ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Rock Hill leaders want to make the site of the Carolina Panthers’ practice facility project more attractive to companies.
Council members voted to move forward with rezoning part of the property Monday night in the hopes of attracting industry to the area.
The goal is to bring high-paying jobs and economic investment. The city owns the property, which will allow leaders to be particular about what they choose to put there.
“Whether that’s in life sciences or advanced manufacturing or something else, not sure what this is right yet, but that’s what we’re shooting for,” said Mayor John Gettys.
Signs put up near Mt. Gallant Road deem the property the ideal location for bright minds and big ideas.
“We can guarantee you there will be no smokestacks on this property,” said Gettys. “There will be no animal processing plants or anything of that nature.”
Discussion at Monday night’s Rock Hill City Council meeting focused on about 215 acres of land, part of which was supposed to be the home of the Carolina Panthers’ practice facility.
“The project could be, maybe, significantly different than what we were planning originally,” said Councilman John Black.
Council leaders are rezoning the land to keep the zoning consistent throughout the entire 245-acre property, making it more marketable to industry leaders.
If they were to enter into a new deal, the good news is that there’s no longer a legal battle over the property.
York County’s lawsuit against the city, accusing the city of failing to issue bonds to developers, ended last month.
“We have some freedom to do things that are very smart with this property,” said the mayor.
City planning commissioners said they already have interest from several possible buyers, including medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers.