approved the minutes from the February 11, 2025, meeting. Council also reappointed Nichola Garcia to the Clean Community Commission for a three-year term, based on the recommendation of Commission Chair Jill Wolfe. Additionally, Whitney Marsh DeChant was appointed to the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority Board. These appointments help ensure that local boards remain fully staffed with engaged volunteers. Council also amended the evening's agenda to move a memorial proclamation for Officer Sly Robinson to a later date at the family's request, and deferred a discussion on stormwater regulations to a future meeting. These actions allow the Council to manage ongoing governance efficiently while respecting community input and scheduling needs.
PASSED (Unanimous). Includes agenda amendments, approval of February 11 minutes, reappointment of Nichola Garcia (Clean Community Commission), appointment of Whitney Marsh DeChant (SRTA), and entering/exiting executive session
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Pecan Orchard Infrastructure: Council discussed the recent engineering study regarding storm water drainage issues in the Pecan Orchard subdivision. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee to explore funding options, including a potential 75% matching grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority.
- Comprehensive Plan Update: Council discussed the status of the ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, noting that the draft is currently under review by the Planning Commission. Officials indicated that more time is required for community feedback and refinement before the document moves to a formal vote.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Community Cleanup: Sponsored by the KC Clean Community Commission, the spring cleanup event is scheduled for March 22 from 9:00 a.m. until noon.
- Finance Committee: A meeting will be scheduled within the next two weeks to deliberate on funding strategies for the Pecan Orchard storm water project.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.