[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6389142,"mediaKeyId","2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa","parentId",2113585,"title","Business committee hears AECOM stormwater master plan that lists 51 projects and $72 million in needs","audioSeconds",231,"startMs",4297000,"endMs",4528000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa&start=4297&end=4528","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa/thumbnail_4297000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6389142/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Business-committee-hears-AECOM-stormwater-master-plan-that-lists-51-projects-and-72-million-in-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389142-2ad5d43dc82ea50ef64ae6feb1c6f282/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212180&Signature=aBTXQw-akqG59NPwklRZswly0Bo6Ll6Sw8MTOsQwaV25~GkkhknMqRMis~Bn5s4AC9JuQ7576tTcPdAoHnxgZs3A4szaqZXpnVCB44mTR4m0NKg6wBz0q1eqThthrPc9gzsT9VpAA0oEmse5~jj-mxqenJL6v2p7v9lI13tpcjeFAbDqz6h7y3txFZ4GmLbqKAzOY4Qo9gUSEJzOVfmDYVbvkZWV9-TFhriIz9lyMYnoc2Y1J3lbzpnwqWfmxzCISxXQma6AQKqTxijfH9KNT5nNWvmAk6VYlkSboalMnq7HkX2lmBn2wnq2hdr0svMyU10I2hV3Cy~fwHwJ0BiXGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-14T07:27:34Z","article","The Florence Business Development Committee told the City Council on Jan. 13 that a three‑year stormwater master plan prepared by AECOM identifies 51 projects with an estimated total cost of about $72 million.

Committee members said the study included public engagement, a facility inventory, hydraulic and hydrologic analyses and an implementation plan. The report will be presented in full to council at the February meeting, the committee chair said. AECOM presenters named in the meeting included Porter Rivers, Michael Henry and Brandon Bichler.

Committee members emphasized widespread need across the city and urged residents not to deposit trash in storm drains; staff reported more than 40 tons of debris were removed from storm pipes during the study. The committee framed the master plan as a prioritization and implementation roadmap rather than a promise of immediate funding; the committee chair noted the city does not currently have the full funding and will pursue grants and other sources.

Council members said the plan provides a list of projects and next steps; staff and the committee will return with an implementation strategy, funding options and a full presentation to council in February.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Florence South Carolina Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","The Business Development Committee received an executive‑summary presentation from AECOM on a city stormwater master plan identifying 51 projects and an estimated $72 million cost; the full plan will be presented to the full council in February.","taxTitle","Florence City, Florence County, South Carolina","taxId",4287,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6389147,"Council approves light‑industrial annexation and rezoning proposals on North Cashewa Drive",265,2950000,3215000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa&start=2950&end=3215","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa/thumbnail_2950000.jpg","/articles/6389147/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Council-approves-lightindustrial-annexation-and-rezoning-proposals-on-North-Cashewa-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389147-78e3c0f047f24281528abdfcd642df56/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212180&Signature=X1HLr-MteLalUdUybWZ5UCKUtWuoWg3Staa6l0JuipAh36aFF~yGyu2gWzL4GmiC0GY9Xg2juA5ZD1RxNj9svj60tIKLitjsJLzQt5qyBPGHwWhl-WX-3ZJ0YNtCUrLErNp8wNn7qGrtbXZxJLozb0TlQXC9rautZ4g29hRJRPAKyhTeJmEUHQ0u~LmHBscmtw8AC9rgaYYj6~imLNr0pRmGx9Pe9K4R8HS3JDCdDnORhRVchyvNbth49htcG6nUlb3fLKdIjb~CnWlgq8UIFDzyo0xkbVWEqclij6qFHznpiPR-CXLAFMTbL8DhtSYyIvLEuh79xbp3K3U7c1~QUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence City Council on Jan. 13 approved measures to annex and rezone property near North Cashewa Drive for light industrial use.

