By Stan Welch
Pelzer Heritage Commission President Larry Coker has confirmed that several streets in the town are scheduled to be included in a special historic district later this year.
Carolina Wilson, of The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, was in town last week to make the announcement. The formation of the special district, which includes Lebby, Courtney, Reed, Smythe streets, and a portion of Square Street, raises the possibility for that area to be placed on the South Carolina Historic Register as well.
Coker said that it is possible that the remainder of Square Street and possibly some others can be added before the formal November establishing of the district.The effort to have the district established was not without cost.
“It cost the Heritage Commission about five thousand dollars to get all the leg work done and establish the area’s validity,” Coker said. “But there are some benefits as well. Homeowners in the district can write off some of the costs of improvements made to their homes.”
Local signage will be installed designating the area.
“Who knows? If we keep plugging away, one day there may be a sign out on I-85 saying ‘Welcome to the Historic Pelzer area’,” said Coker.
