Laurens County Pauses Major Subdivisions Amid Community Concerns

News Summary

Laurens County has officially paused new major subdivisions in response to community concerns about rapid growth and its impacts. This decision comes as the LCWSC looks to expand sewer systems to accommodate increasing residents, while the introduction of new regulations has reduced interest in new developments. A citizens committee, the Laurens County Zoning Task Force, has been formed to address local issues, reflecting a growing desire for slower, more thoughtful development in the area.

Laurens County Hits Pause on New Subdivisions Amid Community Concerns

In a move that’s making waves in the local community, Laurens County has decided to hit the brakes on new major subdivisions. Recently, the Laurens County Water and Sewer Board gathered to chat about the latest updates on residential development, particularly focusing on the busy Northern part of the county. This area, designated by the LCWSC as Fountain Inn to the north of Friendship Church Road and Laurens to the south, is seeing a flurry of residential activity. However, with most developments taking around five years to finalize, the pace of growth is raising eyebrows.

Fast Growth Sparks Planning Changes

The utility is currently looking into expanding its sewer system to keep up with this growth. Presently, residents in the northern area are billed for the ReWa sewer system, which is in the process of laying down a major trunk line. To further support the increasing number of residents, the LCWSC is contemplating constructing a small sewer treatment plant right in Northern Laurens County.

Interestingly, as Laurens County Council rolled out new comprehensive plans and subdivision regulations, the interest in new subdivisions has started to wane. One of the key changes was an increase in minimum lot sizes, which jumped from 8,000 square feet to 21,000 square feet, aimed at reducing population density. This has come in direct response to concerns voiced by local ranchers and farmers who were previously up in arms over high-density subdivision regulations.

Community Voices Heard

Community voices are finally being acknowledged with the formation of a citizens committee known as the Laurens County Zoning Task Force. This group is all set to collaborate with the Planning Commission on land-use planning. Their first meeting is scheduled for March 3 at the Hillcrest Complex East, where they aim to elect their leadership and outline their goals moving forward.

The current subdivisions that the LCWSC is keeping an eye on include popular developments such as Foxbank, Bridgeway, Durbin Meadows, Canterbrooks Farms, and Wells Creek. Together, these subdivisions represent a staggering total of 2,700 water taps. Out of these, 785 taps have been installed so far, but the utility anticipates needing around 450 new taps every year to keep up with growth.

Reflecting Community Concerns

Feedback from the community has played a big part in shaping planning initiatives. Public comments have pointed out worries over existing road conditions, environmental impacts, and questions surrounding inadequate notifications regarding proposed developments. A significant concern also includes the presence of burial sites near these new projects.

It’s not just a simple pause on new developments; the Laurens County Council has initiated a two-month moratorium on new major subdivision applications, specifically targeting plans for subdivisions that propose ten or more homes. This action reflects the community’s desire to slow down the rapid pace of development and assess its potential impacts more carefully.

The Bigger Picture

Legal disputes have also emerged, with some developers taking legal action against the county planning commission, while residents voice frustrations over transparency issues and development restrictions. The ongoing tensions highlight a community grappling with balancing growth against maintaining its rural character.

In addition to housing developments, another significant project in Northern Laurens County is the Connexial Center, funded by SC PowerTeam and Laurens Electric Cooperative. The demand for water is evident, as the LCWSC recently reported an increase from 16,700 water customers last January to a hefty 17,300 this past January.

As the councils deliberate and the citizens engage, Laurens County stands at a critical junction where growth meets community sentiment. The next steps in planning and regulation will shape the future of this growing area, ensuring that while development occurs, it honors the community’s cherished values and concerns.

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Additional Resources

• Laurens County Subdivisions Update
• City Council Approves Residential Development
• Housing Challenges in Laurens County
• Laurens County Moratorium on New Subdivisions
• Google Search: Housing Development Laurens County