Marion County launches $250,000 feasibility study for about 70 acres to guide mixed-use housing development

Marion County officials said they have started a feasibility study funded by a $250,000 grant from Commerce to evaluate development options for roughly 70 acres of county-owned land.

The chair said the county "kicked off the initial planning meeting with Restoration 52 consultant firm out of Greenville that Commerce engaged." The scope, county officials said, includes studying housing options — workforce, rental and mixed-use — and will help determine the best use for the property. Officials described the parcel as "70 plus or minus acres." The county expects the feasibility study to take about three months, with results likely to be available toward November.

County staff listed participants in the initial planning meeting, including the county's economic development director, project staff and the county building official, and said the study team will engage counsel and a set of potential stakeholders. Officials said the study will include land-use analysis to verify whether existing designations — described in the meeting as industrial park, entertainment district and general development — fit the county's goals for "smart growth." The consultant, Restoration 52, will report findings and recommended uses once the study is complete.

In the same administrative update, officials reported progress on a roof replacement at the Clark Court building, saying the project is "coming up nicely" and should be completed "in the next 30, 45 days." The council also received an August spending report related to support for the county's animal shelter nonprofit; no new spending decisions were taken at the meeting.