Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
Spartanburg council votes to place restored bicentennial clock tower at Barnett Park
Summary
After public comment and staff analysis, Spartanburg City Council authorized proceeding with design and budget planning to rebuild and place the restored clock tower at Barnett Park; council noted legal limits on placing the structure on county courthouse grounds without the county's permission.
A majority of the Spartanburg City Council voted April 27 to move forward with placing the restored bicentennial clock tower at Barnett Park, directing staff to proceed with design and to include construction funding in the next fiscal year budget.
City Manager Chris Story framed the decision around site permanence, visibility and legal access. "We simply can't make a recommendation to you all that you act in that direction because you don't have the legal right to do it," Story said, explaining that the city must own land or have a permanent legal right to build and maintain a structure on another owner's property.
The decision follows a month of public outreach: staff reported about 130 public emails roughly split among Barnett Park supporters and those urging courthouse placement. Public commenters including Stanley Turner Case and Wesley Stoddard urged courthouse placement on historical grounds, while others including Andy Bridal and members of the public favored Barnett Park as an activating, family-friendly location.
Councilmembers discussed alternate sites and design details at length. Story said staff vetted locations such as the Train Depot, Richardson Park and Morgan Square and favored Barnett Park because of its programming, nearby parking and higher traffic corridor; staff also noted design changes to ensure plaques and the bell remain visible. Councilmembers asked staff to incorporate accessibility improvements and to preserve historical elements such as plaques and the restored bell now on display in the Spartanburg County Library.
A council member moved that the project "move forward to Barnett Park," a motion seconded by another member; the motion carried on a voice vote with one recorded nay.
Staff told council the anticipated construction cost across site options is roughly $800,000, and Story recommended placing funds for construction in next fiscal year’s budget (effective July 1) and advancing the project to the next phase of design.
The council’s action authorizes staff to advance design and budget planning; the project will return to council as required for any financial commitments or formal approvals.
