Community Development Committee tables resolution on Cherokee Regional Land Bank Authority

The Community Development Committee of Holly Springs City voted to table a resolution that would express the city’s support for joining a regional effort to create the Cherokee Regional Land Bank Authority.

Speaker 1, an unidentified speaker, described the proposed land bank as a regional authority intended to acquire blighted or tax-delinquent property, improve those sites and then resell or lease them — potentially for affordable housing or mixed-use projects. “A year or so ago, the city of Canton approached the county trying to figure out a way to create affordable housing,” Speaker 1 said, adding that the group has been meeting for about a year and a half to form the authority. The presenter explained the authority would be governed by a nine-member board with municipal and county representation and at-large seats, and that startup was anticipated “somewhere in September through December.”

Speaker 2, the presiding committee member on the call, repeatedly pressed for specifics about the funding and the process for final approval, asking whether the committee’s vote now would simply permit county staff to move forward with legal documentation. Speaker 1 said the county is preparing formal documents and that initial funding could come from donations, grants or proceeds from property sales or leases, but that the exact funding plan had not yet been finalized. “Now Holly Springs itself is not in the same position as Canton… we don't really have blighted properties,” Speaker 1 said, cautioning that the town may not see immediate benefit.

After discussion, Speaker 2 moved to table the resolution to allow members more time to review the forthcoming formal documents; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote, 2-0. The committee then moved to and approved the Community Development Committee special called meeting minutes dated 11/07/2024 by the same unanimous voice vote. With no reports offered, the committee adjourned.

Why it matters: land banks are regional tools intended to remove blight and catalyze redevelopment, often through acquisition, rehabilitation and resale or leasing arrangements; they can be funded through donations, grants and proceeds from sales. Committee members said Holly Springs currently has few properties that fit the typical land-bank portfolio, and they wanted the legal agreements and funding details clarified before deciding whether to participate.

What comes next: county staff will finalize the formal documents and funding plan for the Cherokee Regional Land Bank Authority. When those materials are returned to the committee or to the City Council, Holly Springs officials can decide whether to join the authority or defer participation.