Firm's interest in land sparks landfill concerns
Source: heraldonline.com, by Adam O'Daniel
January 29, 2007
BULLOCK CREEK -- A Charlotte real estate firm is trying to purchase large pieces of land in southwestern York County and northern Chester County, leaving neighbors concerned about the future.
David Goode, president of Southern Real Estate, said his company is in the process of buying a "large tract" between Gilchrist Road in Chester County and S.C. 97 in York County. He said the company hopes to close the deal in February but doesn't have immediate plans for the site.
Goode said his firm wants the land because it will be a good investment. He wouldn't provide details on how many acres the tract is or whether his company is interested in adjacent tracts. He also wouldn't release details on the land's future development.
That leaves neighbors speculating and rumors have circulated that the site may be targeted for a construction debris landfill.
Bobby Hope Jr., who lives off S.C. 97 near Bullock Creek in York County, said he saw three signs with messages about a landfill. One sign read: "4,000 Acre Dump Site. Call your commissioner. Western York County is not a regional landfill site. SMELL. CANCER. BAD WATER."
The signs have since disappeared, and their origin remains a mystery. But Goode insists a landfill is not on the horizon.
"That's not our intention, and that's not what's happening," Goode said. "We're just going to hold it for the time being and may use it at least for the timber."
Residents aren't convinced.
"It's strange. You don't do that much extensive surveying just for timber," Hope said. "I guess we'll get out of the dark sooner or later."
Landfill sites have become a hot topic in York County. Disputes over construction debris landfills near Rock Hill and York have stirred controversy in the past year. The York County Council issued a 60-day moratorium on landfills earlier this month while it develops a new landfill policy.
District 3 County Councilman Joe Cox said no one has proposed a landfill near Bullock Creek to county planners.
"I've heard the rumors," he said. "But there's nothing going on with the county."
Hope, who grew up riding horses on the land in question, said it would be upsetting to develop the Bullock Creek area, known for its hills, forests and rural lifestyle. He said most residents live there for the clean air, space and good hunting.
Bill and Ann Threatt agree. The couple's one-acre home on Gilchrist Road in Chester County is surrounded by the land in question. They were approached by SRE last summer about selling their home of 30 years. Ann Threatt said the only information the land broker offered them was that the land would be used for "future industry."
Her husband said they won't sell, but he is worried the area's future could include a landfill or an unsightly industrial park.
