Spartanburg City Council Meeting - September 22, 2025

Introductory paragraph summarizing the overall meeting.

The Spartanburg City Council met on September 22, 2025, to discuss and vote on several key items, including the relocation of the historic clock tower, the first reading of a hate crimes ordinance, and a housekeeping resolution for a closed street. The meeting began with the recognition of retiree Assistant Fire Chief Brad Hall and a proclamation for National Night Out. A large public comment session featured over 40 speakers, many addressing the clock tower and the proposed hate crimes ordinance. The council voted 4-2 to accept the city manager's recommendation to relocate the clock tower elements to the new city-county government building, and unanimously approved the first reading of the hate intimidation ordinance. A resolution quitclaiming a portion of Branch Street was also approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Clock Tower Preservation: Numerous speakers urged the council to preserve the clock tower in its current location or relocate it prominently. Dr. Brenda Lee Price provided historical context about the bell's origins, including its use to signal curfew for enslaved people. James A. Jones, Joe Spagner, and others opposed moving the tower, citing its iconic status and the risk of damage. Tony Eubanks noted a petition with 2,700+ signatures against removal. Wes Starter emphasized that 20,000 schoolchildren donated to build the tower in 1976. Jamie Bishop alleged threats against a preservation advocate, Ms. Branch, and criticized the city manager's handling of the project.
• Hate Crimes Ordinance: The ordinance drew strong support and opposition. Supporters included Taj McGlyff (SIREN board member), Colby King, Alice Sutton (Unitarian Universalist Church), Gia Arajo, and Philip Ford (AFA Action). They argued the ordinance sends a message of inclusion, protects vulnerable groups, and is constitutional. Opponents included Representative Sarita Edgerton (citing First Amendment, double jeopardy, 14th Amendment concerns), Becky McLaughlin (government overreach, subjective intent), Curtis Cutler (further divides), and others who raised issues of religious freedom and free speech. Several speakers referenced the 1993 Wisconsin v. Mitchell Supreme Court case upholding hate crime penalties.
• Other: Dr. Claudia Coleman expressed concern about AT&T fiber optic installation in her yard. Several speakers promoted upcoming community events.

Discussion Items

• Clock Tower Options: City Manager Chris Storey presented the history of the clock and bell, dating to 1881, and the recommendation to relocate the clockworks and bell to the new city-county building's clock tower (twice the height, visible from multiple blocks). He also noted a relocation cost of $850,000–$900,000 for a standalone move, with potential sites within a block or two. Council members discussed the need to preserve the tower's history, with some favoring relocation to a plaza outside the new building for public access. Councilman Foreman emphasized the economic development benefits of the Core project (over $450 million in investment). Councilwoman Littlejohn and Councilwoman Sally supported moving the clock and placing the bell and clockworks in the new building's plaza for after-hours access. The council voted 4-2 to accept the city manager's recommendation.
• Hate Crimes Ordinance (First Reading): City Attorney Robert Cole explained the ordinance adds a separate offense of hate intimidation when a person commits an underlying crime (e.g., assault, vandalism) with intent to harm based on race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. He stated it is constitutionally sound, does not infringe on free speech, and applies only if an underlying crime is proven. Council members discussed enforcement, penalties (up to 30 days and $500 fine), and potential for abuse. Councilwoman Littlejohn expressed concern about increased police calls but supported the ordinance. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading.
• Branch Street Quitclaim Resolution: City Attorney Cole presented a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a quitclaim deed for a portion of Branch Street that was closed decades ago and now sits under a Wakefield Buick parking lot. The council unanimously approved the resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Clock Tower: Motion to accept the city manager's recommendation to relocate the clock tower elements (bell and clockworks) to the new city-county government building, with the bell and clockworks to be displayed in a publicly accessible plaza. Passed 4-2.
• Hate Crimes Ordinance: First reading of the ordinance to add a hate intimidation charge to the city code was approved unanimously. A second reading will be required for final adoption.
• Branch Street Quitclaim: Resolution authorizing the quitclaim deed was approved unanimously.
• Staff Updates: City Manager Storey reported on Hurricane Helene debris removal: 56,715 cubic yards of debris (costing $775 per resident), filling 155 Olympic pools, and covering 24 football fields 10 feet deep. The city's disaster assistance program has completed 34 roof repairs and 32 tree removals, with a goal of 100 residences. Police Chief Thompson addressed recent gun violence, noting three homicides are not random but calculated, and urged community cooperation with investigations.