FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — Fairfield County residents and officials are welcoming the release of the county's comprehensive plan, outlining a vision for the next decade.
The plan's draft arrived long after its scheduled update in 2021, drawing relief and criticism from the community.
"My initial thoughts are it's good. It was completed finally, three years late, but it's now completed," Fairfield County resident Randy Bright said.
The comprehensive plan outlines 10 primary goals, addressing crucial areas like population, housing, and the economy.
Fairfield County Public Information Officer Gene Stephens highlighted key findings during the drafting process, noting a significant decrease in population in a state that has seen growth.
"In a state that is growing and has grown for the last 10 years by 12%, we've lost 11% of the population, so that's one thing that's jumped out to us. Another thing is the increase in average age," Stephens said.
Among the outlined goals are initiatives to attract and retain a working-age population, job development, residential improvements, and coordination with the Fairfield County Council on Aging for essential services.
However, Bright voiced his desire for a more comprehensive approach, particularly regarding the retention of younger residents.
"The population we lost was the younger population, which tells me that the obvious: we are not providing the opportunities and amenities to keep our graduates here in Fairfield," Bright said.
Housing is another significant topic, as the county hasn't seen a housing development in over 20 years.
Stephens acknowledged the county's housing challenges, emphasizing the need for a more diverse housing market.
"As far as housing, we are way behind on housing," Stephens said. "The study showed us we don't have a lot of middle-income housing. We have a lot of either high-income or low-income. The county's in the process right now of doing our land ordinance, as well."
While focusing on economic development, Fairfield County officials said they have made strides in attracting businesses to locations like the I-77 Mega Site.
Bright commended the county's emphasis on industry attraction, acknowledging its vitality for the region's economic growth.
Fairfield County has scheduled a public hearing on April 8 at 6 p.m. to gather input on the comprehensive plan, signaling an opportunity for further community engagement and refinement.
The entire plan is available for viewing on the county's website.