Developers will host a meeting Tuesday (June 10) at 6 p.m. to provide more details on a proposed 4,500 home development near Lake Waccamaw.
The property, located roughly between Union Chapel Baptist Church and the fire tower, would contain both residential and commercial properties, according to the preliminary plan endorsed by the county planning board. The property is owned by Bay Branch Timber LLC of Atlanta. The firm’s website says it has built more than 300 developments across the country, including 6,600 housing units worth $1.3 billion.
Andy Mills of Bay Branch told media that no environmental or traffic impact studies have been completed on the proposal.
The plan is already drawing fire from area residents, both at Lake Waccamaw and in the St. James and Buckhead communities. Even though the proposal is outside the town limits by more than two miles, Lake Waccamaw officials fielded so many calls and emails that they issued a statement directing all inquiries to the county.
“There is misinformation regarding the Town of Lake Waccamaw holding meetings in regards to a proposed development outside if the town’s jurisdictional boundaries,” the announcement read. “Please direct any questions or concerns to Columbus County.”
A Facebook group, “Say No to 4500 Homes on Old Lake Road,” has grown to more than 700 members in two weeks. The page has gained support from Brunswick County residents who are also fighting overdevelopment across the county line. Opponents of the proposed development have encouraged residents to turn out in force tomorrow night, and to wear red to show solidarity against the project.
Be the first to comment