Upcoming Council Schedule, Committee Name Change, Annexation Reform, and Major Economic Development

Councilman Blount’s Newsletter 2-16-25

I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you and your family have stayed safe through this past weekend’s weather. As always, the resilience and strength of our community shine through during challenging moments, and I am grateful for the way our county comes together to support one another.

As we begin this new week, I want to wish you all a prosperous and blessed week ahead. There is a lot happening in Greenville County—important decisions, community discussions, and opportunities for growth.

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Upcoming Council Meetings

All meetings located at 301 University Ridge

Monday, February 17

• 6:00 PM: Zoning Public Hearing

Location: Council Chambers

Tuesday, February 18

• 4:45 PM: Roads, Infrastructure, and Public Works Committee Meeting

Location: Committee Meeting Room

• 5:00 PM: Committee of the Whole Meeting

Location: Committee Meeting Room

• 6:00 PM: County Council Meeting

Location: Council Chambers

For more information and to access meeting agendas, please visit the Greenville County Calendar HERE

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Audit Committee Members Initiate Name Change to “Oversight Committee”: Strengthening Fiscal Stewardship and Strategic Resource Allocation in Greenville County

The decision to rename the Audit Committee to the Oversight Committee originated from the committee members themselves, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that county tax dollars are both responsibly managed and strategically allocated. While the term “Audit Committee” may have suggested a singular focus on financial audits, the committee’s true mission has always been broader—to evaluate county departments, programs, and services to ensure that taxpayer resources are effectively utilized, eliminating inefficiencies while also identifying areas in need of greater investment.

Mission of the Oversight Committee

The committee members recognized that true oversight extends beyond cost-cutting and financial reviews. The newly named Oversight Committee will examine not only where we may be overspending, but also where additional resources and assets are necessary to improve county operations and services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Comprehensive Departmental Evaluations – Conducting in-depth reviews of county departments to assess effectiveness and ensure that public funds are properly supporting essential services.

• Strategic Resource Allocation – Identifying not just inefficiencies but also gaps in funding, ensuring that critical services receive the resources they need.

• Transparent Financial and Performance Audits – Maintaining oversight of financial practices while also evaluating program outcomes, ensuring that taxpayer dollars deliver the greatest benefit to the community.

• Proactive Policy and Program Assessment – Reviewing policies and programs to ensure they align with Greenville County’s long-term goals and evolving community needs.

Key Benefits of the Oversight Committee

• Enhanced Fiscal Stewardship – Ensures that county resources are allocated wisely, balancing cost-efficiency with the need for continued investment in vital services.

• Stronger Government Accountability – Holds departments and officials accountable for ensuring public funds are used transparently and responsibly.

• Improved Public Services – Helps identify gaps in funding and resources to enhance essential county operations.

• Informed Decision-Making – Provides critical data and insights to guide County Council in making balanced and strategic budgetary decisions.

By initiating this name change, the committee members reaffirmed their commitment to a more comprehensive and proactive approach to oversight—one that ensures Greenville County operates with fiscal integrity, strategic foresight, and a dedication to serving its residents effectively. Given the short tenure of most of the committee, I am extremely impressed with the way in which they have started this new committee process. I truly believe it will be a huge asset to not only proper Government operations, but also as another added layer of transparency and accountability that citizens are expecting from their representatives!

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Isuzu Chooses Greenville County for New U.S. Production Base—A Game-Changer for Our Community

Announcement from Gov Henry McMaster

Isuzu has officially selected Greenville County as the site for its new U.S. production base! This $280 million investment is a major win, bringing over 700 high-quality jobs, strengthening our automotive sector, and further cementing our region as a top destination for advanced manufacturing.

As Chairman of Greenville County Council and a member of the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) board, I’ve seen firsthand how strategic partnerships and economic development efforts make projects like this possible. The GADC has played a crucial role in making Greenville an attractive location for global companies, and this announcement is the latest example of that success.

Why Greenville?

