Speaker tells Greensville County board developers exploited historic-review process, seeks city-council oversight

Joseph Farmer used his public comment slot to urge citizens to press the mayor and city council to reclaim approval authority over special property‑tax assessment freezes from the City of Greenville's Historic Review Board, which he said is being exploited by developers.

Farmer said that, in the past 12 months, five projects received approval for tax freezes totaling about $115 million — examples he listed included a $20 million pickleball court project at Unity Park and a $32 million convenience store on Main Street — and argued that none of those projects were legitimately "historic." He said the Historic Review Board is appointed, meets during daytime hours with low public attendance and is not directly accountable to voters.

Why it matters: Farmer framed the issue as a loss of tax revenue to the city and urged voters to hold elected officials accountable. He asked that council, rather than an appointed review board, approve special assessment freezes so elected officials would be directly responsible for those decisions.

Board reaction and next steps: the comment was presented during the public‑comment period for the school board; no board vote or formal action related to city tax policy occurred. Farmer asked that citizens contact the mayor and city council and asked the board to publicize the issue during the election season.

Representative remark: "I'm here tonight to tell you it is affecting your revenues," Farmer said, urging the board and public to hold elected officials accountable to protect tax revenue for city services.

The board did not take formal action on the matter; it was recorded as a public comment and will remain part of the meeting record.