As a 10-plus year resident of Dillon, I along with residents, property owners and business owners have had to look at exposed concrete and rebar and piles of abandoned construction materials for years on the abandoned Uptown 240 site. Mismanagement by the prior property owner/developer resulted in irreparable damage to the town of Dillon, it’s businesses, residents and individuals who wanted to become part of the Dillon community who lost millions of dollars in deposits. 

One of the most important events in the history of Dillon happened on Nov. 12. Following delays due to changes in building codes following the shutdown of the project, remediation of the foundation began. I understand that the cost of this remediation work is somewhere in excess of $3 million. Yes, the Town has contributed funds toward this remediation. There is a mechanism in place for the town to recoup funds through a transfer tax on the sale of these specific units. This transfer tax is not applicable to any other properties in Dillon.

It must be recognized that this would not be moving forward without the efforts of The Porritt Group. Jake Porritt and his team were the only organization to submit an acceptable proposal to buy the debt and take over and complete the project. They are also moving forward with the project “as designed and approved.” Taking this approach will avoid years of redesign and reviews/approvals, untold thousands of hours of town staff, and the financial burden of the process on the town. 

It is time for the Town of Dillon, including the mayor, council, residents, property owners and business owners to recognize the contribution of the Porritt Group and those members of Town Council who have supported his efforts to help the Town of Dillon to solve its greatest problem.