Update on Spears Creek Rd project

Dear Neighbors,

We are writing to clear up a few inaccuracies that have circulated here online and to share what we currently know. Our goal has been to first gain a clear understanding of the project and its potential impact before updating the neighborhood—simply because many details are still unknown. That said, we felt it was important to respond now, even without all the answers, to help prevent further inaccuracies or speculation and ensure everyone has consistent, factual information.

Richland County and SCDOT are moving forward with the Spears Creek Church Road widening project (https://richlandpenny.com/.../spears-creek-church-rd.../), a Richland County Penny Tax project that has been public for several years, but which we very recently learned may directly affect the front entrance and buffer areas of Greenhill Parish along Spears Creek Church Road.

The plans are not final. They are currently 90% complete and still under review by SCDOT. Yesterday afternoon, the HOA Board, together with MJS, began direct conversations with all involved parties to protect the neighborhood’s appearance, property value, and overall character. We have been working over the past few months on trying to get the project moved to the other side of the road. Yesterday was our first meeting with all parties, and it was intended to be proactive, focused on gathering information and understanding the scope of the project.

Our goal is simple:

    • Move the road expansion to the south side of Spears Creek Church Road, if possible, to limit the impact on our front entrance and buffer areas; or

    • Maximize the financial return so that any funds received allow us to restore or rebuild existing improvements (fencing, walls, landscaping, and other features) so that Greenhill Parish maintains its current aesthetics and appeal.

It’s important to understand that SCDOT’s responsibility is to serve the broader public interest, not the specific interests of our community. While we can and will advocate for a routing change, altering plans that are already 90% complete will be challenging. In fact, our meeting yesterday was the first time we were informed that the design had reached this stage. Even so, early engagement gives us the best opportunity to influence the outcome or secure the resources needed to restore what may be lost. Based on current information, the proposed design expands the existing right-of-way from approximately 33 feet to 42 feet near Jacobs Mill Road, increasing to about 85 feet at the Greenhill Parish entrance.

Again, despite what may have been stated elsewhere, this project is not finalized. The HOA is taking appropriate steps to collect accurate information, consult appropriately with legal and engineering professionals, and advocate for the best possible result. DOT projects move slowly, and at this stage no one, including the Richland County Project Mangers, or engineers working on it, have all of the answers.

We also want to clarify that while the HOA is coordinating on behalf of the community as a whole, individual property owners affected by the right-of-way may pursue their own independent action or appraisal if they choose. The HOA’s efforts are focused on the shared interests of all residents, ensuring that any outcome benefits the neighborhood collectively.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and confidence as we move forward and keep the process organized and productive. We want to reiterate the only impact will be the GHP property on Spears Creek Church Rd from Jacob's Mill Pond road to the front entrance of GHP. In addition the are only looking to obtain mostly an additional 9ft of SCDOT right of way and getting wider up to roughly 52ft by the front entrance.

Thanks

GHP Board