Lancaster County Newsletter
📬 February 2026
Development Updates – New research tool –
Missed a county council meeting? - See below for recap:
February 9th, 2026
This was an important meeting regarding two big projects: The Haven and a commercial development in Indian Land. You can use the link above to watch the specific parts of the meeting that you are interested in watching.
🏗️ Tracking Development in Lancaster County: Votes, Trends, and Transparency
Over the last 10 years, Lancaster County has seen a major increase in both residential and commercial development. In response to questions from many residents, I’ve started building a database of rezonings and major development approvals—including how each district voted.
My goal is to work back to 2000, but once you get into 2014 and earlier, it becomes much harder to track down complete digital records. I’ve been knee-deep in meeting minutes and recorded ordinances, and I want to share the work in progress.
✅ This isn’t about placing blame.
It’s about understanding how we got here—and making sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes as growth continues.
A few things to keep in mind
- District lines changed in January 2023. District 4 shifted to Indian Land (BridgeMill / northern panhandle) due to the 2020 Census with Jose Luis being elected to this district. Keep this in mind for votes prior to 2023—District 4 previously represented a different geographic area in southern Lancaster.
- If you want to confirm the district rep at the time of the vote, click the Project link and check the top of the meeting minutes.
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You can click:
- the project name to go to meeting minutes
- the location to see where the property is
- A project may be approved years before construction starts.
- This spreadsheet is a work in progress and will continue to expand and improve.
🔗 Click here to view the 2015–2025 major rezonings database
🔗 Click here to view the different zoning districts definitions and abbreviations
📩 Let me know what you think—and feel free to sort/filter the spreadsheet however you’d like.
👥 Current County Council (first term start date)
🔗 Click here to view current district maps and district numbers
🧾 February 9 Council Meeting: Two Major Rezoning Items (1st Reading)
Two large rezonings were up for first reading on February 9. Both passed first reading. Each item must pass three readings to be fully approved.
🏘️ The Haven (Lennar)
📍 Location: ~604 acres between Hwy 521 & Craig Farm Road
Proposal: Rezone from Rural Neighborhood (RN) to Medium Density Residential (MDR) with a Cluster Subdivision Overlay
Scale: ~900 homes (approx.)
Key points:
- Cluster design intended to preserve open space while increasing density in certain areas
- A Development Agreement (DA) will also be considered to outline infrastructure responsibilities and financial considerations
🔗 Click here for details.
🏬 C.F. Smith / Harris Tracts (Commercial)
📍 Location:71.1 acres at Hwy 521 & Laurel Hill Rd (between Aldi and Culver’s)
Request: Rezone from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Regional Business (RB)
Vision: Commercial hub with large-scale retail and outparcels
Case:RZ-2025-2538
🔗 Click here for details.
⚠️ Important note: The current moratorium applies only to residential subdivisions. Commercial rezonings (like C.F. Smith) are not affected.
Also, The Haven is outside the moratorium area.
✅ Please comment — in person or electronically.
It's really easy — and complaining to others doesn't do much. Your voice matters in the public process.
🔗 Click here for the ways to voice your concerns or support. The link will provide contact info and ways to speak up effectively including ways to submit comments electronically.
🗓️ Community Notes
👮 Indian Land Action Council (ILAC) — February 26
ILAC will hold its monthly meeting on February 26 at 7:00 PM at the Del Webb Library which is open to the public for anyone to attend.
This month’s speaker is Sheriff Barry Faile—a great opportunity to hear directly about public safety and ask questions.
If you’re not familiar with ILAC, check them out.
If you missed earlier newsletter editions, click here to see all the previous months. Great way to share it with your friends and neighbors via email or social media.
👥 If you're part of a group that would be interested in having me attend a meeting to discuss county matters, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to connect.
If you have any questions or concerns about the county, feel free to reach out: 803-804-6017 or simply reply to this email.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support.
I’m grateful to serve the county I grew up in and love—and I’m always open to your questions, ideas, and concerns.
Best,
Stuart
PS- If you find value and want to share this newsletter with your neighbors. You can use this link!!