Hamlin Beach residents concerned over development by water company

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)–On Monday, residents in the Hamlin Beach community are making their voices heard in opposition to plans by Mount Pleasant Waterworks to build a new sewer line in the area, saying the project would impact their private property.

Residents in communities along Rifle Range Road filled the seats at the Mount Pleasant Waterworks meeting, hoping to get more answers after they say they’ve been left in the dark regarding plans for new sewer upgrades that would run through communities like Hamlin Beach. 

“We still don’t have the full scope of the project. When it’s going to start, what’s the adverse effect on the residence? We know that the line is damaged. We understand that the line needs to be replaced, but we still don’t know when the start date is,” said Myra Richardson, representative for the Hamlin Beach Community.

Officials with Mount Pleasant Waterworks said the work is vital to protect public health and safety. Leaders acknowledged that the work would impact some properties. 

“We’ve had numerous overflows of that line. We’re concerned that failure that that line could fail. I’m certain we are here to protect the community’s public health, and we certainly want to provide that service and work with the residents on Earl Johnson,” said Alan Clum, the general manager of Mount Pleasant Waterworks.

Residents told News 2 that one community member was offered $2700 for compensation and easement to proceed with building onto her private properties, but she refused. Community members said they are not interested in money, they want to have a say in the future of their community and on how their properties are impacted. 

“We are losing so much ground now in the settlement communities with big development and overdevelopment that we’re going to lose property, we’re going to lose our rights, we’re going to lose that peaceful life as we’re just trying to get home, and be at peace in our homes and that’s what we want and need, but if it still is happening this way We don’t have representation at the table when we’re discussing these things we will be overrun,” said Richardson.

Officials from Mount Pleasant Waterworks told News 2 that they would host a community meeting for more input in the coming weeks and hope to break ground in 90 days.