KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County is temporarily stopping development near its airport, as county officials aim to manage growth in the area carefully.
The decision, driven by concerns about the impact of construction on airport operations, will be in effect for the next six months.
"You kill an airport in a county our size, you can kill industrial growth in that county," Kershaw County Council member Derek Shoemake said.
The moratorium, which applies to the airport overlay district, freezes all potential commercial and residential development in the area.
Shoemake says developers are eager to build near the airport, but the county needs time to evaluate the appropriate growth.
"A lot of folks are coming in wanting to build fairly close to the airport. You have to be very careful how you build and what you build," Shoemake explained.
The pause will give the county a chance to consider how future developments might affect the airport.
"You have to be careful about whatever grows near your airport because what can happen are ultimately two things can potentially happen. One, potentially down the road. if the airport wants to grow to meet needs, it could be prohibited from doing that under FAA regulation. The other problem is if things are too close to the flight line as it stands, the FAA could come in and downgrade your airport," Shoemake said.
"I think it’s a great step we have to take our time," said resident Jess Coulter, who lives near the airport. "We want to make sure as growth happens, it’s done with everyone that lives out here in consideration."
The county could extend the moratorium beyond six months, but any extension would require a vote by the County Council.