Charleston County School District approve Union Pier TIF District

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Charleston County School District voted to approve the Union Pier TIF district.

With a yes vote from CCSD on the TIF district, the Union Pier Project can continue to move forward.

CCSD says a TIF district is created by a local government to put development or redevelopment in a blighted area that otherwise may not occur.

Charleston Mayor William Cogswell has asked CCSD to participate in the Union Pier TIF district to help fund the project. Board members asked questions about the recommendation to approve the TIF.

Some board members were in favor of approving with full participation. During the public comment section of the meeting, Charleston residents strongly urged the school board to vote no on the TIF district.

“Why is CCSD taking a vote on the IGA before the city of Charleston holds its very first public hearing and public comment hearing on November 4th? How do the students in our rural areas benefit from giving up tax revenue from development in downtown Charleston? Why is the school district being asked to bear the largest share of the cost of this deal when it is the city of Charleston and the developer getting the largest share of the benefit?” said Karen Byko, during public comment.

CCSD has chosen to participate in the TIF district. Some board members disagreed with full participation saying they did not want to wait 30 years to see revenue and would prefer 10 or 15 years to opt into the TIF district.

The district’s chief financial officer estimates the school district will see 13 million dollars upfront in revenue.

“I just have to ask you right now, who are you working with why are you doing this what is the reason for it? Is there one among 5 of you that will take a brave choice today and vote against this?” said Francis Baylot during public comment.

The TIF district will now go back to the city council.

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