News Summary
A legal dispute over a vacant house in Cayce’s Avenues neighborhood has left the property unfinished for nearly five years. Owner Richard Best passed away during the struggle after his construction permit was revoked due to community opposition. His widow now represents his estate amid ongoing legal proceedings. The neglected property has become an eyesore in the desirable neighborhood, reflecting broader issues of development and community identity in Cayce as population growth continues to pressure local regulations.
Cayce Property Legal Battle Leaves Home to Deteriorate
A vacant and decaying pre-constructed house in Cayce’s Avenues neighborhood has been left unfinished for nearly five years, caught in an ongoing legal dispute following a revoked construction permit. The owner, Richard Best, a longtime real estate broker, passed away during the legal struggle over the property.
The house, which was intended to be completed years ago, is situated on a lot located at 1028 M Ave. Best invested approximately $35,000 to relocate the 1,000 square-foot single-family home, and the city initially granted him a permit in October 2020. However, some local residents opposed the development, leading to a reversal of the permit by the city’s zoning board.
Community concerns prompted a legal battle when neighbor Danny Creamer appealed against the construction. After a public hearing where 16 neighbors voiced their opposition, the zoning board voted 4-1 to overturn Best’s permit. In May 2021, he filed a lawsuit contesting the city’s decision to revoke the permit.
With Best’s passing, his widow, June Best, is now representing his estate in the ongoing legal proceedings. The empty property has increasingly become an eyesore in what is known as a desirable neighborhood, further complicating the situation.
Current Status of Legal Proceedings
The judge presiding over the case is currently reviewing the legal arguments presented by both sides and has urged them to seek a resolution that would satisfy all parties involved. In an effort to address community concerns, the owners of the property have submitted plans for modifications to the home’s exterior, aiming to achieve a more acceptable appearance that aligns with neighborhood standards.
Impact of Population Growth on Cayce
This ongoing legal dispute reflects broader issues in Cayce regarding growth and development as well as property rights, particularly in the context of rapid population increases. Since 2010, Lexington County has experienced a population surge of nearly 50,000 residents, with projections indicating an additional 33,000 people by 2040. This population influx has created significant pressure on local housing and zoning regulations.
The city of Cayce has also indicated a marked increase in legal expenditures related to this case, highlighting the financial implications of such disputes, although it remains unclear if this increase is directly tied to the matter at hand.
Balancing Development and Community Charm
Cayce city leaders are grappling with the complexities of balancing development with the objective of maintaining the small-town charm that the area is known for. As more residents move to the region, municipal leaders are tasked with managing growth while addressing the interests and concerns of existing residents, particularly in neighborhoods like Avenues, which exhibit strong community identity.
The situation surrounding Richard Best’s property remains unresolved as court proceedings continue. With the best outcome reliant on both the legal resolutions and community engagement, the future of this vacant house—and potentially others like it—hangs in the balance as Cayce navigates the challenges of modern development.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- The State: Cayce Property Legal Battle
- Wikipedia: Cayce, South Carolina
- Cola Daily: New Housing Development Coming to Cayce
- Google Search: Cayce real estate development
- Columbia Business Report: Hatties Crossing Cayce Homes
- Google Scholar: Cayce property law
- The State: Ongoing Development in Cayce
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cayce, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Dominion Energy’s Cayce Headquarters
- Google News: Cayce housing development
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