Is rapid development destroying Lexington County’s charm?

Supporters of the 6-month building moratorium say the uncontrolled development has made the county unsafe.

Developers built over 44 miles of roads for the county to maintain.

Cars park on these narrow roads in subdivisions because they don’t have enough space in driveways, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to drive through subdivisions.

But builders and developers say there have been no incidents of an emergency vehicle failing to get through.

Other concerns include:

• Inadequate emergency services that cannot keep up with the growth.

• Effects of pollution runoff in Lake Murray coves from clear-cutting and deforestation and the topsoil being stripped.

• Destruction of green spaces.

• Overloaded roads and traffic congestion.

Many residents feel that planning has been at the whims of developers with no strategic plan.

Moratorium proponent Vicki Sloan, said, “Demand better planning.

“Developers bomb the area, put up vinyl houses, plant a few stick trees, overload the roads, the sewers, the schools, 1st responders, and then count their money and move to the next target.”

Marc Cherubini said, “Lexington County will grow and needs a comprehensive plan to accommodate its inevitable expansion.”

Chapin councilman Al Koon supports the moratorium.

“I applaud Lexington County Council,” he said.

“It is not a cure but a bold step toward curbing the massive construction we are experiencing. The town is committed to working with Lexington County to explore more options to address this issue.”