CAMDEN, S.C. — Camden is considering a significant new housing development that could bring nearly 400 homes to the area.
The proposal, which the city’s Planning and Development Department will review next Tuesday, has sparked concerns among some residents about its potential impact on the community.
The site is located at the corner of Highway 1, which meets Bishopville Highway, on 744 acres.
A developer has submitted plans to build 379 single-family homes on 369 acres.
“I’m concerned about the wildlife that lives back there; I am concerned about the wetlands that's back there,” said Dorian Davis, who lives feet away from the proposed project.
Davis purchased his home in February, unaware that a large development might be coming to his neighborhood.
“I’m not going to enjoy not having privacy. It’s just not going to be what I anticipated when I bought the house,” he said.
Davis also expressed concerns about the area’s infrastructure, questioning whether it can handle the increased traffic and school demand.
“The roads, how it will affect the schools, and traffic in the mornings and afternoons is just going to be horrendous,” Davis said.
News19 contacted the City of Camden’s Director of Planning and Development, who deferred to information on the city’s website.
According to the site, a buffer would be between the new development and the existing residential area to the north. The city’s report also notes that the development aligns with several goals of Camden’s comprehensive plan, and the staff has recommended conditional approval of the sketch plan.
The development presents a mixed bag for local business owners. Joseph Wright, owner of Iron Horse Cycles, said he sees potential benefits but remains cautious.
“As a business owner, business is good, you know, I'd say it’s a catch-22; you have the good and the bad," Wright said. "My business is not a main business; maybe if I’m lucky, 10% of that people will have motorcycles, but 10% is still a plus.”
As the community waits for a decision, Davis isn't sure the city is ready for this big of a development.
“I don’t feel like this is a thing that's supposed to be built in Camden as of yet,” Davis said.
The Camden Planning & Zoning Committee will review the proposed development on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 6:15 p.m. at Camden City Hall.