Nichole Gaillard

The meeting agenda includes the election of a chairperson and vice chairperson for the year 2026. A public hearing is scheduled to consider a variance request for 201 Lee Street to allow for a reduction in front yard setback requirements for a principal structure on a corner lot. The board will also review information regarding the 2026 Boards and Commission calendar.

The commission reviewed multiple commercial appearance requests. Proposals were evaluated for the construction of a new restaurant with a drive-through, a 4-story multifamily building with ground floor retail, and a new grocery and pharmacy facility. Discussions included architectural design changes, site planning, building material selection, parking deck elevation, landscaping requirements, and lighting plans to mitigate impact on surrounding properties.

Key discussions during the meeting included several Commercial Appearance Reviews. Old Business featured a deferred request for The Loom project, a new construction of a 4-story multifamily building with ground floor retail and a parking deck, which was ultimately deferred pending architectural façade changes, parking deck elevations, and landscaping submission review. New Business involved granting Commercial Appearance Review approval with conditions for a new Harris Teeter grocery store, and granting conditional Commercial Appearance Review approval for a new neighborhood commercial building by MPV Elizabeth LLC. The Commission also reviewed and approved a preliminary plat and a subdivision variance for the Williams Reserve PND project, covering 78.26 acres, and recommended approval for proposed street and village names for the same development. Finally, the Commission provided input and approved a resolution of support, with modifications, for the Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Master Plan collaboration.

The meeting commenced with the ceremonial swearing-in of three reelected council members: Chris Wolf, Ben Hudgens, and Alan Garrison. A special presentation was conducted to recognize Joshua Prince, a Fort Mill High School junior, as the 2026 Marine Corps JOTC National Air Rifle Champion. Public comments included the Planning Committee expressing full support for the comprehensive plan and the downtown master plan, emphasizing that these plans aim to shape, not limit, growth. A representative from the Fort Mill Economic Partners also voiced appreciation for the work on these strategic plans. Another resident mentioned attending the service for Miss Acriman, who passed away at 104 years old. The council also approved the minutes from the February 9, 2026, council workshop.

The meeting included discussions and approvals on three new business items. These included approving a resolution to amend the Town's Cafeteria Plan for employee health benefits, considering the First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Fort Mill and the Fort Mill School District, and the consideration to appoint Barron B. Mack, Jr. as the Town Attorney. The Council also convened an executive session to discuss personnel matters.