KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Residents in Camden gathered for a planning and zoning meeting to express their concerns over a proposal to develop homes on the grounds of the Camden Training Center. The proposed development has been a contentious issue for months.
The controversy began in August when an image circulated online suggesting a developer planned to build 700 homes on the property, spanning county and city limits. At the time, representatives stated that no official proposal had been submitted.
In November, the City of Camden held a public hearing on the plan to build over 700 homes, which was rejected. After months of revisions, the developer resubmitted a reduced plan in April but later withdrew it, citing political pressure on the City Council and a lack of support.
Recently, two new proposals have been submitted. Both proposals outline plans for an active adult 55+ community. One proposal, which was voted down, included plans for patio homes.
“City Council has enacted the first reading of an ordinance to remove patio homes as being allowed in the R15 zoning district,” said Shawn Putnam, Planning and Development Director for the City of Camden. “Ninety-plus percent of the property in this project area is zoned R15 because they've already taken first reading on it, so that means the commission couldn’t approve it,” Putnam added.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has tabled a second proposal, which includes 153 single-family detached homes.
“They have 60 days from the date the plan was submitted, which was I believe June 4, the ordinance states if its not reviewed within 60 days it's not approved, ” Putnam explained.
Many residents hope to prevent the subdivision from moving forward.
“The subdivision proposed is completely contrary in our view to the comprehensive plan that is intended to preserve Camden, to preserve its historical nature, and to preserve its equestrian heritage,” said resident Rick Detwiler.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet again on July 16 to discuss the proposal further. The agenda for that meeting has not yet been released.