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Indian Land residents who haven’t been here long want their community to slow down the growth. But would they want to create their own city?

Tucked into a new Lancaster County long-term plan is a goal to consider a “measured and intentional plan” to transition the county panhandle to a municipality.

Work on the plan began in 2021. Once approved by Lancaster County Council — which could be as soon as next month — it will guide land use decisions for more than a decade.

The plan doesn’t list details for when and how a push might form to incorporate Indian Land. But if it happens, it won’t be the first time Indian Land faced the townhood question.

A small but connected group of residents pushed for an incorporation vote in early 2018.

The issue became contentious between residents concerned about tax increases and organizers who wanted to keep tax revenue, franchise fees and more from the high-growth Indian Land there.

Organizers cleared several state hurdles to get the decision to a ballot. That push in Indian Land caused the smaller Van Wyck community to hurriedly petition for their own incorporation so they wouldn’t be sucked into Indian Land. Van Wyck became a town by public vote in 2017.

The Indian Land campaign, scrambled somewhat by the loss of Van Wyck, sputtered.

About 83% of voters opted not to make Indian Land a town. The only intrigue in the election came from a question of what the potential town should be named. Voters got creative, with options from “Fancy Town” to “Overtaxville” to “Towny McTownface.”

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March 29, 2018 12:14 PM

If a new move toward incorporation develops, it will have to focus north of Van Wyck. That area still includes most of the county panhandle, north of Highway 75.

The Lancaster 2040 plan includes a lot of numbers that highlight what the panhandle has become in recent years:

▪ 40,680

The panhandle resident count in the 2020 Census is roughly the same as the populations of Fort Mill, York and Lancaster combined. If the panhandle were a city or town, it would rank No. 10 in South Carolina ahead of Spartanburg, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and others.

▪ 476%

Panhandle growth from 2000 to 2020 transitioned a mostly rural area into an urbanized one. The county grew 179% from 2000 to 2010 and 106% from 2010 to 2020.

▪ 14,400

New homes built in the panhandle from 2000 to 2022, which provided space for about 30,000 residents.

▪ 12%

Developed land in the panhandle increased from 2010 to 2020.

▪ 5,360

New homes (3,200) and apartments (2,160) were approved but not yet built, as of last fall. Those residences are expected to add 13,000 people.

▪ 32,000

The average number of daily traffic trips along U.S. 521, or Charlotte Highway, is the most in the county. S.C. 160 and S.C. 5 in the panhandle see more than 10,000 trips a day.

▪ 2030

The year almost all Lancaster County schools are projected to be over capacity, though planning is ongoing for a bond referendum.

▪ 83.2%

The share of panhandle homes built since 2000 shows dwarfs any prior period. The 2000 to 2009 decade accounts for 42.8% of homes, followed by 40.4% since then.

▪ 70%

Panhandle residents who moved to their current address since 2010 are in the majority.

▪ $113,000

The panhandle median household income is well above Lancaster County ($72,186) and state ($63,623) averages.

▪ 46.9

The median age of panhandle residents is almost seven years older than Lancaster County as a whole. A major driver of that difference is the Sun City retirement community.

Indian Land’s potential to become a municipality is one of almost 20 panhandle priorities.

Others include possible Charlotte Area Transit System bus connection to Ballantyne and light rail at the Interstate 485 station in Pineville, North Carolina; a “central civic gathering space” in Indian Land, a funding stream for road improvements and more access to the Catawba River.

Of almost 2,000 survey responses to Lancaster 2040, some 62% came from panhandle residents. About 79% came from some unincorporated part of the county.

About 59% of responses consider quality of life in the county as average. Just 30% marked high, and 11% went low. Among concerns, growth and development was the top first- and second-place answer given by the most participants. Traffic was second, for both. Schools were the third-greatest concern.

Most responses, 63%, said growth is happening too fast. In the panhandle, 82% said its too fast.

Countywide, 74% of responses listed traffic congestion as the top transportation issue. In the panhandle, congestion was the top issue for 95% of people. In southern Lancaster, by contrast, the top response was “no concerns” at 41%.

Among all responses, 26% of residents have lived in Lancaster County less than five years. More than half, 52%, moved here in the past 10 years.

