Oconee Council Stands Firm Against 5,200-Home Development in Newry Amid Developer Threats

The Oconee County Council has decisively rejected a proposal for a 5,200-home development in Newry by East Shore South, LLC, citing the project’s non-compliance with local density ordinances and potential strain on infrastructure. Council Chairman Matthew Durham confirmed the rejection, stating the development significantly exceeds standards outlined in Ordinance 2024-18, designed to protect roads, schools, utilities, and the county’s character.

The developer, led by Mark Hart, formerly a prominent figure in NFL team management and associated with the ill-fated Rock Hill Panthers practice facility, had sought a Planned Development Agreement to circumvent existing regulations. According to Durham, the Council’s initial concerns about density were dismissed by the developer, who subsequently threatened legal action, annexation efforts, and a “robust media campaign” should their demands for exemptions not be met.

Durham emphasized the Council’s unwavering stance, asserting that Oconee County is “not for sale” and that all landowners, including outside developers, must adhere to established laws without exceptions. He underscored the Council’s commitment to upholding community standards and protecting the county’s future from what he described as attempts by external entities to influence local politics. The Council’s decision signals a firm resistance to intimidation tactics and a prioritization of community interests over developer demands.