Colleton Co. could expect 265 new homes to match job growth, council says

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - A 265 single-family home development could be making its way to Colleton County.

This proposed development would go on roughly 188 acres just north of Walterboro near Longleaf subdivision. According to the plan, the address of these homes will be along Walnut Hill Drive in Okatie, just north of the city of Walterboro.

“This is actually something the county needs and it will benefit everybody in the county when it’s done and when it’s done right,” Scott Biering, Colleton County Councilman for the Eastern District, said.

On Monday, residents that live around this property, such as in the Longleaf subdivision or near Mt. Carmel Road had a meeting with the developer, D.R. Horton to find out more information about these homes.

According to Biering, this need for homes comes after two industries have announced they’re coming to the county, bringing around 600 jobs total.

However, some residents, like Kenneth Murdaugh, who’s lived in Walterboro most of his life, say a large number of homes in a condensed area could raise crime rates.

“You tend to end up bringing in some of the not-so-great people that are intending on taking advantage of that,” Murdaugh said.

Biering says the county is working on affordable housing plans aside from this development but are trying to make sure they’re profitable. He also says the county has lost residents every year for the last 30 years and they don’t want that to keep happening.

“I think it would be amazing to keep our talent here, grow the community here, so we can grow up with their grandchildren, grew up with their children and keep our families together,” Biering said.

Murdaugh says as long as it’s done right, it could be positive.

“They’re trying to keep the southern charm alive, and I believe those houses from the area I’ve seen, it’s kind of outside of town, which keeps them away from that,” Murdaugh said. “Keeps them from destroying the historic district and stuff like that. I think it might turn out to be a pretty good thing.”

Live 5 reached out to D.R. Horton for a statement. This story will be updated when it becomes available.

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