Council approves reduced-density plan for Blebrook/Fulmer Road after neighbors urged caution
May 19, 2026 | Richland County, South Carolina
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Richland County Council voted May 4 to rezone land on Blebrook and Fulmer roads from agricultural/homestead to R2 residential, following developer revisions that reduced the proposed number of lots and multiple residents’ objections.
Philip Rees of Haven Communities told the council the applicant had substantially revised the plan in response to community feedback, trimming the project from 388 lots to 255 lots and shifting proposed zoning from R3 to R2 to increase average lot size to about 14,500 square feet. Rees said the development will include open space, a pool, walking paths and homeowner-association maintenance, and that utilities (water, sewer, natural gas and fiber) are available. He also said a traffic impact study will be completed and any required improvements will be funded by the developer; he estimated a first phase around summer 2028 and full buildout by 2033.
Several nearby residents opposed the request during the public hearing. Donna Meers cited existing congestion and inadequate infrastructure and warned that school capacity and public services could be strained. Rebecca Nelson, whose property backs up to the site, asked who would bear the costs of power, water and sewer upgrades and expressed concern about wildlife displacement. Trish Hovus highlighted that staff had found the proposal non‑compliant with the county comprehensive plan and said that infrastructure should precede growth.
The chair emphasized county outreach, town-hall meetings and staff follow-up, saying the county is revising its comprehensive plan and uses a cluster‑growth approach. The chair said staff and the developer had engaged with impacted neighbors and offered continued follow-up with local town officials.
On roll call the motion to approve passed with all members voting yes except one no vote by English.
What happens next: the developer will complete a traffic impact study and any required site engineering; the planning department and county staff will track compliance with permitting and infrastructure commitments.
Philip Rees of Haven Communities told the council the applicant had substantially revised the plan in response to community feedback, trimming the project from 388 lots to 255 lots and shifting proposed zoning from R3 to R2 to increase average lot size to about 14,500 square feet. Rees said the development will include open space, a pool, walking paths and homeowner-association maintenance, and that utilities (water, sewer, natural gas and fiber) are available. He also said a traffic impact study will be completed and any required improvements will be funded by the developer; he estimated a first phase around summer 2028 and full buildout by 2033.
Several nearby residents opposed the request during the public hearing. Donna Meers cited existing congestion and inadequate infrastructure and warned that school capacity and public services could be strained. Rebecca Nelson, whose property backs up to the site, asked who would bear the costs of power, water and sewer upgrades and expressed concern about wildlife displacement. Trish Hovus highlighted that staff had found the proposal non‑compliant with the county comprehensive plan and said that infrastructure should precede growth.
The chair emphasized county outreach, town-hall meetings and staff follow-up, saying the county is revising its comprehensive plan and uses a cluster‑growth approach. The chair said staff and the developer had engaged with impacted neighbors and offered continued follow-up with local town officials.
On roll call the motion to approve passed with all members voting yes except one no vote by English.
What happens next: the developer will complete a traffic impact study and any required site engineering; the planning department and county staff will track compliance with permitting and infrastructure commitments.
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