Talking Points

More than 30,000 people moved into or were born here in the last 8 years.

That’s the US Census Bureau’s latest estimate since the 2010 census.

That’s more than 400 people a month but far less than the projected 1,000 a month in some estimates.

It is 6th fastest growing in the state, far faster than Richland County and other Midlands counties.

The county’s population in 2017 reached 295,032.

Since then, at 400 people a month, the county would have grown 6,000 more people to about 310,000.

Richland County’s 2017 population was 414,576.

This growth has attracted many new businesses, homes and industries.

It also created traffic congestion and a need for more schools, health care and other public services.

Lexington 1 has grown an estimated 500 students a year, district officials say.

Lexington 1 plans to build 3 new schools financed by a $365 million public vote.

Lexington-Richland 5 in Chapin and Irmo is building an elementary school.

Much of the growth is due to the attraction of both districts’ reputation for quality.

A proposal by County Councilman Darrell Hudson of Lexington will limit the number of homes that can be built per acre.

Hudson believes developers must be reigned in.

His Project TIRED emphasizes turning lanes, infrastructure, roads, exits and the Department of Motor Vehicles in crowded quarters on Park Road.

He wants the DMV to move.

“Most people do not know that the DMV produces about 200,000 transactions right smack dab in the middle of the most congested area, and that’s assuming they’re only driving one car,” Hudson said. “Common sense would say take it to the interstate.”

About limiting home building he said, “Many good quality local builders support this ordinance.

“The only complaint I received was from the major national builders.”