The Lancaster 2040 plan has public meetings upcoming Tuesday at the Kershaw library, Jan. 29 at the Lancaster County Historic Courthouse and Jan. 30 at the Del Webb library in Indian Land.

All meetings begin at 6 p.m.

It comes as the Palmetto State joins others seeing rising rent and food, which local nonprofits say are leaving some tenants feeling priced out.

LANCASTER, S.C. — Relief to a growing problem in Lancaster County is coming in the form of a new homeless shelter.

It comes as the Palmetto State joins others seeing rising rent and food costs which local nonprofits say are leaving some tenants feeling priced out.

"People don't necessarily see the homeless and they don't really necessarily understand what homelessness looks like in Lancaster County," United Way of Lancaster County Executive Director Holly Furr said. "We have people living in their cars. We do have a lot of people that choose to live either on the streets or in tents, multiple families living in one household.”

A study by the United Way found 43 percent of South Carolina families work hard but never seem to get ahead. They're hoping to use the data to expand their reach to more of those struggling to stay afloat.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

“10 years ago, the average rent was $500. Now, it's $900. And that's, you know, almost double in some cases, depending on where in Lancaster that you live," Susan Dolphin, Interim Director for HOPE in Lancaster said.

HOPE provides emergency services like rent and food to families, but Dolphin said they haven't had the funds to address the increased need. Furr hopes a new homeless shelter will provide temporary housing for those facing housing instability.

"We'll have a room dedicated for families and then we'll have rooms for men and rooms for women," Furr said.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

Lancaster's United Way is working to raise funds for the new shelter which will be located on West Meeting Street and serve 10 to 15 people.

"Hopefully, within the next month or two, we'll be able to really start," Furr said.

In the meantime, they're exploring options for a warming shelter and seeking organizations willing to help.

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — Some Lancaster County homeowners claim their tap water has had a strange taste and odor for about three weeks now.

The water looks normal, but neighbors say it tastes and smells weird. The Lancaster County Water and Sewer District is calling it an aesthetic issue.

One woman told Channel 9′s Almiya White she started buying cases of water because she says the taste is unbearable.

“It tastes horrible,” Susan Danna said.

ALSO READ: Attorneys file lawsuit claiming New-Indy is releasing toxins in Catawba River

Danna said she hasn’t been able to drink the tap water inside of her Lancaster County home.

“About three weeks ago, I started to notice that the water was tasting kind of weird,” she said.

“For me, it’s a combination of dirt and chemicals,” she described.

Danna said the strange taste forced her to buy cases of water to drink and cook with.

“So that’s another issue from the cost, paying for water that I can’t use and buying water. So it’s a lose-lose for consumers,” she said.

Danna said Lancaster County Water and Sewer acknowledged the unusual taste and tested her water. She said they told her the water was safe and said the odd taste should go away in a week.

“It’s been over three weeks,” she said.

There was no change so she reached out to Channel 9.

According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, “the seasonal turnover in the raw water reservoir caused the recent taste and odor concern,” adding “the drinking water carbon treatment system needed repair.”

The Lancaster County Water and Sewer District released a statement saying, “these are aesthetic issues not related to water safety.” The department said they’ve already implemented water treatment modifications to help return the taste and order of water to normal.

Danna said once things are back to normal, she’ll feel comfortable drinking the tap water again.

“I’d like the water to be drinkable and be reassured that it’s safe,” she said.

DHEC said the carbon treatment system has been repaired. Lancaster County Water and Sewer District said it usually takes two weeks for the adjustment to be fully effective. For areas still experiencing issues, it could take a few additional days to work throughout the system.

Read the full statements from the Lancaster County Water and Sewer District and DHEC below.

Lancaster County Water and Sewer District:

“The temporary taste and odor issues experienced by some LCWSD customers are related to changes in the untreated water from the Catawba River and our 92-acre reservoir before it is treated at the Catawba River Water Treatment Plant.

“It is important to note that our treated water is safe to drink, and it has always met or exceeded state and federal standards during this issue. The safety of our drinking water is confirmed by a water quality testing regimen conducted in full accordance with state regulations with samples taken at the water plant and throughout our water distribution system.

