Planned Chapin Technology Park development draws crowd to public hearing
Planned Chapin Technology Park development draws crowd to public hearing
Publish Date: 2026-06-11 00:07:00
Source Domain: www.wistv.com
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – A crowded public hearing took place Wednesday before Lexington County Council, concerning a proposed development plan for Chapin Technology Park
Residents took to the microphone, concerned over the proposed sale of Chapin Technology Park to a developer.
Since it was constructed in 2015, the 200-acre property has sat empty aside from sidewalks, pavement and a water fountain.
Development plans came and went with no deals made with a developer until recently.
In April, Brighton Capital Partners, LLC submitted a contract that needs Lexington County Council approval.
Included in the plans is a maximum of 600 homes, dedicating 25% of the usable acreage to job creation with a technology incubator.
Andy White owns Brighton Capital Partners and is also the developer of Saluda River Club in Lexington, the inspiration behind this project.
White said his plans bring opportunity for residents in Chapin and Lexington County.
“An empty park just sitting there is a drag on the Lexington County tax payers — in fact it probably cost around $200,000 a year just to maintain it in addition to the $16 million they spent to develop it. It has been a drag on the taxpayers and we offered more than their investment in it. This will benefit the general taxpayer in Lexington County and will expand Chapin’s tax space,” White said.
Not everyone agrees.
Chapin Mayor Bill Mitchell along with residents of Lexington County voiced concerns for sewer limitations, traffic and infrastructure.
They feel the original plan for the tech park is no longer active.
“Is this bait and switch from a commercial to a mixed-use residential malfeasant plan really in the town’s best interest?” one resident asked.
“Do not ruin our quality of life for a real estate illusion,” said another.
“I respectfully ask you to reject this proposal and keep Brighton Park aligned with the purpose of which it was created,” a third resident added.
White calls the development “smart…
