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Sure, the state throws tax incentives at tire manufacturers and the ilk, but how frequently does that occur? And more to the point, how frequently does Columbia/the Midlands get them? I'm less concerned that the land will be eventually be filled and more about the amount of time it will take to do so. Richland is competing on two levels: inter-state and intra-state. The area does not have a port, inland port, or major city (e.g. Rock Hill) within a stone's throw, so attracting these firms can be quite the sales job.
I guess Richland can just land bank without much ongoing maintenance cost, so maybe it's not a big deal for them. Still, there will be infrastructure cost. I hope they don't overbuild as I suspect it will be well over a decade before they populate the park.
This is patently false. South Carolina has tax incentives for anyone who is wiling to invest. Some special infrastructure incentives have been provided to mega-sites, but that is a response to an enormous initial investment.
Several sites have opened and or expanded in the Midlands in the last few years. LuLaRoe, Jushi, USA, Charter NEX Films, Trane, Ritedose, Nephron, Nucor, Samsung...
Most companies do not need a port within walking distance. Alluding that Charlotte is somehow a draw for manufacturing companies over the Columbia area is never anything I have heard is an obstacle. This may be an advantage for Charlotte only in the illusive unicorn major headquarter operations move.
"Banking land" is a standard practice in economic development. Having a supply of roughed in, serviceable, zoned land near a highway is a precursor to approaching potential manufacturers or responding to RFPs.
This is patently false. South Carolina has tax incentives for anyone who is wiling to invest. Some special infrastructure incentives have been provided to mega-sites, but that is a response to an enormous initial investment.
Precisely; it's pretty much standard practice. The bigger companies get bigger incentives which is covered more in the press, but they all get incentives, usually from both the state and local governments.
Has anyone heard if Norfolk Southern plans to abandon the line that runs from Charlotte to Columbia? There was some talk a few years ago. Apparently there is some redundancy with this line that runs along Farrow Road- Harden Street into Columbia.. their other travels up along the Broad River to Spartanburg where it intersects another line that runs back to Charlotte. There was thought/concern that NS would abandon the Columbia to Charlotte line in favor of routing freight traffic from Charlotte to Spartanburg.. then to Columbia on down to Charleston thus eliminating the need for the aforementioned line.. I think there was some interest from the state in keeping in open 1) because of potential industrial development in Fairfield and Chester Counties and 2) Mayor Benjamin wanted it kept up for dreams of future commuter rail....From my understanding if it got cut they would only abandon the segment south of City of Chester.. which would certainly hurt any potential in Fairfield County but I don't think there would be any impact on Richland along that segment. The line that runs up the Broad River is very scenic but there is no real industry along it (except in Jenkinsville) nor interstate access. I believe NS also owns the line that runs up 1-126 to Greenville as well.
Urbanites may rejoice since it would finally mean the end of the line that runs through Five Points and clogs up Harden, Beltline and points south....All NS operations would run through the corridor in the vista and then on down to South Assembly by the Fairgrounds to Charleston.
On the bright side, it looks like the skyline will basically be preserved with no implosions in the works.
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