“We understand the concerns of some of our customers, but we would like to assure them these are aesthetic issues not related to water safety.

“Taste and odor issues can be common across the Southeast, including South Carolina. There are multiple potential causes for the issues including warm weather, higher levels of iron and manganese, and impacts from non-toxic algal blooms. The existence of one or more of these factors can cause the water to have a musty or earthy taste and odor, which some people are more sensitive to than others. Our area has experienced warm weather, dry conditions, and seasonal changes and we are continually conducting testing to confirm other potential causes.

“Two weeks ago, LCWSD first implemented water treatment modifications to help return the taste and odor of the water to normal. When conditions require an adjustment to the treatment process, it can take up to two weeks for the adjustment to be fully effective throughout our entire system.

“Some areas have already returned to normal, however, it may take a few additional days for our adjustment to work throughout our system. We will continue to closely monitor the situation.

“There are ways an affected customer can reduce their temporary taste and odor issues. Chilling the water and/or adding lemon can help, as well as the use of a properly maintained carbon filter like a Brita pitcher or faucet filter. There is no need to purchase bottled water for safety.

“We greatly appreciate our customers’ understanding and patience as we continue addressing the issue.”

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control:

“DHEC has been in contact with the drinking water system. Seasonal turnover in the raw water reservoir has caused the recent taste and odor concerns. During this turnover time, the drinking water carbon treatment system needed repair and was not effectively treating the taste and odor issues. The carbon treatment system has been repaired and the taste and odor issues are being addressed. The water system took coliform samples which came back negative. They are also testing for indications of an algal bloom, but we have not received those results yet. Everything that is contributing to the taste and odor issues are believed to be naturally occurring and should not be considered to be harmful to health.”

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte Water reverses developer’s plan to cut off water for some of Hidden Valley)

Thousands of customers lost power, creeks topped their banks and water pooled on roadways Tuesday as a severe storm with high winds and rain lashed York, Chester, and Lancaster counties.

The storm caused some roads to flood in the city of Rock Hill and swaths of York County — ranging from the northwest near the North Carolina border to near the Catawba Indian Reservation along the county’s eastern edge at the Catawba River.

The rain pelted the areas strong enough for the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning was issued for northeast York County just after 1 p.m. The areas included Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and Clover. The flood warning expired at 5 p.m.

Chuck Haynes, York County Emergency Management Director, said at 5 p.m. all areas of the county received heavy rains and pockets of flooding. No injuries or fatalties were reported, Haynes said.

“This really affected all of York County,” Haynes said.

Haynes urged the public to remain vigilant through Wednesday, because trees weakened by the water could still fall.

Deputies with the York County Sheriff’s Office continued to monitor roads as of 5 p.m. and will be looking for problem areas overnight, said Trent Faris, spokesman for the sheriff’s office.

Among the flooded roads: a busy stretch of S.C. 161, Celanese Road, near the York County airport.

High water was also reported near the busy intersection of S.C. 72, Saluda Road and S.C. 901, Heckle Boulevard.

The sheriff’s office also posted alerts of flooding at Springdale Road and Hopewell Road east of Rock Hill, and flooding in western York County at Kings Mountain State Park and areas near S.C. 55.

In the city of Rock Hill, police department officials urged caution for drivers. Police said on social media flooding was reported around 3:30 p.m. on Neely Road, part of Heckle Boulevard near Friedheim Road, the Dave Lyle Boulevard underpass at Interstate 77, and the Dave Lyle Boulevard ramps to Anderson Road.

Use caution if traveling and avoid these areas that are blocked due to flooding: Neely Rd at College Downs (pictured); Dave Lyle ramps from Anderson Rd; Dave Lyle underpass at I-77.Northbound Heckle from Ogden to Friedheim is one lane. Please drive slowly. pic.twitter.com/g1RxYNQD3U

— Rock Hill PD (@rockhillpd) January 9, 2024

A tornado watch for the area also was issued before noon for all three counties and much of South Carolina and the Charlotte area, according to the National Weather Service. The tornado watch was scheduled to last through 6 p.m., the weather service said.

