Not being from Gaffney, I am at a loss to identify a specific challenge the community faced before we arrived. But since we moved here in December 2021, one area I’ve kept my eyes on was relative to the downtown area and economic development.

I do have some background in community economic development and have observed what appears to be a disconnect between city building crews, city administration, and unmatched potential business opportunities in downtown Gaffney. The Gaffney Maintenance Association and the Gaffney Downtown Business Association have restricted since 2022 but it seems that city administration on building homes just aren’t onboard as new businesses are allowed to open. And ones that have since 2022 have met with unnecessary building or ordinances which tend to stripe creativity and growth.

Along with that issue, there are rental/leases price and municipal tax issues which seem designed more for maximum profit to the detriment of creating a satisfied downtown and successful businesses. Right now, the various parties seem at logger beach. Southerners’ issues are rescuing the downtown intelligence as a warm and welcoming environment in small businesses and Gaffney development.