In a 5-1 vote, the Pickens County School District rejected a partnership opportunity that would create more workforce and affordable housing for residents of Clemson. The decision on Monday follows Pickens County’s opt-out vote on Nov. 11.
“The current status is that the County has opted out with intent to continue negotiations. The Pickens County School District voted to opt out at their meeting on November 18,” Andy Blondeau, Clemson’s city administrator, told The Tiger in an email.
The four partners included in this potential plan, the city of Clemson, Clemson University, Pickens County and the School District of Pickens County, were given 45 days to decide whether to opt in or out after the city of Clemson approved the first reading of an ordinance that would create two tax increment financing districts, Eastside and Westside, in Clemson.
Eastside would primarily consist of historically African American neighborhoods and Westside would include downtown Clemson and the upcoming Clemson HUB development. The revenue would come from the Westside and the affordable housing would be built in the Eastside.
The plan involves using property tax revenue from housing being built near Lake Hartwell to build more affordable housing on property that the University owns. The new housing would be split four ways between the partners.
At least three of the entities need to be involved in order for this to be a feasible plan. Since the Pickens County School District has rejected the opportunity, but Pickens County has merely opted out, there is a small chance that the plan can move forward.
At the meeting, “Opponents, including Pickens County Council, cited concerns about insufficient needs assessments and timing of tax revenue calculations,” WSN Radio reports. Blondeau noted positive aspects of the plan, including “fostering private property development through improved public infrastructure and housing.”
Pickens County has until Jan 1. to negotiate and a partnership between Pickens County and the city of Clemson is still an option for the future.
“Clemson’s administration has participated in conversations with the city of Clemson, Pickens County and the Pickens County School District to explore the TIF district and is supportive of the efforts at this point,” Joe Galbraith, the University’s spokesman, told The Journal.
Clemson City Council will host a public hearing for the proposal on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.
