Judge named to hear 2004 SC development lawsuit

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A retired Circuit Court judge has been named to hear a 2004 lawsuit against Richland County over a failed development south of Columbia.

The State newspaper reported (http://bit.ly/Q42JGw) Judge John Hamilton Smith will decide the lawsuit by the owners of a huge tract of land along the Congaree River and Interstate 77.

The group called Columbia Venture sued Richland County, contending that its flood regulations prevented development of the land. Columbia Venture says Richland County’s decision cost the firm $127 million.

Richland County said about 70 percent of the more than 4,000 acres was in a floodway. Some of the land has since been sold as farmland.

The company planned a $1 billion development that included golf courses, hotels, houses, nature areas and shopping complexes.

Hamilton hears preliminary arguments Wednesday.

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com