UPDATE: Bamberg County Council Passes Third Reading of Ordinance to Certify Old Rockland Industries Property as a Textile Mill Site

Posted by 07/22/2024 Categories: Bamberg County Airport Bamberg County Emergency Services bamberg south carolina city of bamberg south carolina community community service environment government local government sheriff department South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

To: News Media

From: Bamberg County Administration

Date: July 22, 2024

Re: UPDATE: Bamberg County Council Passes Third Reading of Ordinance to Certify Old Rockland Industries Property as a Textile Mill Site

Bamberg, South Carolina (July 2024) – In a special-called meeting and public hearing last Thursday, Bamberg County Council unanimously passed the third reading of an ordinance to certify the Rockland Industries Property as a Textile Mill Site under the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act (SCTCRA). Gibbs International has purchased the property, and while Rockland Industries once provided Bamberg County jobs and manufactured various textiles for nearly 60 years, the Bamberg site has remained closed and abandoned since 2020.

Gibbs International Special Projects and International Business Development representative Fredy Madrid was present and expressed gratitude to Bamberg County for partnering with Gibbs to enhance economic development, which will positively impact the entire community. He said the project is progressing, and they will announce more details in the future.

Under SCTCRA, a tax incentive may be granted by local governments for the “rehabilitation, renovation, and redevelopment of abandoned South Carolina textile mill sites.” According to the Act, abandoned textile mill sites have “resulted in the disruption of communities and increased the cost of local governments by requiring additional police and fire services, posing safety concerns,” and they have caused a decline in the value of private investments and real estate. Restoring the textile mill sites to productive assets will benefit both the public and corporate sectors by potentially increasing job opportunities and nearby property values. Furthermore, the redevelopment of abandoned textile mills will restore the “sound growth and the tax base of taxing districts in these areas.”

During a Q&A session after the public hearing, District Two Councilwoman Sharon Hammond said she is “excited that Gibbs International will develop the former Rockland property and looks forward to it once again enhancing economic growth and stability in Bamberg County.”

“Adopting this ordinance is the first step in transforming this old mill site into something shiny and new, which will ultimately boost Bamberg County’s economy,” stated Bamberg County Council Chairman Evert Comer, Jr.

Councilman Dr. Jonathan Goodman thanked Mr. Madrid for attending the meeting and Gibbs International for investing in Bamberg County: “Thank you for seeing the potential in this property, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with Gibbs.”

Councilman Spencer Donaldson stated, “We always welcome new industrial development in Bamberg County and believe with continued partnerships like this one with Gibbs, we have a bright and prosperous future."

County Administrator Joey Preston emphasized the importance of the mill site’s restoration: “Rehabilitating this property will benefit nearby property owners by increasing property value and can ultimately lead to more job creation. It will also save the County resources spent monitoring the overall safety of the area.”

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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.