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THERE IS NO GREEN DIAMOND

Over the past few years a new management team has been in place to explore and evaluate alternatives for the proposed project.  It has been working diligently and quietly with all the interested parties.  The result is a new approach and a new name:  Vista Farms.

·         As a part of the strategic planning, nearly one-third of the original property has been sold and conserved for agriculture and recreation uses.

·         Environmental and green uses have been proposed for another one-third of the property to include: constructed wetlands, wetland and stream mitigation and protection, habitat, and other recreational uses.

·         The original land plan has been scrapped.  The entire scale and scope of the project have been reduced.  Zoning decisions on potential land uses will not begin until annexation is completed and the planning staff, residents of Cayce, and the development team create a vision for the project.

TRUE:  Future tax consequences for Cayce homeowners and residents will be huge.  BUT, they will be positive.

·         Annexing 3,000 acres into Cayce before it is developed will significantly expand the economic opportunity for Cayce as a part of an overall strategic plan to lower taxes to residents in Cayce.  Planners will have the opportunity to devise agreements that are tax sensitive to the residents and community, and the tax revenues from the development and jobs and retail sales will benefit all Cayce residents.

TRUE:  Just as in the case of SCANA and the Farmers’ Market, Cayce has been able to cut through the political smoke screen to find opportunity and create greater value for its community.

·         There have been no deals or negotiations attached to this annexation request.

·         Most annexations negotiate at least on zoning and infrastructure agreements.  In this case neither has been provided.  Zoning is not in place to develop the property and water and sewer extension agreements are not in place.  All of this will be negotiated in good faith as opportunities and questions arise.

·         Mayor Wilkerson supports the idea that annexation can create opportunity for Cayce.

TRUE:  The cost of infrastructure will be massive, BUT:

·         Yes, new development requires a huge investment, but Cayce has made it clear that its interest is in saving money, not providing it.

·         If and when zoning is approved, the developer will be responsible for any water and sewer costs.  No different process is proposed for this land than any other land in or annexed by Cayce.  As with all commercial and residential users, appropriate fees will also be charged to the project.  The City of Columbia could even continue to serve the project if jurisdictional agreements are put in place.