Proposed Conway workforce housing project runs into criticism, questions
CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) — A North Carolina-based developer on Monday was accused of 'misleading' Conway officials over income guidelines for its planned workforce housing project.
Taft Mills Group hopes to put 80 1,2 and 3-bedroom units on 8 acres fronting Highway 701 just minutes from the city's downtown.
Since publicly announcing its plans last month for Chicora Springs Trace, Taft Mills Group has pulled in letters from support from area groups including the Conway Chamber of Commerce and Family Justice Center.
Taft Mills Group needs the city to approve a rezone for the venture, which would serve households at or below 70% of the area median income for a family of four in Conway — $60,700.
'It's very difficult to get these types of opportunities. It's here now. It likely will not be here next year,' TMG vice president of development Nathan Broman-Fulks said.
TMG wants to unlock state-offered tax credits to finance the project.
City Manager Adam Emrick said TMG was being deceptive as it sought community backing for Chicora Springs Trace because its qualifying AMI of between 20% and 70% are considered low-income under U.S. Housing and Urban Development guidelines.
'You sold them this project as workforce housing,' Emrick said. 'You're doing that intentionally to get those partners to agree to this and then if the city council turns it down, it looks like we're turning our back on our partners. I think you've misled the city.'
Broman-Fulks said TMG uses grassroots marketing to promote its products, which helps ensure local homeownership.
'We don't mislead the people we're going to be partners with. They know exactly what we're proposing,' he said. 'We're happy to use whatever term that Conway would like us to use. We're not scared of the type of development that we do.'
Beyond the income guidelines, some on the city council said the targeted site could lead to greater flooding and traffic impacts.
'I have many concerns with this development on this location. Whereas your job is to find the money, build the development, it's my job to protect our citizens and make the best decisions for them,' councilwoman Julie Hardwick said.
She echoed issues raised last month by nearby residents who spoke out against TMG's proposal.
No vote was taken on Monday.
* * *
Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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