For those unfamiliar, the GADC works tirelessly to bring investment, jobs, and economic growth to Greenville County. Through collaboration with state and local leaders, workforce development programs, and targeted incentives, the GADC ensures that companies like Isuzu recognize the value of choosing Greenville. Our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and business-friendly environment were key factors in securing this major investment.

Key Details of the Isuzu Investment:

• Location & Facility – Isuzu has acquired a 1 million-square-foot facility on 200+ acres along Augusta Road in Greenville County. This site will be transformed into a state-of-the-art assembly plant to enhance Isuzu’s vehicle supply capabilities in North America.

• Production Capabilities – The new plant will feature a flexible production line capable of manufacturing both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs). Once fully operational, the facility will produce Isuzu’s N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric, and F-Series Diesel trucks, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 units.

• Timeline – Operations are slated to begin in 2027, with further details on job opportunities and hiring to be announced in the coming months.

• Economic Development Support – The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits to support this project. Additionally, a $7 million Closing Fund grant has been awarded to Greenville County to assist with site preparation and building construction.

A Transformational Impact for Greenville County

Beyond job creation, Isuzu’s decision reinforces Greenville’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and manufacturing excellence. It proves what we’ve long known: our county is open for business, and we have the talent and resources to support world-class companies.

This is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and prosperous partnership. Welcome to Greenville, Isuzu! We look forward to the opportunities and economic growth this investment will bring to our community and the entire Upstate region.

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Upcoming Changes to Council Rules

At the upcoming County Council meeting on Tuesday, February 18th, members will vote on proposed amendments to the Council’s rules. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity of Council operations. Below is an overview of some the key modifications:

1. Chairman’s Authority to Delegate Document Execution

The proposed amendment to Section I (A) allows the Chairman to delegate the execution of official documents to the Vice-Chairman. This change aims to ensure continuity and efficiency in Council operations, particularly in the Chairman’s absence.

2. Clarified Communication Channels with County Employees

Revisions to Section II (D) emphasize that Council members should generally communicate with County officers and employees through the County Administrator. However, the amendment permits direct contact when necessary for investigations or oversight functions, balancing effective governance with respect for established administrative protocols.

3. Remote Participation in Meetings

The update to Section III (A) formalizes the allowance for Council members to participate in meetings remotely when required. Members attending remotely must be both visible and audible, ensuring full participation and transparency during proceedings.

4. Enhanced Meeting Decorum and Debate Procedures

Changes to Section III (D) focus on maintaining decorum during meetings. Council members are expected to address the presiding officer respectfully and confine their remarks to the topic under discussion. Each member is allotted a maximum of five minutes to speak on a motion, with the possibility of additional time granted at the Chairman’s discretion.

These proposed amendments reflect the Council’s commitment to effective governance and responsive leadership!

Read the proposed Council rules HERE

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February 27th is the Rescheduled Public Information Session for proposed “Inn at Altamont”

The community information session for the proposed “Inn at Altamont” project and requested annexation into the City of Travelers Rest has been rescheduled to February 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Greenville Event Center, located at 119 Beverly Road.

Representatives from The Divine Group, Marriott International, DLW Architects, and Arbor Land Design will be present to discuss the $60 million luxury hotel planned for Paris Mountain. The project includes a 150-room resort featuring a banquet hall, a 2,000-capacity event lawn, an upscale rooftop bar-restaurant, and a resort-style pool and spa. The developers aim to attract families, weddings, events, and conferences, while offering public access to a park on the 40-acre property. 

Community Concerns:

Citizens across Greenville County have expressed concerns regarding the commercialization of Paris Mountain, a historic landmark connected to Paris Mountain State Park. Key issues include:

• Environmental Impact: Potential harm to the mountain’s natural ecosystem, including wildlife disruption and deforestation.

• Traffic Congestion: Increased traffic on the mountain’s narrow, winding roads, raising safety concerns for residents and visitors.

• Preservation of Natural Beauty: Fears that large-scale development could alter the mountain’s landscape and degrade its scenic vistas.

• Historical Significance: Concerns about compromising the integrity of a site with deep historical and cultural importance to the community.

A petition over now over 10,000 citizens opposing the project has garnered significant support, reflecting widespread apprehension about the proposed development. 

Importance of Public Participation:

Attending the rescheduled meeting is crucial for residents to:

• Gain Information: Learn detailed aspects of the project directly from the developers and associated partners.

• Voice Opinions: Express support or concerns, ensuring that community perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.

• Engage in Dialogue: Participate in discussions that could influence the project’s development to align with community values and environmental stewardship.

Active community engagement is essential in shaping the future of Paris Mountain and maintaining the balance between development and preservation. Your participation ensures that diverse viewpoints are heard and considered.

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County Council Resolution Opposing the proposed Travelers Rest Annexation for ‘The Inn at Altamont’

At its upcoming meeting, the Greenville County Council will consider a resolution opposing the proposed annexation of land on Paris Mountain by the City of Travelers Rest to allow for the development of “The Inn at Altamont.” The resolution, introduced by multiple council members, strongly affirms the county’s commitment to preserving the environmental, historical, and cultural integrity of Paris Mountain.

Key Points of the Resolution

1. Paris Mountain’s Protected Status

• Paris Mountain is zoned as an Environmentally Sensitive District (ESD-PM)—the only such designation in Greenville County—intended to protect its natural resources, biodiversity, and scenic beauty.

• The area is home to rare plant and animal species, and large-scale development could cause irreversible environmental damage.

2. Concerns Over the Proposed Development

• The planned luxury hotel, banquet hall, event lawn, and rooftop bar would increase traffic, noise, and infrastructure demands, negatively impacting the area’s character.

• Altamont Road, the primary access route, is narrow, winding, and not suited for heavy traffic or construction equipment, raising significant safety concerns.

• Noise pollution from rooftop bars, entertainment venues, and increased traffic could disrupt residents and visitors of Paris Mountain State Park.

• The development could strain local utilities, emergency services, and water supply, which are not designed for commercial use in this area.

3. Opposition to Annexation

• The resolution highlights that annexing Paris Mountain into Travelers Rest would override Greenville County’s zoning protections, setting a dangerous precedent for future development in environmentally sensitive areas.

• It argues that “shoestring annexation”—where cities annex narrow strips of land to reach desirable properties—creates a “Pac-Man” effect, allowing more protected areas to be consumed by development.

• The resolution references the 2023-2024 H. 4651 Fairness in Annexation Act, which seeks to reform unfair annexation laws that enable cities to take over land without broader community approval.

4. Public Opposition and Council’s Stand

• More than 10,000 residents have signed a petition opposing the project, demonstrating overwhelming public concern.

• The Travelers Rest Comprehensive Master Plan (2023) does not call for annexing Paris Mountain or expanding commercial development in protected areas.

• The resolution is backed by eight council members who assert that the project would bring limited community benefits while imposing significant costs on residents and taxpayers.

What This Means for Residents

The resolution urges:

• The City of Travelers Rest and Greenville County Planning Commission to reject the annexation and uphold existing land-use protections.

• State agencies, including the SC Department of Natural Resources and SC Department of Transportation, to consider the potential environmental and infrastructural impacts.

• Stronger protections against unfair annexation practices at both the local and state levels.

How to Get Involved

• Attend the County Council meeting to show support for the resolution.

• Participate in the public information session on February 27 to voice concerns directly to the developers.

• Contact local representatives to ensure they understand the community’s strong opposition to this project.

The County Council’s stance reinforces that Paris Mountain should remain protected from commercial expansion, ensuring it continues to serve as a natural and cultural landmark for future generations.

Read the proposed resolution HERE

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Councilman’s Corner: Empowering Counties and Citizens in South Carolina Concerning Annexation

In South Carolina, the process of municipal annexation—whereby cities and towns expand their boundaries to include adjacent unincorporated areas—has long been a subject of debate. While annexation can promote urban growth and economic development, it often raises concerns among county governments and residents about the potential for overreach and the erosion of local autonomy. The proposed 2023-2024 H. 4651 Fairness in Annexation Act seeks to address some of these issues.

Current Challenges in Annexation Practices

Under existing South Carolina law, municipalities can annex contiguous areas through several methods, including petitions by property owners or electoral processes. However, these mechanisms often favor municipal expansion without adequately considering the interests of county governments or the affected residents. Counties, which are responsible for managing unincorporated areas, may find their planning and zoning efforts undermined by unilateral municipal annexations. Residents, on the other hand, may face changes in services, taxation, and regulations without sufficient input or recourse.

Provisions of the H. 4651 Fairness in Annexation Act

The H. 4651 Fairness in Annexation Act introduces several measures aimed at creating a more equitable annexation process:

• Legal Standing for Counties: The Act grants county governing bodies the authority to legally challenge municipal annexations or deannexations, providing a formal avenue to contest actions they deem inappropriate.

• Prevention of Unincorporated Islands: It prohibits annexations that would result in unincorporated islands or noncontiguous municipal areas, addressing concerns about fragmented governance and service delivery.

• Deannexation Procedures: The Act introduces clear procedures for deannexation, including public hearing requirements, ensuring transparency and community involvement in decisions to remove areas from municipal boundaries.

• Public Hearing Mandate: Municipalities must hold public hearings before annexing or deannexing areas, fostering open dialogue and consideration of community input.

• Utility Service Protections: The Act prohibits municipalities from conditioning the provision or continuation of water and sewer services on annexation status, protecting residents from coercive practices.

Read the Act HERE

Recommendations for Further Reform

While the H. 4651 Act addresses several critical issues, additional reforms could further balance the interests of municipalities, counties, and residents:

1. Enhanced Resident Participation: Current laws allow annexation if a petition is signed by 75% of freeholders owning 75% of the assessed property value in the area. Lowering this threshold or requiring a referendum with a simple majority vote could ensure broader resident consent.

2. County Approval Requirement: Mandating that any proposed annexation receive approval from the affected county’s governing body would promote collaborative decision-making and respect for county-level planning and zoning regulations.

3. Impact Assessments: Requiring comprehensive impact studies—evaluating effects on infrastructure, environment, and public services—prior to annexation decisions would ensure informed choices that consider long-term consequences.

4. Clear Definitions and Guidelines: Establishing precise definitions for terms like “contiguous” and setting clear guidelines for annexation procedures can prevent legal ambiguities and potential conflicts between municipalities and counties.

5. Protection Against “Shoestring” Annexations: Implementing stricter criteria to prevent annexations that connect municipalities to distant parcels through narrow corridors (commonly known as “shoestring” or “flagpole” annexations) would maintain logical and cohesive municipal boundaries.

Annexation, when conducted transparently and collaboratively, can serve as a tool for growth and improved public services. However, without adequate checks and balances, it risks undermining county authority and disregarding the will of affected residents. By adopting comprehensive reforms—including those proposed in the H. 4651 Fairness in Annexation Act and additional measures—South Carolina can foster a more equitable and democratic annexation process that respects the rights and interests of all stakeholders.

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Thank You for Your Engagement and Support

As we close out this week’s newsletter, I want to take a moment to personally thank you for staying informed and engaged in the work we are doing here in Greenville County. Your involvement—whether through attending meetings, reaching out with concerns, or simply staying updated—makes a difference in ensuring that our local government remains transparent, accountable, and truly representative of the people it serves.

Public service is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me to represent our community. Together, we are shaping the future of Greenville County—whether through smart economic development, responsible fiscal stewardship, or the protection of our cherished natural resources.

I encourage you to continue participating in local government, voicing your opinions, and holding us accountable. Your voice matters. If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas on how we can improve our county, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your trust, your support, and your dedication to making Greenville County a great place to live, work, and thrive!

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