Tax Break for New Housing Project, Morgan Square Progress, and Other Spartanburg City Council Updates
New Housing Project Receives Tax Break
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, a new $23 million project proposal has been introduced, seemingly set to spark growth in a downtown section that has been stagnant in terms of development. The developmental site in question is an unoccupied area between Church Street and Florida Avenue, just across from Whitney Road intersection. Located in proximity to the Spartanburg Regional Hospital, the place is expected to be buzzing once development kicks off.
The real estate development project, dubbed the Village Grove Townes, is a brainchild of VanRock Holdings LLC. Included in the plan are 95 townhomes intended for rent, each featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms. An intriguing part of the project scope is the reservation of 10 units for income-based occupancy, targeting individuals or families earning less than 80% of the area’s median income.
Mayor Jerome Rice, Jr. praised the developers for their inclusive approach, stating, “Itโs important that we ask the developers when they come in to make sure we make an effort to help everyone have an opportunity to live in something new, something thatโs coming, something exciting.“
In a unanimous vote, the city council approved a tax break agreement for the project, part of which required the developers to carry out aesthetic enhancements around the site. Before the project gets the final green light, it has to jump through a few hoops with the hope of final land purchase by VanRock Holdings LLC being slated for 2025.
Progress Updates on Morgan Square’s Revitalization Plan
Monday’s meeting also served as a platform for city manager Chris Story to update the council on the progress of a collection of downtown developments, including the revitalization scheme for Morgan Square. The last update on this project was back in December of the previous year with an estimated cost of $15 million.
According to Story, the design team will be back before the council in a couple of months with refined designs and a financial plan for the project. There are plans for further opportunities for public input during the fall season.
The city manager pointed out a construction timeline of roughly 9-10 months, but a phased construction approach, proposed to limit interruption for downtown businesses, might lengthen the project duration. As the construction process gets underway, the city’s event staff is working feverishly to identify backup locations for events such as Music on Main.
Spartanburg
is bustling with promises of new development, and the local council appears to be working diligently to ensure progressive growth and prosperity, keen on involving the public in major decisions. This development and many more to come serve as the embodiment of a city committing to positive change and forward thinking.
