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Clemson’s Denials Spark Deeper Scrutiny Of Controversial Development Deals
“It’s a serious conflict of interest…”
“It’s a serious conflict of interest…”
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8 comments
Excellent article. So THANKFUL to have a source of real journalism right here in our state. Fitsnews is a breath of fresh air.
I agree 100%
No University President should be sitting on the board of a real estate firm, particularly one trying to do business in the same area of said university…………….
Me think thou (Clemson) doth protest too much.
Ill tell you whats not a falsehood, Haley committed false information and hoaxes to the Homeland Security.
So it wouldn’t be the first time she’s connected to something advantageous for her own personal gain through deception, misinformation or abuse of power.
I think its safe to explore the ideas despite clemsons reaction. There’s credibility here to explore.
Case Study: Schenectady, NY’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI, 2020)
In Schenectady, a $10M state-funded DRI aimed to boost downtown vibrancy through projects like event spaces and aquatic centers. However, the Local Planning Committee included powerful figures (e.g., casino executives, development authority heads) who proposed and voted on self-interested initiatives, such as funding for their own venues at Mohawk Harbor.
Impacts: Economic boosts (e.g., tourism jobs) were overshadowed by conflicts, with critics noting taxpayer funds funneled to insiders without robust community buy-in. Environmental reviews were rushed, raising flood-risk concerns near the harbor.
Citizen Effects: Residents reported feeling sidelined, with good-government advocates like Reinvent Albany highlighting eroded trust and calls for conflict disclosures. The process accelerated approvals but at the cost of transparency, mirroring broader “pay-to-play” risks in U.S. development.
Lessons: Stronger recusal rules and diverse panels could mitigate harms, as recommended by ethics bodies like the OECD.
On the other hand, Nikki is a strong character in south carolina with her alliance to Clemson and overall interests in a better South Carolina as a whole. She isn’t a mafia crime boss with hopes of a dog track being approved.
Its good to bring up the ones involved in this project but its also good to highlight the good.
Community Impact:
Students: More housing options reduce competition for apartments, potentially stabilizing rents and improving living conditions (e.g., modern amenities like Hub’s rooftop pool).
Residents: Less student spillover into family neighborhoods preserves community character, addressing complaints about “student takeover” voiced at 2024 council meetings.
University: Frees up resources to focus on academics and facilities (e.g., CU-ICAR expansion) rather than dorm construction.
Why It Matters: A balanced housing market supports Clemson’s identity as a livable college town, benefiting everyon e from renters to homeowners.