As we come to the end another year here in Simpsonville a lot has occurred over the last several months that will have both immediate and long term impacts on the city.

In a runoff election in November the Ward 6 council seat was decided in favor of the challenger, Jerry Tuso.  Mr. Tuso ran on solid conservative values and infrastructure and traffic solutions, specifically the implementation of Impact Fees on any new development.  

Speaking of new development, City Council has recently voted to NOT approve annexation into the city of two proposed developments, one on Harrison Bridge Rd and another on West Georgia Rd.  The only consistent vote to approve new development has come from the Mayor.  Many factors go into the decisions but, to me, the foremost is the quality of life for those of us that already live here and the cost the taxpayers would incur to provide the infrastructure and services to the new developments. Without the aforementioned Impact Fees the city would struggle to even break even financially to support the new development. 

After a tremendous amount of discussion and questions surrounding the old city hall property the developer has begun the process to have that property rezoned.  Council still has two more meetings to hear and to have input into what will be built there.  This particular project is the most consequential building in downtown Simpsonville in decades and needs to be done in a way that is beneficial to the city and its citizens.  

City Council is also taking the steps to hire a new promoter for the Amphitheater. We hope that the new partnership will bring improvements in all facets of the concert experience.  We anticipate little to no interruption in the functions of the amphitheater while we make this transition.

As 2025 winds down and we head into another year I would encourage everyone to stay informed about all the goings on in the city and to reach out to staff or council members if you have any questions or concerns.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!●