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Council approves 150% bond for Creekside Ridge subdivision to allow lot sales
Summary
The Batesburg-Leesville Town Council voted to require a bond set at 150% of estimated construction costs for the Creekside Ridge bonded plat, a measure staff described as an "insurance" mechanism that lets developers sell lots while protecting the town from unfinished improvements.
The Batesburg-Leesville Town Council voted to approve a 150% construction bond for the Creekside Ridge subdivision (Enloe Wilkie Investments LLC), allowing the developer to proceed with lot sales while giving the town a financial mechanism to address unfinished work.
Town attorney Brad Cunningham and planning staff told council the bond functions like insurance: if the developer fails to complete required work the town or bank can call the bond and compel completion. "Its kind of like an insurance policy," staff said during the presentation. Council discussed language in the bond that references Lexington County because some roadways will be taken over by the county rather than the town.
Councilmembers asked whether the bond covers later ordinance changes and sidewalk or lighting items; staff replied the bond is 150% of the listed construction items and the subdivision ordinance provisions still apply. "To whats in the estimate there... theres a list of projects that are covered, and then the bond is a 150% of the amount of projects that are covered," staff said.
After discussion the council held a roll-call vote. Districts 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 voted yes, Districts 3 and 4 voted no, and the mayor cast a yes vote; the motion carried (yes 7, no 2). The council chair clarified that the vote was on approving the bond itself, not the underlying subdivision project, which could move forward regardless of the councils decision on the bond.
Council members said approving the bond allows the developer to market and sell lots while giving the town recourse if required improvements are not completed.
