Developers have withdrawn plans to construct a 94-acre project, known as Smallwood Cove, on Lake Murray. The Town of Lexington announced the change of plans, Wednesday.

The owners of land that had been marked for a lakefront resort near Lake Murray have withdrawn their consideration to annex multiple parcels of land. Also withdrawn is an application for zoning and a proposed development agreement.

The below statement is attributable to George Bullwinkel, Maynard Nexsen lawyer representing the landowner who withdrew the Lake Murray plans:

“The landowner has enjoyed Lake Murray for more than 80 years and only wants the best for the community. Regrettably, the annexation and zoning process has overshadowed the thoughtful plans that would have opened up community access to this beautiful location. My client has elected to withdraw annexation and rezoning efforts at this time.”

Smallwood Cove would have included 1,100 residential units–with houses, condos, and townhouses and two hotels and a conference center, along with retail shops.

The massive project triggered a backlash from residents who showed up at public meeting to protest.
The law firm for the companies that were behind the Smallwood Cove project sent a letter to the Town of Lexington and county officials dropping plans to annex and develop the land near the lake.

A plan to create Smallwood Cove was announced in May.

Smallwood Cove project was expected to take about 15 years to build. The investment in it would have been in excess of $733 million by private developers.

Those who opposed Smallwood Cover said it would bring heavy traffic and congestion to an already busy infrastructure.