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CHAPIN, S.C. — The Business and Technology Park in Chapin, Lexington County, has been vacant since January 2018, according to the county’s Economic Development Department.
The county said the project is using nearly $15 million in Lexington County tax dollars.
For the past six years, cars have driven past the Chapin Business and Technology Park in Brighton, but never entered.
The site is being touted as a corporate hub right next to Interstate 26, with water, natural gas, wastewater, electricity and internet already installed. This is clear, according to the Lexington County Economic Development Agency brochure on the county’s website.
The 220-acre site, built in late 2013, has no tenants yet.
Lexington County’s $16 million project is comprised of $14.9 million in tax, grant and utility tax credit funds.
The county’s Economic Development Department said the site sold for $65,000 to $70,000 an acre.
“Several candidates are currently considering building the park and are consulting with the Economic Development Department,” a statement from Lexington County said.
However, when asked how many potential buyers there are, the county could not provide further details.
“The park is an area with a high concentration of businesses, like malls. So what you want to do is collaborate in this area, connect, and increase the workforce, tax base, and related businesses like grocery stores and gas stations. “It’s about having a company that benefits the community in many ways,” said Stephen McClung, dean of Newberry College’s School of Business.
Mr McClung said business parks were a different market than standard businesses.
“The trick for municipalities is to fill their parks, or in other words, market them well enough so that the businesses that come in understand the benefits,” McClung said.
He added that the benefit of a business park is that it can bring dozens of jobs, a niche and sophisticated workforce, and support surrounding grocery stores, housing options and gas stations.
“You’ve got to let people know you’re here, you’ve got to let people know it’s worth moving to your town, and you’ve got to let people know that you’re available and the opportunities are there.” You’ve got to let people know, otherwise the park will be empty and that’s the end of it.’The last thing you want is to do it,” McClung said.
Asked about next steps, the Lexington County Economic Development Authority said it will continue marketing the park until it is filled with tenants.
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