Complications for planned new home developments

A committee of the Joint Regional Sewer Authority turned down a request this morning on behalf of a company planning two new home developments in the vicinity of Seneca’s S. Oak Street and the Wells Highway.  The JRSA’s operations and administration building committee voted 4-0 against a request from Forestar (USA) Real Estate for a variance, to allow the development company to reserve sewer capacity and delay having to pay impact fees until Forestar is able to secure all necessary permits to build the projects of townhomes and single-family homes.  Tricia Chassen, representing the development company, said the corporate section of the company prefers to delay the sewer capacity fees until all required permits, including those from DHEC and Oconee County, are secured and before Forestar purchases the acreage for the home developments.  However, the committee denied the variance after hearing Chris Eleazer, JRSA executive director, explain policy.  He indicated to approve the variance would be setting a precedent not afforded other developers.  Forestar’s Chassen was understanding, but she appealed for the committee to recognize the way her corporate does business.  The new home developments would contain hundreds of units.  The company is the same one that, months ago, planned a similar project near Seneca’s Frontage Road.  Chassen says topographic challenges there have led to that project to go by the wayside.