Conway City Council approves first reading of redevelopment plan

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) – A major facelift could be on its way to the city of Conway, and Monday night city officials moved one step closer to making it a reality.

But they say they need to fund it and propose creating a “tax increment financing district.”

“This is just a financing mechanism. That’s all it is. It provides a funding mechanism for future plans,” said City Manager Adam Emrick.

Emrick explained that no matter how much property taxes increase, that difference will be accommodated in a downtown and riverfront development plan that will fund everything from new recreation and river access improvements to new trails, greenways and connectors.

“It’s not a tax increase, it’s not a fee, it’s just a natural increase in property values. We are capturing the increase and reinvesting it in the district,” Emrick said.

Although city council members passed a first reading Monday night, not everyone is sure about the plan

Last weekHorry County Schools, which owns some of the property the city wants to develop, said it wants more conversations about the TIF before signing off.

A few residents also expressed concerns, focusing on the potential displacement of more than three dozen families living at the Lee Haven Apartments.

“The redevelopment is a good opportunity for the city, in terms of bringing different types of homes and businesses to Conway. I would not like to see the redevelopment come in a place where 32 people, families, would not have a place to stay,” one resident said during public comment.

City officials say the redevelopment would take place over several years, and would not happen without a plan for the people affected. They also say money from the TIF can be used to provide more affordable housing options.

But Dr. Kenneth Floyd, former president of Conway’s NAACP chapter, says he’s still skeptical.

“If you’re going to build new affordable housing, are you going to give these people the opportunity to come back at the same price, or are you all planning to jack up prices where we can’t afford them?” Floyd asked. “We put them in a position to have our best interests at heart, so they have to consult with us about what we want. It’s not about them, it’s about what the citizens want.”

City council members also expressed interest in communicating more with the public so they understand the plan, and acknowledged that misinformation is circulating.

At the moment we do not know when this plan will be back on the table for a second and final reading.