CAMDEN, S.C. — The controversy over a proposed housing development at the historic Camden Training Center has intensified.
Tuesday night, The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted down another sketch of the site, nearly 9 months after plans were first introduced.
Residents opposing the development packed Camden City Hall, continuing to push back against development on the Camden Training Center site.
The most recent sketch plan submitted to the city aimed to develop the 59 acres within city limits with single-family residential homes, totaling 152 houses for those aged 55 and older.
“I was very excited because that’s another chance we can fight again," says Isaac Gary, a resident who attended the meeting to push back.
Despite city staff recommending approval of the sketch plan, the Planning Commission unanimously voted against the project.
“We looked at the things this development does do and it does meet at the comprehensive plan, and we also looked at things it does not do as far as the comprehensive plan is concerned, and taking in consideration that it is horses and Camden is horse country, and we’ve done a lot of homework on this, and we felt, and it was unanimous to vote down," says Johnny Deal, chairman of the Camden Planning Commission.
Several hours before the vote, Stuart Grant gave a tour of the Camden Training Grounds.
We asked him what would happen if his proposed project was voted down yet again, “It will wind up in litigation. This is just a taking. The goalposts have been moved on me...I expect the Planning Commission to do what they are supposed to do. Which is, Does it meet the ordinance? It’s not a ‘Is this a great idea?’ or anything like that, that's not their discretion. It’s zoned, and I have a property right," Grant said.
We asked the city about Grant’s comment regarding litigation if the project was denied. City Manager Matt DeWitt sent a statement saying, “Due to pending litigation, unfortunately, we are unable to provide comment at this time.”
The Planning Commission says this does not mean the end of discussions for this site, as the owner can still submit other development plans.