Anew commercial development is attracting local attention due to an extensive removal of trees that once grew on the site. While some are in support of this project, others raised concerns regarding land clearing, traffic and future development.

Under Carolina Park’s zoning ordinances, the decision to zone the site for commercial development was made years ago. This preemptive planning makes additional approval from the public or town council unnecessary, as long as the developments follow Carolina Park’s unique zoning ordinances.

Jake Carter, a member of the project and one of the site planners, said the property use had been determined for a year.

“It’s been zoned commercial for a long time. Just like houses are zoned residential, this property was always intended for commercial development,” Carter said.

While the specific businesses have not been decided, due to its size, it is possible that anything could be built, ranging from restaurants to grocery stores.

Addressing concerns like traffic and related impacts the new development will bring is handled by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The department will make improvements to transportation infrastructure
when necessary.

“We do have a transportation department, and neighborhood impact assessments for things like traffic. So if anything were needed, traffic-wise, if the roundabout needed to be improved, if there needed to be a light installed, if there needed to be a turn lane installed, they will require it,” Carter said.

Another major concern is the associated environmental impact, which sparked discussion immediately after the tree removal. The development aims to counteract the environmental impact of the initial tree removal
through replanting.

“I think it’s 160 inches per acre, we require trees, I believe. So they’re gonna have to do their part, just like Costco. They’re gonna plant their trees, and they’ll be small, but they’ll get, you know, bigger as they get older,” Carter said.

While environmental concerns remain a topic of discussion, it is also important to focus on the influence it holds on the community. Students have complex feelings about the project. Senior Dezyre Weston said she has skepticism about the new development.

“My first reaction to the construction thing over there was, ‘What are they building? Why are they clearing more land?’ They just built something right next to the Costco, so what could they possibly be building across from it,” Weston said.

She has mixed emotions, with both positive and negative opinions.

“Now traffic probably really is gonna’ be bad leaving school. But at the same time, you got stuff closer, so you don’t really have to leave to get whatever you need,” Weston said. “It doesn’t make sense for it to be right across from the school. It just doesn’t.”