Multi-purpose development announed for I-85 Fair Play

A North Carolina businessman revealed intentions today for a multi-purpose commercial project at exit 2 on Interstate-85 in Fair Play. Hendersonville resident Terry Kidd is part of a five-member group that has envisioned the project several years, but has been delayed by the lack of available sewer service. That appears to be changing as county officials are signaling that a new phase of the county’s “Sewer South” could reach Oconee’s four-mile stretch of the interstate highway by late next year. And if that’s the case, Kidd says, the group will utilize 17 acres there for restaurants, a gas station, and “a couple of hotels.” The property includes acreage that once contained a motel in the 1970s at the SC 59-I-85 interchange. In all, he said, the group would make a $30 million dollar investment and employ up to 250 people. Kidd made the plans known this morning to District Five county councilman Glenn Hart and to Sharon DeRidder who, on the county’s behalf, made contact with him about a year ago. The location is within the district councilman Hart represents. Hart said, “All the people down in that area have been waiting 20 some-odd years for something to happen.”