News Summary
Laurens County Council has imposed a two-month moratorium on major residential subdivisions amid community concerns regarding infrastructure and environmental impact. The council aims to implement new regulations to manage growth and ensure sustainable development, specifically increasing minimum lot sizes from 8,000 to 21,000 square feet. Residents have voiced their worries about traffic, road conditions, and the potential strain on local resources, reinforcing the need for careful planning as the county navigates future developments.
Laurens County Council Takes a Breather on Major Residential Subdivisions
Hey there, Laurens County! A recent buzz has been going around, and it seems your local council is hitting the pause button on any new major subdivisions for the next couple of months. Why? Well, community members have been raising their voices about the impact that these developments could have on your roads, the environment, and local livelihoods. It’s a timely decision, and one that has folks buzzing with conversations around town!
Why the Moratorium?
The council has decided to impose a two-month moratorium on applications for major subdivisions, which are designed to have ten or more homes. Councilman Kemp Younts was the one to get the ball rolling, mentioning that it’s crucial to have controlled growth in our area—especially since there are no zoning laws in place to guide the development process.
This temporary break will give leaders the chance to draft a new ordinance that aims to bump up the minimum lot size for subdivisions from 8,000 square feet to a whopping 21,000 square feet. This proposed change is seen as a way to help ease some of the strain on our beautiful county while keeping our community feeling spacious and enjoyable.
Community Concerns Heap Up
Members of the community are clearly feeling the heat when it comes to recent plans for new subdivisions. Local citizens are worried that these developments will lead to increased population density in the area. Among the concerns raised, one of the biggest issues revolves around the state of our roads. Many feel that the existing infrastructure isn’t equipped to handle the extra traffic from new homes being built.
One proposed subdivision along Hunts Bridge Road with plans for up to 150 new homes has particularly got people riled up. Residents say they want to be kept in the loop, specifically regarding any new developments in their own backyards. Some have even suggested that the county should put up clearer signage to alert everyone of potential constructions.
The Legal Landscape
It’s clear that neighbors in our town are staying vocal, regularly attending council and planning commission meetings to express their worries over the future of residential developments. Their attendance shows just how much the community cares about keeping Laurens County a great place to live.
Water and Sewer Considerations
On the practical side of things, the Laurens County Water and Sewer board (LCWSC) is taking a serious look at the need to expand its sewer systems due to all the ongoing and planned subdivisions, especially in Northern Laurens County. Currently, the board is tracking a staggering 2,700 water taps associated with subdivisions, having installed around 785 taps so far. To keep things flowing smoothly, they need to average about 450 taps per year to ensure sustainable growth for our burgeoning community.
And if that’s not enough, there’s an exciting project on the horizon! The LCWSC is involved in the Connexial Center project, generously funded by the SC PowerTeam and Laurens Electric Cooperative, which will need some upgrades to the sewer system too!
Some Decline in Interest
As our community navigates these developments, it’s clear that the county council is taking a thoughtful approach. With this moratorium in place, there’s hope that with a bit of patience, might come a clearer vision for sustainable growth that satisfies both new homeowners and long-time residents. So, let’s keep chatting, Laurens County! Your voice matters!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Northern Laurens County Fireworks Ordinance Faces Delays
Additional Resources
- Golaurens: LCWSC Tracking Subdivisions as Growth Continues in Northern Laurens County
- My Clinton News: Housing and Other Challenges
- Fox Carolina: Laurens Co. Council Votes Moratorium on New Subdivisions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
- Google Search: Subdivision Development Issues
