New Zoning and Planning Director Appointed in Laurens

News Summary

The Laurens City Council met recently to announce the appointment of Jocelyn Patterson as the new Zoning and Planning Director. Patterson, a Clemson University graduate, aims to enhance economic development while preserving the city’s historic charm. In addition to staffing changes, emergency preparedness was emphasized, with local officials advocating for personal safety measures ahead of hurricane season. The council also reviewed municipal election updates, noting low voter turnout in recent elections, reaffirming the need for civic engagement. Laurens is poised for growth as it embraces new leadership and initiatives.

Exciting Changes and Preparedness Plans Unveiled at Laurens City Council Meeting

In a vibrant gathering on Tuesday evening, the Laurens City Council welcomed some significant news that promises to shape the city’s future. Jocelyn Patterson has been appointed as the new Zoning and Planning Director, and there’s much more in store for the residents in this delightful community.

Patterson, a proud graduate of Clemson University, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role. With degrees in Mass Communications, Public Relations, and a master’s in Historic Preservation, she shines a beacon of hope for Laurens. Patterson firmly believes her expertise in historic preservation can serve as a catalyst for economic development, showing a genuine commitment to enhancing the city’s charm while promoting growth.

Mayor Nathan Senn expressed excitement about Patterson joining the team, labeling her experience as a potentially tremendous asset for Laurens. It seems that with her at the helm, the city can look forward to thoughtful planning that respects its rich history while paving the way for future prosperity.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Sonny Ledda, the Laurens County Emergency Management Director, who spoke passionately about personal safety during what he branded as “blue sky times.” This term refers to those calm periods before an emergency strikes, and Ledda emphasized the crucial need for preparation in these peaceful moments.

Ledda provided valuable insights on how residents can best safeguard themselves and their loved ones. He recommended stocking up on food and water, checking smoke detector batteries, and ensuring that generators are ready to go when needed. Taking these proactive steps can make all the difference when disaster strikes.

As hurricane season approaches, Ledda highlighted a useful resource called ‘Know Your Zone’, published by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, to help residents understand their evacuation zones for 2025. It’s excellent to see local officials pushing for awareness and preparedness!

In a collaborative effort to promote safety, over 250 weather radios have been distributed to county residents through a recent grant, ensuring that more people are informed during severe weather events. This dedication demonstrates the city’s commitment to working hand in hand with communities during emergencies.

Election Updates and Council Business

March 4, 2025. The filing period for open seats ended on January 3, 2025, with multiple incumbents gearing up for a contest. However, recent non-partisan municipal elections in Laurens County saw a disappointingly low turnout, with only 8% of registered voters participating. It’s a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and how every vote counts.

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Laurie Sullivan returned to her seat in Laurens City Council District 2 after receiving 41 write-in votes despite not officially filing for re-election. In District 4, Calvin Whitmire bested incumbent Sara Latimore by a striking margin, earning 58 votes against her 15. Meanwhile, in Clinton City Council District 1, Danny Cook secured re-election by defeating his opponent Sonya Adams. Meanwhile, Danny Smith edged out incumbent Ronnie Roth in a closely contested District 5.

As the results came in, it was announced that a runoff election would be necessary in Clinton City Council District 3, with Natalie Cogsdill and incumbent Robbie Neal facing off due to their razor-thin vote counts. Ultimately, incumbents across multiple towns, such as Waterloo and Cross Hill, enjoyed a mostly unchallenged re-election campaign.

As Laurens looks forward to a future filled with potential, the recent decisions and discussions at the city council meeting reflect a community eager to grow and thrive while remaining prepared for whatever life throws their way. With fresh leadership, a focus on safety, and active civic involvement, the spirit of Laurens continues to shine bright!

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Additional Resources

• GoLaurens: Laurens City Council Welcomes New Zoning and Planning Director
• GoLaurens: Ballot Set for March Municipal Elections in Laurens County
• CJOnline: Topeka Developer Jim Klausman Gets Tax Refinance for Laurens Bay
• Wikipedia: Emergency Management
• Fox Carolina: New Land Use Ordinance in Laurens
• Google Search: Laurens City Council

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.