TREE & POWER LINE DOWN: Another incident on Lincoln Rd. this time at the 1300 block of Lincoln Rd. York, SC. Deputies are helping with #traffic control while crews work to clear the road and get the power back on. #YCSONews #YOCONews #scwx #yocowx pic.twitter.com/ylryQ4e7w9

— York County Sheriff (@YCSO_SC) January 9, 2024

Power outages on Tuesday afternoon after 4 p.m. showed just over 4,000 customers without service in York , Chester, and Lancaster counties, according to PowerOutage.us, a website that aggregates live data from utilities across the country.

York Electric reported more than 480 outages in York County as of 4 p.m.., according to its outage map.

That number went down Tuesday afternoon from a number in the thousands earlier as repairs were made. York Electric Cooperative spokesman Marc Howie said crews are responding to the outages.

Duke Energy had more than 1,000 outages Tuesday morning but showed less than 50 outages after 4 p.m. in York County, according to its outage map.

Rock Hill Utilities’ outage map showed about 395 customers without power after 4 p.m.

Lancaster County had over 2,600 outages reported after 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to PowerOutage.us. Chester County had more than 275 outages.

Schools in York and Lancaster counties decided Monday to hold virtual school because of the forecast.

Rain forecasts for the Rock Hill area for Tuesday were from 1 to 2 inches with the possibility of more, according to the Weather Service. Winds were expected to be 20-30 miles per hour, with guts of 45 MPH.

The area remains under a wind advisory and flood watch through 10 p.m. Tuesday, the weather service said.

Alexa Adams, a second grade teacher at River Trail Elementary School, gives a lesson from home Tuesday. The Fort Mill school district had remote learning due to severe weather. By Tracy Kimball

This story was originally published January 9, 2024, 11:24 AM.

The Lancaster County School District is down to five finalists for its next superintendent.

Those candidates will meet with the community and staff in September. Dates and times will be announced later. One of the candidates will lead the district following the retirement of current Superintendent Jonathan Phipps.

“We are pleased with all of the finalists, and we look forward to the next phase in the search process,” School Board Chair Brad Small said in announcing the list of five administrators.

Remaining choices for superintendent are Heath Branham, Raashad Fitzpatrick, Kathie Greer, Matthew Hayes and Paul Spadaro. The Lancaster County district released information on each ahead of final interviews and public meetings.

The Centerville Elementary School principal in Lexington County School District One, Branham was previously director of academic operations for Hobsons-Naviance Advantage and executive vice president of academic operations for Wake Forest Advantage. Branham was national executive director of school improvement for all EdinsonLearning schools and a senior vice president for the program in South Carolina.

Branham was director of elementary schools in Lexington School District One and instructional evaluation coordinator for the Newberry County School District. A host of principal, assistant principal and teaching positions on the resume, Branham anticipates a doctorate degree in educational leadership in spring 2025.

Fitzpatrick is assistant to the superintendent and district ombudsman for Greenville County Schools. Past roles include principal at Gaffney High School and Carver Middle School, plus assistant principal at Spartanburg High School and Whitlock Jr. High School. Fitzpatrick also taught and coached at Chesnee High School.

Fitzpatrick earned a doctorate in educational leadership from South Carolina State University.

Greer is director of alternative education for Greenville County Schools. A national certified consultant coach with the National Dropout Prevention Center and Successful Practices Network, Greer served as director of adult and community education for Lexington School District Five.

Greer was principal specialist at C.A. Johnson High School and principal of both A.C. Flora High School and Chester Senior High School. Greer was director of communities and schools for the Rock Hill School District and a psychologist for the state department of mental health.

The Winthrop University graduate has a doctorate in educational administration from the University of South Carolina.

Hayes is an educational consultant in Charlotte, since retiring from a deputy superintendent role with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Hayes was principal at North Mecklenburg High School and the School of International Studies and Global Economics at Olympic. Hayes also has assistant principal, teaching and coaching roles on the resume. Hayes earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Wingate University.

Spadaro is assistant superintendent for Greenwood School District 52. Past work includes principal at Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle School and assistant principal for St. James Middle and Forestbrook Middle schools.

Spadaro taught in Marion County schools and holds several degrees, including education leadership and doctorate in philosophy degrees from Coastal Carolina University.

This story was originally published August 23, 2023, 10:36 AM.