Lyman Town Council held its first regular meeting of 2026 on Monday evening, approving a rezoning application for the Boiler Tube Company of America.
The rezone request was an item of contention among Council and some Lyman residents. The ordinance rezones property owned by the Boiler Tube Company at 506 Charlotte Highway — changing the classification from General Industrial District, GI, to Flexible Review District, FRD.
Lyman’s Planning Commission had unanimously recommended a denial of the rezone request, citing procedural concerns. Ron Freier, vice chair of the commission, spoke to the rezoning ordinance in the public forum session of the meeting, encouraging Council to concur with their recommendation.
Ultimately, Council approved the rezoning request on its second reading on Monday with a vote of 4-1. Council member Cindy Behm voted in opposition, and council member Adam Crisp was absent.
Lyman Mayor David Petty explained that the rezone will allow the company to have greater flexibility on their property, citing the parcel’s unique position. Most of the property is in Lyman, but a portion is in Wellford. Petty also says that the Boiler Tube Company of America has been a great partner of the town for over 50 years, something Council considers when making their vote.
“We kind of have that 30,000-foot view,” Petty said. “The number one thing we have to ask ourselves is ‘what is best for the town?’”
Council heard several items of new business on Monday, including a discussion on the procedures for elections and appointments. Council member Phil McIntyre proposed an ordinance clarifying the election process for town commissions and boards. The town staff will work to draft this ordinance, which will have its first reading at next month’s meeting.
Another discussion by Council regarded the potential creation of a Downtown Master Plan. This would be a document that sets the plan for Lyman’s downtown growth over the next decade. While no official action was taken, Petty says that Council will continue to look into this plan.
Other new items of business included a rezoning ordinance and a lease agreement. Both items were passed unanimously on their first reading, though they will be heard for a second reading next month.
The lease agreement is between the Town of Lyman and Roofline Gutters for property located at 59 Groce Road. The rezoning ordinance would reclassify property located at 12999 East Wade Hampton Blvd. from Central Business District, CBD, to General Business District-1, GBD-1. Approval of the rezone has been recommended by the planning commission.
Finally, Council motioned to table a resolution accepting the donation of a Sewer Right-of-Way and Easement Deed by Tractor Supply Company. The motion will be tabled until the monetary value is finalized.
Lyman Town Council will meet again on Monday, Feb. 9. For more information on the council, visit their website.
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