The Village Hills Small Area Plan is a visionary blueprint aimed at revitalizing a neglected section of the historic Town of Pendleton, South Carolina. By embracing a mixed-use generational development approach, the plan seeks to harmoniously blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, thereby fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. Central to this vision is the creation of inviting public spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement, while also enhancing connectivity within the Town. The plan emphasizes diversity in housing options, catering to various age groups and lifestyles, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all residents. By integrating modern development techniques with Pendleton's rich historical backdrop, the Village Hills Small Area Plan stands as an exemplary model for sustainable infill development in small towns, promoting economic growth and preserving cultural heritage.
The Town of Pendleton Village Hill TIF District Project was spurred by a developer's interest in transforming a blighted area. The full implementation of the TIF district would help fund town infrastructure including emergency services as well as improved roads and walkability within the district.
This initiative not only promises to breathe new life into the neglected site but also serves as a catalyst for broader community enhancement. The strategic approach outlined in the Village Hill TIF Plan looks to provide enhanced town services like a new fire station, improved roads and improve a neglected area into a thriving and vibrant community center.
What were the goals of the project?
The goal of this TIF district is to invest in a blighted area and achieve a thriving connected community while investing in enhanced infrastructure and public safety. This initiative, a collaboration between the Town and a dedicated developer, aims to optimize the available opportunities for growth and development.
GOAL 1: Enhance Infrastructure: Upgrading the existing infrastructure to meet modern standards is essential. This includes improvements in water supply, sewage systems, and electricity networks to support current and future needs. This will be achieved when development begins for the TIF district.
GOAL 2: Increase Public Safety: A cornerstone of the development is the addition of a new Fire Station. This will not only provide a better emergency response facility but also enhance the experience for volunteers, increasing membership and viability of the department. Completing the TIF district will give the Town of Pendleton the ability to fund this project.
GOAL 3: Improve Road Systems: The project will focus on improving road systems to ensure accessibility and ease of movement. This involves repairing existing roads, adding new routes, and implementing pedestrian-friendly pathways. Completing the TIF district will allow the Town of Pendleton to fund this project.
Establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district is a complex process that necessitates collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure that the district meets the community's needs and goals. The Town Council plays a pivotal role in initiating and approving the establishment of the district, while community input is crucial to ensure the plans align with local interests and priorities. Town Staff are responsible for providing technical support and data, which aids in informed decision-making. Developers bring investment and expertise in construction and design, essential for the district's physical and economic development. A Steering Committee often guided the strategic planning process, ensuring that all activities align with the district's objectives. The Planning Commission reviews and recommends plans to ensure they are consistent with broader community planning goals. Finally, entities like the Pendleton Municipal Facilities Corporation may be involved in financing and managing municipal facilities within the district, ensuring that infrastructure supports the area's growth. Together, these groups work in unison to create a vibrant, economically viable district that benefits all stakeholders involved.
How does this project promote the long-term success of the municipality and fit into its overall strategic plan?
Establishing the TIF District in Pendleton is poised to be a transformative force in the Town's development, targeting the revitalization of a currently blighted area. This initiative is not just an investment in infrastructure but also a significant step towards fulfilling the Town's comprehensive strategic plan. By enhancing community connections, the TIF District aims to create a more integrated environment through improved pathways, expanded green spaces, and diverse, walkable communities. These enhancements will foster stronger links between existing and new developments, promoting a vibrant, accessible community. Additionally, with improvements in fire services, roadways, and trails, the district will serve as a catalyst for long-term prosperity and a higher quality of life for Pendleton residents. The strategic alignment with the Town's goals underscores the district's potential to substantially elevate the community's social and economic landscape.
What are the future plans or next steps for this project?
The next phase of this project involves creating a design ordinance that will define the Town’s goals and objectives for architectural style and overall physical design. Once approved by the Town Council, this ordinance will guide key aspects of the development, including building density, placement, and the integration of greenways and park systems, ensuring a cohesive and well-planned community.
The next steps include amending the zoning ordinance to align with the Small Area Plan, continuing infrastructure improvements, and collaborating with the developer on the redevelopment efforts.
How is the approach to the project innovative?
The Village Hills Small Area Plan is an innovative project because it reimagines sustainable infill development in a historic small town, balancing growth with preservation. Here's why it stands out:
Mixed-Use, Generational Development: Unlike conventional zoning approaches, this plan integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, creating a dynamic, walkable community that serves multiple generations. The Town's vision for this development has always been to create a true "neighborhood" atmosphere—one where neighbors connect, and the community thrives. A key element of this plan is fostering generational continuity within the area. This is achieved through a thoughtfully designed housing progression, beginning with multi-family residences, transitioning to upscale attached single-family units, and ultimately leading to traditional single-family homes. This structured approach forms the foundation of the project, ensuring long-term community growth and connection.
Smart Growth & Connectivity: The plan prioritizes public spaces and infrastructure improvements that enhance walkability, strengthen local connections, and encourage social interaction, which is often overlooked in small-town redevelopment.
Diverse & Inclusive Housing Options: By offering housing for different income levels and age groups, the project ensures long-term community sustainability, making it accessible and adaptable to changing demographics.
Preserving History While Innovating: The approach seamlessly blends modern urban planning principles with Pendleton's historic character, ensuring new development enhances rather than disrupts the Town's heritage.
Economic Revitalization: The plan fosters local business growth and job creation while boosting tourism appeal through thoughtful redevelopment.
This project is not just a redevelopment effort—it's a forward-thinking strategy that positions Pendleton as a leader in sustainable, community-centered growth.