Development News for Spartanburg, South Carolina

New Ordinance Strengthens Rules Against Obstruction of Public Property

The City Council passed an ordinance amending the code to clarify provisions regarding the obstruction of public property. This ordinance aims to ensure public spaces like sidewalks, parks, and streets remain safe and accessible by making it unlawful to obstruct these areas with personal property or through prolonged congregating without a permit. Enforcement will be handled by property maintenance and environmental services offices, with provisions for abating violations at the violator's expense. The ordinance supersedes previous inconsistent ordinances and clarifies that code violations, not criminal ones, are addressed.

City Council Approves Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operating Budget

The City Council approved the city operating budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The budget includes a cost of living wage adjustment for all employees and absorbs rising health insurance costs. No changes to property tax rates or household fees are proposed, despite language in the ordinance suggesting revenue increases. Significant expenditure growth is noted in police, fire, and public works departments. The budget also authorizes funding for additional police officer slots and strategic use of outside resources for enhanced visible police presence downtown. The hospitality tax discretionary allotments are expected to be finalized for the second reading.

SPATS 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan Public Input Underway

The city council received information regarding the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan from SPATS (Spartanberg Planning Area Transportation Study). This 25-year visionary document identifies transportation needs across roads, public transit, and multimodal options within the county. Public involvement is crucial for the plan's success, ensuring it reflects community needs. The public comment period is ongoing until May 29th, with options to participate online via a virtual room, comment form, or survey. SPATS, as a metropolitan planning organization, works with consultants to evaluate projects based on weighted criteria and incorporate them into the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The plan considers future conditions and growth to mitigate traffic and ensure infrastructure is in place. Feedback from the community is being gathered, with a focus on areas within and near the city boundary, as well as specific corridors like Reedville Road.

Development Agreement Approved for Mixed-Use Project at 145 West Broad Street

The City Council authorized the execution of a development agreement with Barrett Reality Investment Incorporated for a mixed-use development at 145 West Broad Street in downtown Spartanberg. This project aims to complete a city block, provide attractive context for a joint governmental complex, meet housing demand, create active street edges, and grow the tax base. The development includes residential units, restaurant/retail space, and incorporates the new Blue Moon business. Barrett Realty will invest approximately $70 million, with escalating tax payments over a 20-year agreement, generating substantial local government revenue. The project will also provide a permanent home for Blue Moon and contribute to the downtown area as a restaurant and retail hub.