May 17, 2025

Clinton Planning Commission Approves New Residential Developments

News Summary

The Clinton Planning Commission has approved two new residential subdivision projects to address the city’s population growth. The developments, one on North Adair Street and another on Hwy 56, are set to provide a mix of housing options but raise community concerns regarding traffic management and infrastructure. Residents are particularly worried about potential flooding and the impact on local character. These projects reflect a significant increase in Clinton’s population, raising questions about local preparedness for further growth.

Clinton – The Clinton Planning Commission has taken significant steps to accommodate the city’s growing population by advancing two new residential subdivision projects. This decision comes amidst rising community concerns regarding the rapid pace of development and its implications for local infrastructure and quality of life.

The Planning Commission recently voted 3-2 in favor of a residential development on North Adair Street, which will feature a mix of R1 (single-family residential) and R2 (single-family with duplexes allowed) zoning. The project is expected to consist of 160 lots and will be accessed via Mt. Moriah Church Road. Additionally, a second project located on Hwy 56, which will be annexed and recommended for R2 zoning, is projected to yield 92 lots and received a 3-1 vote from the commission.

Both subdivisions are pending state traffic studies and detailed plans that must be submitted for further evaluation by the Planning Commission before the Clinton City Council can grant final approval. These plans underline the urgency of addressing traffic management and infrastructure needs, particularly as new residents relocate to Clinton.

Residents have voiced concerns about the North Adair project, particularly regarding anticipated traffic increases during peak school hours and the adequacy of existing infrastructure to support the burgeoning population. A local resident underscored that the proposed developments will impact over 10% of Clinton’s population in an area that is already experiencing traffic congestion due to the presence of various residential complexes.

The North Adair project is further complexified by existing covenants established in 1967 that restrict development on the land to single-family homes with direct street access. Residents are apprehensive that the rapid influx of new homes could compromise the small-town character that many cherish about Clinton.

Community members have also raised alarms regarding the potential threat of flooding from new developments, particularly to the Clinton Community Nature Center and natural paths in the area. Mayor Phil Fisher acknowledged the residents’ concerns about infrastructure challenges and flooding, promising that the city would work to ensure regulations are in place to safeguard current properties from adverse effects due to new developments.

The Hwy 56 property, comprising 28 acres, is designed to include homes while preserving some sections for undeveloped land. Developers are also advocating for an additional access point to the Hwy 56 site for emergency services, reflecting a broader focus on safety and infrastructure robustness in light of increasing numbers of residents.

This push for growth in Clinton reflects its dramatic population increase from 9,271 in 1995 to approximately 23,588 in 2023, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dramatic uptick in population raises serious concerns about the readiness of local infrastructure, including schools and transportation networks, to accommodate new residents. In light of these challenges, some community members have begun circulating petitions to reverse a recently approved zoning change that allows for a 341-unit housing development, signifying a growing desire for more controlled growth strategies to safeguard the quality of life.

Proposed developments in the area would include 266 townhomes and 75 single-family homes. Residents are stressing the importance of addressing existing infrastructure concerns, particularly regarding schooling for an expanding population. The community’s collective voice reflects a clear wish for responsible management of growth to avoid uncontrolled expansion that could strain local resources and diminish the overall quality of life in Clinton.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.