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Council approves certification of abandoned Russell Street buildings to support Railroad Corner tax-credit application
Summary
The council adopted a resolution certifying multiple Russell Street properties as abandoned so developers can apply for South Carolina abandoned building tax credits to support the Railroad Corner redevelopment project.
The City Council voted to adopt a resolution certifying that several properties on Russell Street are abandoned, a step the city administrator said will support a developer’s application for abandoned building tax credits connected to the Railroad Corner redevelopment.
City Administrator Everett told the council that Orangeburg University District Partners, the Railroad Corner developers, requested the certification to accompany an application to the state for abandoned building tax credits. Everett said the certification confirms the buildings were abandoned and that the certification would not have an adverse effect on the city or reduce property taxes.
The resolution, read into the record by the mayor, listed the properties and tax-map numbers the council certified: 1701 Russell Street (tax map number 01131404012), 1705 Russell Street (tax map number 01731404027), 1711 Russell Street (tax map number 07731404011) and 1715 Russell Street (tax map number 01731404010). Everett cited the South Carolina Code Annotated, section 12-67-100 et seq., as the statutory authority referenced in the resolution.
Councilor McKitt moved to adopt the certification; Councilor Kalu seconded. The council approved the resolution by voice vote. "All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Ayes have. The motion is carried," the mayor said.
Why this matters: The certification is an administrative step required for the developer’s state tax-credit application and could affect the viability and financing of the Railroad Corner redevelopment project. City administrators said the certification does not reduce the city’s tax base.
Votes at a glance: - Adoption of certification regarding abandoned building site at or near 1701, 1705, 1711 and 1715 Russell Street (per South Carolina Code Annotated section 12-67-100 et seq.): motion by Councilor McKitt; second by Councilor Kalu; outcome: approved by voice vote (counts not specified in meeting record). - Approval of City Council minutes, Jan. 7, 2025: motion by Councilor Stroman; second by Councilman Grievous; outcome: approved by voice vote (counts not specified). - Approval of Special City Council minutes, Jan. 17, 2025: motion by Dr. Kalu; second by Councilor Knox; outcome: approved by voice vote (counts not specified). - Motion to go into executive (closed) session to discuss lease negotiations and a personnel performance evaluation (South Carolina Code section 30-4-70(a)(2) and (a)(1)): motion by Councilor Stroman; second by Councilor Grieves; outcome: approved by voice vote (counts not specified)."
