ANDERSON – Residential tax abatement for almost $2 million in new home construction in Anderson has been approved by the City Council.
The council Thursday passed through three readings seven ordinances granting the six three-year tax abatements and one for six years.
Started in the 1980s as part of the “Live in Anderson” campaign during Mayor J. Mark Lawler’s administration, the program has been extended annually by the City council.
Allan Freed was granted a six-year abatement for a $130,000 house being constructed at 2520 Mounds Road.
Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, explained the six-year abatement is considered in-fill in an area that has not seen construction activity in recent years.
The council approved three-year tax abatements to Mustin Builders to construct four homes with a value of $873,052.
The abatements are for 124 and 126 Asbury Drive for new construction valued at $198,000 and $194,000. Two abatements were approved for a $248,000 house at 161 Devonshire Court and $233,052 at 163 Devonshire Court.
Winkler said the properties are being sold by Mustin Builders before the construction is completed.
In June, Lawrence Johnson of Mustin Builders said the residential tax abatement is an effective tool for developers wanting to build in Anderson.
“We build the same units in Pendleton,” Johnson said. “I tell potential buyers they can get the same house at a lesser cost in Anderson. That’s because of the tax abatement.”
Over the years, Mustin Builders has constructed approximately 400 units in Anderson, Johnson said.
The council approved a three-year abatement for the construction of a $758,000 home being constructed for Ryan and Camela Bates at 3003 Waterside Point and for Kurtis Milliron for a $162,000 house to be built at 1403 Chesterfield Drive.