Clemson Approves Controversial Lakefront Development

Despite local opposition and requests to postpone the decision, Clemson City Council approved The Hub Clemson, a lakefront development by Core Spaces, on April 15. Columbia attorney Kathleen McDaniel, representing two residents, argued that the developer was using a lawsuit to pressure the council. The council’s final vote was 4-3, following a failed motion to refer the project back for further review. Keowee Trail LLC, which includes a local developer and relatives of Clemson University President Jim Clements, can now collaborate with Core Spaces to construct over 1,300 beds near Abernathy Park. Concerns were raised about the university’s reliance on the private sector for housing and potential financial repercussions for the city if the lawsuit is lost.