Staff described the annexation and zoning request as a two‑part project. One parcel (roughly 44 acres north of New Spring Church on North Cashewa Drive) was presented for annexation and designation as light industrial, which would allow office parks and light industrial uses but would preclude heavy manufacturing. An adjacent city parcel was presented for rezoning from commercial general to light industrial to make the two parcels consistent for a larger project. Staff said planning commission voted unanimously, 9–0, to recommend the light industrial designation.

Planning Director Jerry Dudley told council that staff had not been informed of a specific use by the property owner and that the zoning request was for the light industrial designation only. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about buffers next to the church and about whether the parcels were inside or outside city limits. Staff confirmed one parcel required annexation while the adjacent parcel lies inside the city and needed rezoning.

Council passed second reading of a related annexation/residential zoning bill (Bill 2024‑25) and approved first readings for the Cashewa Drive annexation and the rezoning request by voice votes. No substantive conditions or specific development proposals were disclosed in the meeting.

Further permitting, site‑plan review and any required buffers will be handled through subsequent administrative processes and are subject to the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations.","Council approved a second‑reading annexation and first‑reading rezoning measures that would annex approximately 44 acres near North Cashewa Drive and rezone nearby city parcels to light industrial; planning commission recommended the zoning 9–0.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6389152,"Florence council takes steps on vacant/abandoned registry and unfit‑dwelling ordinance",432,3732000,4164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa&start=3732&end=4164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa/thumbnail_3732000.jpg","/articles/6389152/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-council-takes-steps-on-vacantabandoned-registry-and-unfitdwelling-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389152-5140e2925145c3113b1cfcc698e509e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212180&Signature=IqsY3u2yNm0zCvjQ9-XKqqMjlCsMzqvYJAnWWZhbSqZcEI~bBFt3c0xrvYOl277ncNM2jI3Ttaxas1G7fUwqnIljDIbcgHSoUKHKq3UOOZY0nRrw~OBaRhtmXVFGUu9vTV3RMdxNoF9nfaFvOdrLvcJc2cojDZh2m-AgEj~QRTWZ3rTlCFhdhnfUQbF4t7XvLOQw9FOUKWWqORpcGu2QUuAamQhACunNQdelAKkQGbpoNHAOLRZgy7Ouoa2VtcTLFjRA9tPlVDz1RuO1eSQno9-sRKubgoMBjrBUHf-l0wn9K8rTISWHQ6H~wEyPclgIR04CF~FX-K1ZCkPFsFFu-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence City Council on Jan. 13 took two related steps aimed at addressing blighted and hazardous properties: it moved discussion of a proposed vacant-and-abandoned building registration ordinance into executive session for legal advice, and it approved first reading of an ordinance to declare dwellings unfit for human habitation.

City staff described the registry as a new code requirement that would require owners of vacant and abandoned residential, commercial and industrial buildings to register with the city and provide contact information. The ordinance would create three vacancy categories tied to the degree of degradation, require a no‑trespass placard on properties, authorize inspections to determine category and impose escalating fees including inspection and delinquency penalties. Staff said exemptions would include buildings actively marketed for sale or lease, government‑owned buildings and sites actively slated for demolition.

The council voted to discuss the registry ordinance in executive session for legal advice rather than take final action at this meeting.

Council approved first reading of an “unfit dwelling” ordinance that defines conditions under which the building official may find a dwelling uninhabitable. The measure lists factors such as safe ingress and egress, functioning plumbing and sanitation, electricity and heat during cold months, secure exterior doors and violations listed in the International Property Maintenance Code. The ordinance creates an administrative sequence of remedies and an appeals path that includes staff review, the Construction Maintenance Board of Adjustment and Appeals and, if necessary, circuit court.

City Manager Scotty said enforcement and demolition work will have budgetary implications and noted that council previously set aside funds for voluntary demolitions; the new measures are intended to allow the city to address the most hazardous structures even when owners do not cooperate. Scotty described the properties targeted as \"the worst of the worst,\" including houses where a tree was growing through the structure, and said staff will use available demolition funds and place forgivable liens on properties where the city performs demolition work.

