ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Orangeburg County Council is set to have a second reading Monday night for a subdivision on Red Bank Road. With over 300 acres, the development will have 400 single-family homes, pickleball courts, walking trails, dog parks, a pool and more.
Preston McClun, the Planning and Zoning Director for Orangeburg County, says there is a need for more housing.
“Orangeburg needs housing. Everywhere across South Carolina needs housing right now," said McClun. "South Carolina is one of those few states that’s seeing a tremendous amount of growth, and Orangeburg is seeing that due to our proximity to the interstates and the lake that we have.”
In addition to providing housing options to the Orangeburg community, the development is expected to bring retail and service opportunities to the area to support the growing population.
“You’re going to have about 1,200 people come, and with those people, you’re probably going to see more grocery stores, more restaurants," McClun said. "Development comes on the back end that you don’t actually see on the front end with the creation of the subdivision.”
Orangeburg County Council approved the rezoning of the property from forest agriculture to residential single-family. Councilwoman Latisha Walker met with local residents to hear their feedback.
“I met with the neighbors here in the community to inform them as to what was going to take place. I got a lot of input from them," said Walker. "Most neighbors were very excited about the growth. They were looking forward to it, and they’re just fully committed to this project.”
Justine Inebinet lives next to where the development is set to be constructed. She says after 45 years, it would be nice to have a grocery store right down the road.
“I just really think it will bring more people around, more people around," said Inebinet. “I wouldn’t have to bother the children, you know to come and get me, and I can ride in my chair and I can put my stuff in my lap, so I would really like for them to bring a grocery store and a clothes store.”
County Council will have their third and final reading on the project on December 16th.