Lexington residents have started a petition calling for the town to be more transparent as it considers a nearly 94 acre mixed-use development and resort on Lake Murray.

The group Develop Lexington County Responsibly started circulating a petition two weeks ago in reference to the proposed Smallwood Cove development off North Lake Drive near the Lake Murray Dam, calling for the town Planning Commission to “provide ample time to investigate the impacts … on the county and the town infrastructure and Lake Murray.”

The $733 million destination resort, revealed at a Town Council meeting in early May, is planned to bring a marina, rental spaces, hotels, restaurants and living spaces ranging from single-family homes to condos along with a Regional Conference Center, which the town is set to kick in $30 million to construct.

“As the citizens of Lexington County and the Town of Lexington it is our hope that conversations can be had between the two governing bodies and time given to allow data to be collected, citizen input to be gathered, and impact studies to be conducted and carefully reviewed,” the online petition reads.

According to the organization's Facebook page, the petition has received almost 1,000 signatures. 

The page identifies concerns about the project including impacts to public safety, local schools, utilities, road conditions and traffic, as well as lake-specific worries about water quality, boater safety and the impact to the environment, including endangered and protected species, by potential runoff.

The group calls for the town to gather data and to conduct any necessary impact studies before proceeding.

“When considering adding such a unique development to the town, proper comprehensive planning is imperative for responsible development for our county, town, communities, families, and the future,” the petition states.

With concerns about the project having also been raised by Town Council Members Gavin Smith and Ron Williams, the body is set to discuss the project at a special called meeting May 30. 

On Facebook, Develop Lexington County Responsibly encouraged concerned citizens to attend the meeting and wear blue T-shirts to show their presence.

At its May 17 meeting, the town Planning Commission moved items relating to the development to a later date that has yet to be specified.