Fort Mill Neighbors Raise Concerns Over New Mixed-Use Development Near Iconic Nims Lake

Residents worry about traffic, environmental impact as town weighs annexation request for 80-acre project

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:05am

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Residents of Fort Mill, South Carolina are voicing concerns over a proposed 80-acre mixed-use development near the historic Nims Lake area. The development, which would include 108 homes, has sparked worries about increased traffic, loss of trees and wildlife habitat, and the overall environmental impact on the community. While the mayor has recused herself from the vote due to a conflict of interest, neighbors are urging the town to carefully consider the project's effects before approving it.

Why it matters

The Nims Lake area holds significant historical and natural value for the Fort Mill community, serving as a popular swimming hole, camp, and dance hall site for decades. Residents fear the new development will permanently alter the character of this iconic location and disrupt the delicate ecosystem that includes bald eagles, hawks, deer, and other wildlife. As Fort Mill continues to rapidly grow, this case highlights the tension between development and preserving the town's natural assets.

The details

The proposed 80-acre mixed-use development by Tri Pointe Homes would include 108 new homes. The project requires the town to annex or rezone the majority of the land, giving Fort Mill officials a say in the zoning and final plans. If the town denies the annexation request, the county could still allow development on the property under its current rural zoning. Residents are concerned about the development's impact on traffic, especially near nearby Catawba Ridge High School, as well as the loss of trees and disruption to the local wildlife and ecosystem around Nims Lake and the Spring Branch Glen pond.

  • Last year, Tri Pointe Homes applied to build the 108-home development off Nims Lake Road.
  • A public hearing on the proposal was held by Fort Mill Town Council last week.
  • The project is expected to come back before Council for a decision in mid-June, with another public hearing.

The players

Tri Pointe Homes

The developer that has applied to build the 108-home mixed-use project off Nims Lake Road in Fort Mill.

Guynn Savage

The mayor of Fort Mill who has recused herself from voting on the development proposal because she is a neighbor to the proposed project site.

John Yanchik

A Fort Mill resident who has lived in the town for over 20 years and is concerned about the rapid growth and development occurring.

Geoffrey Wagner

A Spring Branch Road resident who believes the new development will permanently scar Fort Mill's natural beauty.

Hazel Frick

A longtime Fort Mill resident who has enjoyed the town's natural wildlife and scenery for over 30 years from her home off Fairway Drive.

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What they’re saying

“It seems like they don't want to stop growing. There are developments going up all over the place here.”

— John Yanchik, Fort Mill Resident

“It'll leave a permanent scar on our beautiful town that no amount of landscaping can ever heal.”

— Geoffrey Wagner, Spring Branch Road Resident

“When you develop land like that, you're really disturbing nature as well as the environment.”

— Hazel Frick, Longtime Fort Mill Resident

What’s next

The Fort Mill Town Council is expected to hold another public hearing and make a decision on the Tri Pointe Homes development proposal in mid-June. Residents are urging the council to carefully consider the project's potential impacts on traffic, the environment, and the character of the historic Nims Lake area before approving the annexation request.

The takeaway

As Fort Mill continues its rapid growth, this development proposal near the iconic Nims Lake highlights the ongoing tensions between progress and preserving the town's natural assets and small-town character. Residents are calling on local officials to thoughtfully balance the needs of the community and the environment before allowing further large-scale development that could permanently alter the landscape.