Columbia County residents oppose Harlem annexation for new housing development

During the Columbia County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 20th, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed annexation and rezoning project in Harlem that could lead to the construction of 810 homes on a 7.35-acre parcel. A local resident expressed strong opposition to the development, emphasizing that the surrounding community consists of larger acreage lots and no existing subdivisions, which he believes is incompatible with the proposed project.

The resident, who has lived in Columbia County for 20 years, highlighted his dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency from the Harlem city council regarding the development plans. He claimed that despite multiple requests for information, the city has been uncooperative, allegedly withholding documents related to the project. He recounted a frustrating experience with an open records request, where he initially received incomplete information but later obtained additional documents after threatening legal action.

Central to the resident's argument is the assertion that the developer's plans do not align with the community's needs or the county's capacity for infrastructure, particularly concerning sewer services. He pointed out that the developer has indicated that the project would only proceed if certain conditions are met, including the availability of sewer lines and a minimum density of one house per acre. The resident urged the county to prioritize its resources for developments that have already been proposed and to resist the annexation into Harlem, which he believes would strain county services and misrepresent the community's character.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tensions between local residents and city officials regarding development practices and transparency. The resident's passionate plea reflects broader concerns about how such projects may impact the quality of life in Columbia County, particularly in maintaining the area's rural character and ensuring that infrastructure can adequately support new developments.

As discussions continue, the community remains watchful of the county's decisions regarding the proposed development and its implications for future growth and infrastructure management. The board's response to these concerns will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of Columbia County.