A New Vision for Lyman

David Petty’s campaign is governed by three guiding principles: restructured zoning, small business development, and building a vibrant downtown.

In 2018, the Town of Lyman unveiled a Comprehensive Plan detailing a decade-long growth strategy. While its insights were valuable, the plan didn’t quite capture the town’s rapid expansion. The Comprehensive Plan’s projection for 2022 population was 4,231 residents, yet the actual figure stood at 6,510 — a discrepancy of over 50%. Lyman’s population has more than doubled since 2010.

Parts of our infrastructure — particularly our roads and major intersections — were never prepared to handle this rapid expansion. To address this dynamic growth, it’s crucial we refine our zoning strategies, prioritize growth in certain parts of the community, and slow down expansion in other parts of town.

Small businesses serve as the heart of a flourishing economy. While major corporations can offer vast employment opportunities, it’s the small businesses that deliver the everyday essentials that enrich our community—from our favorite eateries and hairdressers to reliable lawn and home services. Yet, over the past decade, Spartanburg County has witnessed a decline in the proportion of small businesses, notably within minority communities.

Residing on Groce Road since 2017 has given me a front-row seat to our downtown’s evolution. Several small businesses have opened in the past three years, and an exciting future is in store as the Pacific Place development is constructed. Despite the progress, many storefronts are unoccupied, and the former mill site remains undeveloped. There’s undeniable promise awaiting for Lyman’s downtown that we can tap into.