Summerville Planning Commission Discusses Future of Interfor Property
More than 60 acres, formerly a lumber mill in Summerville, could be redeveloped into a mixed-use property featuring homes, restaurants, shops, public parks, and a large indoor recreation center. The property, known as the former Interfor site, is located near West 5th North Street and North Maple Street.
River Development Equities is seeking to rezone the approximately 62.5-acre property, which consists of five parcels, from Heavy Industrial to Planned Unit Development. Town staff recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Summerville Mayor Russ Touchberry noted that the property, which operated as a lumber mill for years, offers an opportunity to introduce a different use to an area he views as a new gateway into Summerville. The proposed redevelopment would significantly change the longtime industrial property, which sits next to the historic Brownsville community.
An indoor recreation center, potentially as large as 185,000 square feet, is among the possibilities for the site. Summerville and Dorchester County have been discussing such a facility for over three years. River Development confirmed its interest in including the recreation center in its plans, though it is not yet finalized or approved.
The Summerville Planning Commission discussed the rezoning request on Monday, but no formal vote was taken. The rezoning will require two readings before the Summerville Town Council.