Council recessed into executive session for legal discussion on the vacant/abandoned registry; the unfit dwelling ordinance passed first reading by voice vote.","Council moved discussion of a proposed vacant-and-abandoned building registry into executive session for legal advice and approved first reading of an \"unfit dwelling\" ordinance to empower building officials to declare unsafe properties.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6389158,"Florence council renames South Park to Jabali Park, approves Mordecai C. Johnson Park despite neighborhood objections",1193,950000,2143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa&start=950&end=2143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2113585-f86cdfd7adc6f55e86812ab30e15f0fa/thumbnail_950000.jpg","/articles/6389158/Florence-City/Florence-County/South-Carolina/Florence-council-renames-South-Park-to-Jabali-Park-approves-Mordecai-C-Johnson-Park-despite-neighborhood-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6389158-8096a2a7aaae6268ca03fa2080d78d63/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212180&Signature=GxMmLoEM5C6Zj5N0IsBQ9yzHrkPaZHH4-pvX3wD0EPnkDIJ-f7HtbeLR~MAbb5YvVKmYEDrkhn-KUZa8zQ5VaMdFnULSHH6ONaa6Peydf3EFX2iOuwPH7c5W8ZTtLLf09--IVGvoP-sJIuaEnwxMB76jpfkr4a0I-wJNOkjxUIx84xMKT~C2fwsIaTbE3lkCakI~SnkprmLZp7AOQ4Xx-eDZoeDWzD3Hkwe3GKzjgRQdyvWvL8sPTS1vuEA2wv-j~9yjpmsGSRS8LpKeS9tr3VcGvs0D2U5MfQrTLwnjvRXJGB7FJ~AM-QeAw6qM~EtMl16-NFJ1CpB4kpn6SIkziw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florence City Council on Jan. 13 approved two resolutions to rename city parks: South Park will become Jabali Park and Northwest Park will become Mordecai C. Johnson Park.

City leaders said the renamings honor long-time local contributors. The council approved the Jabali resolution by voice vote after a staff member read the resolution describing John and Sylvia Jabali’s community work and the family’s donation of property that expanded the park.

The Jabali family expressed thanks after the vote. William (family member) said the honor recognized his father’s local work and the role his father played in securing federal community development grants that benefited the neighborhood. “My dad was a great man. He touched a lot of lives locally, at the state level and at the national level,” William said.

The resolution to rename Northwest Park to Mordecai C. Johnson Park generated more debate. City staff and the mayor presented a resolution recounting Mordecai C. Johnson’s career as an attorney, civil‑rights advocate and the city’s first African American council member. Planning commission minutes showed the commission deferred the item after neighborhood speakers requested more time to consider names.

At the council meeting, residents and council members raised concerns about process and community input. Resident Jean Zalicoff told the planning commission that the neighborhood wanted time for the neighborhood association to discuss a name and that some residents did not know who Mordecai Johnson was or how he had contributed to that specific neighborhood. A council member objected to moving forward without broader neighborhood involvement, saying, “I’m gonna oppose just because I don’t feel like my community was inclusive.” Council supporters responded that the planning commission is advisory and that council retains discretion to act; they also noted Johnson’s long public record of civic work.

Council voted to approve the Johnson renaming; the record shows at least one council member opposed. After the vote, speakers at the meeting—local clergy and longtime residents—praised the council’s decision to honor community leaders and urged continued unity.

The votes conclude the council’s formal action on the two renaming resolutions; implementation details such as sign changes and effective dates were not specified during the meeting.","The Florence City Council approved resolutions to rename South Park to Jabali Park and Northwest Park to Mordecai C. Johnson Park. The Johnson naming drew objections from neighborhood residents and one council member who said the community was not adequately consulted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Business committee hears AECOM stormwater master plan that lists 51 projects and $72 million in needs

Council approves light‑industrial annexation and rezoning proposals on North Cashewa Drive

Florence council takes steps on vacant/abandoned registry and unfit‑dwelling ordinance

Florence council renames South Park to Jabali Park, approves Mordecai C. Johnson Park despite neighborhood objections