Fort Mill Community Anticipates Decision on Heritage Tower’s Fate Amid Legal Disputes

Fort Mill Residents Await Future of Heritage Tower

Fort Mill, S.C. — The skyline of Fort Mill is poised for change as the towering Heritage Tower, originally constructed by televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker in the 1980s, faces either completion or demolition. The 21-story monument has been reportedly unfinished for decades, and now it belongs to MorningStar Fellowship Church, which has reached a deal with York County.

Deal Reached

Under the terms of a newly established agreement, the church has 18 months to submit an application for a building permit. This development has sparked hope among local residents, many of whom consider the building an eyesore. “It needs to go, it needs to come to a close. We need closure,” said resident Alex Holets, expressing a sentiment shared by many in the community.

Community Sentiment

Gay Willet, another longtime resident, echoed this frustration. “I can’t wait. I’m tired of looking at it every day when I come to walk the dogs,” she said. Having lived in the area for 25 years, Willet noted that the tower’s dilapidated state has deterred potential homebuyers. “My daughter was looking for a house in this area a few years ago and said, ‘I don’t want to look at that every day,’” Willet added.

History of the Tower

The tower, now in evident disrepair, was intended to house senior citizens when MorningStar Church took control of the property back in 2007. However, a prolonged legal battle with York County has stalled any construction plans. After signing an agreement with the county regarding funding, MorningStar was eventually deemed to be in default, leading to a lawsuit that was never resolved.

Allegations of Discrimination

Recently, the church filed a new lawsuit, claiming discriminatory practices from county leaders. Pastor Warick Joyner revealed that the church’s legal complaint includes an alleged email from former county officials expressing skepticism about MorningStar. “They are only out to fleece the investors of the units and bilk them for every dime they can get,” the email reportedly stated, stunning church representatives.

Joyner expressed his disbelief at the county’s alleged behavior, stating, “It was shocking to us that our local county would behave that way.” The lawsuit claims violations of religious freedom laws, asserting that the county has engaged in “hostile and discriminatory conduct.” Moreover, it alleges that the county is not interested in finding a resolution, but rather aims to ensure the tower’s demolition.

County’s Response

In response to the allegations, York County Manager Bill Shanahan affirmed that the county does not discriminate against anyone. “We follow the laws, both state and federal,” he stated. However, residents, like many others, are growing weary of waiting for a resolution concerning the tower’s fate.

Future Implications

If the church fails to act within the given time frame, the agreement allows the county to take over control and proceed with demolition. This could mark the end of a long saga for the Heritage Tower, whose future remains uncertain but seems poised for resolution over the upcoming year and a half.

The anticipation for change is palpable among community members, many of whom are left hoping to see an end to this longstanding chapter of their local skyline. As developments unfold, residents are eager to witness the conclusion of the tower’s fate.