The controversial Amicks Ferry School will not solve a crowded classroom problem.

That’s the opinion of District 5 trustee Ken Loveless.

The district bought 24 acres in Chapin on Amicks Ferry Road in August 2017 for a new elementary school to ease overcrowding 8 miles away at Lake Murray Elementary.

Residents immediately protested due to heavy traffic and unsafe conditions on the 2-lane road.

Most opponents to the school agreed with the need for a new school but not on that site.

At a community forum last week, Loveless said the district will have problems by not being able to expand the school if needed because of its limited acreage.

He said designing the school has been complicated, because Lexington County has changed zoning of roads and landscaping requirements.

The district has had to go back to the drawing board to re-design the 2-story elementary school.

Loveless said the current design of large glass windows was not good for an elementary school.

The windows added to the cost of maintenance and higher heating and cooling bills.

Loveless also addressed the need for a Performing Arts Center and a new football stadium in Chapin.

One of the questions at the community forum asked by residents was how the county and school district are working together for development and future zoning.

Erin Long Bergeson of Lexington County Council said, “The simple answer is at the elected official level, there is nothing happening.

“In January of this year I went to a school board meeting and made a public appeal to the board to work with the county.

“4 days later, I had a meeting with them and said please work with us. We have started comprehensive planning for the county.

“This is very important, and they have not

gotten back with us.”

Vann Holden of District 5 said, “This year, we met with planning and development officials from Lexington County…

“We also monitor zoning changes and information published by the different municipalities so that we are aware of new construction and updates that take place in our attendance area.”