Richland County council members voted to move forward with 'Project Flare' Tuesday night.
The project is the I-77 Corridor Regional Industrial Park, jointly developed with Fairfield County, to include certain property located in Richland County.
It's one step closer to reality.
This after a nearly unanimous vote of 10-1.
"It's a development. We're talking about some 312 units on about 21 acres of land. What's unique about that is, is it's going to also include public structure in terms of pedestrian walkways and things of that particular nature, as well as probably one of the most exciting things about it for me is that it's also going to incorporate a great deal of workforce housing," said Paul Livingston, council member for District Four.
Livingston serves as the chair of the Economic Development Committee in Richland County.
"We're going to have a lot of growth in that area and think about for example, Scout Motors and other companies moving up in that area. There's going to be a great need for housing," Livingston said.
He said almost 30% of the units will be housing for people like teachers and police officers who are often priced out of the market in big cities.
Only one council member voted no.
That was Jason Branham, who represents District One.
"Tonight's vote was a vote on whether or not to provide a fee in lieu of taxes to a proposed apartment complex and I voted no on it, not because I am not in favor of the complex being built, or those that would develop the complex, but because I'm not convinced that it is deserving of a reduced tax burden," Branham said.
Branham adds he thinks his constituents want the government to collect taxes where they're due, and that everyone is treated equally, including these developers.
Some were worried about traffic but councilman Livingston said with Hardscrabble Road now open, he thinks the traffic can be handled.
According to the Richland County agenda for this meeting, the project still needs a third reading and a public hearing.