FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – An annexation proposal that has angered many Lake Oakdale residents is moving forward after the Florence City Planning Commission approved it on Tuesday.
The commission voted 7 to 1 to approve the developer, Gary Finklea’s request to annex a 120-acre piece of land near Meadors Road to the city. He tells us he has plans to only build single family houses and is abiding by the city ordinance. Residents have expressed concerns that the plan includes the construction of townhomes and multi-family housing and that it goes against the state ordinance. About a dozen of them voiced their opinions at the hearing, many in opposition to the plan. Some of them stormed out during Finklea’s rebuttal. They say they fear Finklea’s development plan will decrease their home values, pollute the lake and destroy the roads.
“It’s going to be a mess. It’s going to be like Cherokee Road or Pine Needles Road. Those are roads that have too many cars going down them,“ resident Michael York told us after the hearing.
Gary Finklea said he’s “very pleased” with tonight’s decision. He said he thinks the meeting was successful and “everyone came away more knowledgeable” about the development proposal.
“I’m very pleased that the owners out there were able to get informed and educated on what different uses are and how this zoning actually protects and preserves the character of the property in the area,” he said. “I’m delighted that so many homeowners now understand what’s going on and they agree that it’s a good thing.”Finklea’s request now moves to the city council for action on May 14.
