York County Council Meeting Summary from August 19th

York County FlagPhoto byYork County

The York County Council meeting on August 19, 2024, began with the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting included the swearing-in of new members to various boards and commissions, such as the York County Library Board and Keep York County Beautiful.

Several public appearances were made, including recognitions for outstanding 4-H members, Lily Moss and Evie Martel, who were celebrated for their significant contributions and achievements in the program. The council also recognized the Clover High School girls' soccer team for winning their first state championship.

A presentation was given by Keep York County Beautiful, highlighting their efforts in litter reduction, recycling, and various community outreach programs. The organization emphasized the importance of adopting county roads and supporting local cleanup efforts.

During the public forum session, numerous residents expressed concerns about the overpopulation of stray cats and dogs in York County. They advocated for a mandatory spay and neuter ordinance to address the issue and reduce the burden on local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

The York County Council addressed several rezoning cases during the meeting, which brought forth a mix of approvals, denials, and public concerns.

1. Carson Road Rezoning Request (AGC to RUD):
   A request was made to rezone a parcel of land on Carson Road from Agricultural Conservation (AGC) to Rural Development District (RUD). The applicant sought to subdivide the land for residential purposes. However, this proposal faced significant opposition from both council members and nearby residents. Concerns were raised about "spot zoning," which refers to the practice of singling out a small parcel of land for a different use than the surrounding area, potentially leading to incompatible land use. Additionally, the council noted that the proposed rezoning was inconsistent with York County’s comprehensive plan, which emphasizes the preservation of agricultural land and the rural character of certain areas. After thorough deliberation and input from the public, the council ultimately denied the rezoning request, citing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the county’s long-term land use strategy.
2. Alura Road and Pleasant Road Rezoning Request:
   A more contentious discussion arose around a rezoning request for land located at the intersection of Alura Road and Pleasant Road. The applicant sought to change the zoning from Residential Single Family (RSF) to Office and Institutional (OI) to develop the area for office space and a daycare center. During the public hearing, local residents voiced concerns about the potential impact of this development on traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Additionally, there were worries about the loss of green space and the changing character of the neighborhood, which has been predominantly residential. Despite these concerns, the council weighed the potential benefits of the development, including the creation of jobs and the provision of essential services like daycare in the rapidly growing area. After considering the traffic impact studies and proposed measures to mitigate congestion, the council approved the rezoning request, with some members urging the developer to work closely with the community to address ongoing concerns.
3. Catawba River Road Rezoning for Mixed-Use Development:
   Another notable case involved a large parcel of land along Catawba River Road, where the applicant proposed rezoning from Rural Development District (RUD) to Mixed-Use (MXU). The proposed development would include residential units, retail space, and community amenities. This case drew significant attention due to its scale and the potential impact on local infrastructure. Proponents of the rezoning highlighted the benefits of creating a self-sustaining community with access to various services and amenities, which could reduce the need for long commutes. However, opponents raised concerns about the strain on existing roads, schools, and public services, urging the council to consider the long-term implications of such a large development. After a lengthy debate, the council decided to defer the decision, requesting further studies on traffic, environmental impact, and community feedback before making a final determination.
4. Springfield Parkway Rezoning for Industrial Use:
   The final rezoning case involved a request to rezone a portion of land along Springfield Parkway from Residential Single Family (RSF) to Light Industrial (LI) for the purpose of expanding an existing industrial park. This proposal was met with resistance from nearby homeowners who were concerned about noise, pollution, and the overall impact on their quality of life. The applicant argued that the expansion was necessary to meet the growing demand for industrial space in the region, which would bring economic benefits to the county. The council expressed a need to balance economic development with the preservation of residential areas. In the end, the council voted to approve the rezoning with conditions, including enhanced buffer zones, noise restrictions, and a commitment to regular community engagement to address any issues that arise.

During the meeting, the York County Council considered an infrastructure credit agreement with the New York Hotel Group, a prominent developer planning to establish a luxury hotel and resort in the county. The agreement aimed to facilitate the development by offering financial incentives in the form of infrastructure credits, which would help offset the costs associated with essential infrastructure improvements necessary for the project.

Background and Project Scope: The New York Hotel Group's proposed development is set to be a high-end resort that includes a luxury hotel, conference center, fine dining restaurants, and recreational amenities such as a spa, golf course, and outdoor event spaces. The project is anticipated to be a significant economic driver for York County, with projections estimating the creation of several hundred jobs, both during the construction phase and in ongoing operations. Additionally, the resort is expected to attract tourists and business travelers, which would further boost local businesses and increase tax revenue for the county.

Infrastructure Needs: To support the development, substantial infrastructure improvements are required, particularly in areas such as road expansions, utility extensions, and environmental management. The hotel group identified these needs in its proposal, outlining the necessity for upgraded road access to handle increased traffic, enhanced water and sewer systems to support the large-scale facility, and environmental safeguards to protect surrounding natural areas. These infrastructure enhancements are crucial not only for the resort's operation but also for ensuring minimal disruption to the local community and environment.

Council Deliberations: The council's discussion on the infrastructure credit agreement was thorough, reflecting the complexity and long-term impact of the project. Several key points were raised:

1. Economic Impact vs. Public Cost: Council members weighed the projected economic benefits of the resort against the potential public costs associated with the infrastructure improvements. Proponents of the agreement highlighted the significant increase in employment opportunities, both directly through the resort and indirectly through increased demand for local goods and services. The projected rise in tourism was also emphasized, with council members noting the potential for York County to become a more prominent destination in the region.However, some council members expressed concerns about the cost to taxpayers, especially if the infrastructure improvements exceeded initial estimates. There was a strong emphasis on ensuring that the public investment would be justified by the long-term economic returns.
2. Environmental and Community Impact: The environmental impact of the resort was a major point of discussion. Council members and community representatives stressed the importance of protecting the local environment, particularly given the resort's proximity to natural areas. The hotel group assured the council that they would adhere to strict environmental regulations and implement sustainability measures, including the use of green building practices and the preservation of natural habitats on the property.Additionally, the council discussed the potential impact on nearby communities, particularly in terms of increased traffic and potential changes to the local character. To address these concerns, the infrastructure agreement included provisions for traffic mitigation measures, such as road widening and the installation of traffic signals at key intersections. The developer also committed to engaging with local residents throughout the project to address any concerns and ensure that the resort would be a positive addition to the community.
3. Approval and Conditions: After extensive deliberation, the council voted to approve the infrastructure credit agreement, but with several conditions to protect the county’s interests. These conditions included:The approval of the agreement was seen as a strategic move to spur economic growth in York County while also taking steps to mitigate potential risks. The project is now set to move forward, with the New York Hotel Group expected to break ground in the coming months.
4. • A cap on the total amount of infrastructure credits, ensuring that the public investment would not exceed a predetermined limit.
   • A requirement for the New York Hotel Group to complete a series of environmental impact studies before any construction begins.
   • A phased approach to the development, with infrastructure improvements required to be completed before the hotel and resort could fully open to the public.
   • Regular progress reports to the council, allowing for ongoing oversight and the ability to address any emerging issues.

The full meeting video is available on YouTube at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioFblKgxvrA