Final Approval on Property for New Housing Development

Laurens City Council last evening gave a final approval for selling land for the city’s first major new housing development in forty years. Council unanimously approved a transfer of land from City ownership to a private concern that plans to construct a new housing community in Laurens. Ordinance 10-20-01 approves the sale of 66.0 acres of property off Fleming Street Extension, which reaches to behind The Ridge on Exchange Street.

The land is to be sold to SK Builders, Inc., of Greer, for a gross purchase price of $350,000. This will be the future home of a sub-division of approximately 130-homes, which are expected to sale for prices between $200,000 to $300,000.

Councilman Johnnie Bolt made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Martin Lowry, and a received a resounding yes by the rest of council present. Only Council Member Sara Latimore was absent for the November meeting of council.

After the affirmative vote, Mayor Nathan Senn said, “Every citizen of Laurens should appreciate what this means to our city.”

The negotiations concerning price and potential incentives reportedly calls for $175,000 of the purchase price to be paid at closing. The agreement is for $175,000 is to be held in escrow and used as an incentive from the city to help pay for the installation of water and sewer mains and any other necessary infrastructure improvements. When the first reading approval was given last month, the City announced that discussions with city council about this project began  after council met in executive session in June and authorized Mayor Senn to begin to identify who may be interested in purchasing the property for providing a needed new residential community for this city property. The Laurens CPW was also involved in the discussions. Last month, Mayor Senn noted this move will also put this property back on the tax roles .

At the start of last evening’s meeting, the Mayor’s opening comments reminded everyone to be thankful for what we’ve got, but to also remember those less fortunate. Suggesting donations to the local food bank would be helpful.