LANCASTER, S.C. — Lancaster County Council denied a rezoning request for a 303-lot Lancaster subdivision at its Monday, April 8, meeting.
The council voted 6-0 against rezoning 124.2 acres off 2421 Lynwood Drive from low- to medium-density residential for the proposed subdivision on first reading.
Council Chair Steve Harper recused himself from the discussion and vote on the Lynwood Drive rezoning, due to a potential financial interest in the area.
Residents who live near Lynwood attended the meeting to express their concerns over increased traffic on a road with limited resources.
Councilors also expressed worries about ponds and wetlands near the proposed subdivision, with the increased density likely to take a toll on the drainage system.
“I have a problem with these ponds on this property. With these 300 homes with a couple of hundred kids running around, that is waiting for a disaster,” said Councilor Billy Mosteller. “I don’t see any open space for kids to play ball or people wanting to walk their dog. All I see is wetlands and you can’t play ball in the wetlands.”
While councilors understood the proposal, they felt the land wasn’t suitable to handle growth.
“We know growth is coming and we need to plan accordingly. But there’s so many things that are not there,” Councilor Charlene McGriff said.
Councilor Jose Luis pointed to similar developments in Indian Land and the issues of not having enough infrastructure, recreational activities and EMS services to support future families.
“I do not support this because of the issues we’ve seen in Indian Land,” he said.
IL rezoning also denied
Council also unanimously, 7-0, denied first reading of a request to rezone a property in Indian Land from medium density residential to general business.
The half-acre off 126 Dogwood Trail Lane sits off Charlotte Highway near the Catawba Commons shopping center.
Residents near the property expressed concerns about the rezoning, fearing that it would add more commercial traffic to the undersized Dogwood Trail Lane and U.S. 521.
Similar to the Lynwood Drive situation, councilors felt that it wasn’t worth approving the rezoning, given the lack of infrastructure and concern among residents.
“The people have spoken, they’re opposed to this, and I don’t see anything in this writing here that compels me to want to do a zoning change,” Councilor Allen Blackmon said.
