‘Obviously a game changer’: Indian Land Costco isn’t a done deal, but there’s progress
It isn’t a done deal, but there’s progress ongoing that could bring a new Costco to Indian Land.
“They are looking and trying to work out the details,” said Lancaster County Councilman Brian Carnes, who represents the Indian Land area. “I don’t know when all that’s going to transpire.”
Carnes said some early documents have been submitted but some hurdles remain before anything is finalized.
”They haven’t 100% committed,” Carnes said.
Carnes did confirm interest for a new site near U.S. 521, or Charlotte Highway, and Possum Hollow Road. The site would be near The Exchange at Indian Land. Groundbreaking on that project late last year will result in a new shopping center, retail and residential space. The 700 homes and apartments will join, among other retail, a Lowes Foods grocery store.
As for a new Costco, Carnes said it would be significant for the area.
”They’re obviously a game changer in communities that they go in,” Carnes said. “We’re hoping for the best.”
Dennis Marstall, county administrator, said planning staff on his end typically works with the developer and not directly with and end user like a Costco. Marstall said there has been discussion with developer Crossland Southeast about new development that would complement The Exchange.
Whether the new work would be a second phase or a separate project remains to be seen.
“Now they’re wanting to rezone some additional land,” Marstall said.
The new project would require rezoning, which means submissions to the planning commission before a recommendation there. Then, a final decision to come from county council. There have been staff level discussions on the proposed project, Marstall said, but he expects about three months before fuller details arrive.
“That will really get the conversation going in earnest on our end,” Marstall said.
Costco is a membership warehouse club with more than 800 locations. A wide range of items includes groceries, furniture, electronics and a host of other items.
Charlotte has half of the six Costco locations in North Carolina. The nearest to York or Lancaster counties is on Tyvola Road in Charlotte. South Carolina has four sites, the nearest in Spartanburg or Columbia.
Costco doesn’t, per a request for more information, comment on locations that will be opening in more than three months. If a location comes to Indian Land, it would be well beyond that time frame since a store hasn’t been approved for or begun construction. An Indian Land site doesn’t appear on the company’s list of six new coming locations.
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This story was originally published January 10, 2023 at 12:16 PM with the headline "‘Obviously a game changer’: Indian Land Costco isn’t a done deal, but there’s progress."
