The town's footprint is about to get larger. A new annexation is on the horizon.

Joe Max Hinson Jr. and Marshall Hinson have asked the town to incorporate approximately 60 acres they own at the corner of Whites and Doby's Bridge roads. They are also seeking a planned neighborhood development zoning which would allow the Hinsons or a developer to come back to town officials with a development plan for the property.

The proposal came up for a public hearing at Monday night's town council meeting. No plan has been submitted for the property yet, Town Manager David Hudspeth said.

The annexation and zoning will have to pass two readings in front of the council to become official. Hudspeth wasn't sure when the council would see an annexation ordinance for first read, however.

The PND zoning would allow for some limited commercial development on the property if it is deemed appropriate for the location.

"We have targeted some commercial development in that area," Hudspeth said. "I don't know if it's specifically for that piece."

Not far from the Hinson Property, which is adjacent to WhiteGrove, GS Carolina bought and annexed several acres with the intent of creating a mixed commercial and residential development along the proposed route of the Fort Mill Southern Bypass. That property, south of WhiteGrove, is not part of the larger Massey residential development, which is on the same side of Doby's Bridge Road as the Hinson property.

The property is one of two noncontiguous plots that make up an overall 86-acre parcel. The smaller portion of the property cannot be annexed currently because it is not adjacent to current town limits.

plete the certification within three years.

But according to a certified teacher who asked to remain anonymous, "I don't think anyone would do it without the bonuses. You have to be able to look at your spouse, your child, yourself, and say 'will me doing this make it easier for my girl to go to college? Will this make it easier to pay the mortgage?'"

Chuck Walker, a certified teacher who teaches English and journalism at Nation Ford High School, supports the program, but said low student-to-teacher ratio should be a priority. He also acknowledged the financial impact of losing the bonus at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.

"We try very hard to spend wisely," he wrote in an e-mail. "In addition, I have tried to follow what the Bible teaches about careers: 'Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve (Colossians 3:23-24).'"