Lucy Reuben, a fourth‑generation owner of a 5,000‑square‑foot parcel at McKenzie Beach, asked the Georgetown County Board of Zoning Appeals to grant a variance that would let her construct a new home where her grandfather’s three‑bedroom cabin once stood. Reuben framed the request as a way to honor her family’s legacy and to help revitalize the family‑oriented culture of the historic Black resort that thrived during segregation.
Request and Rationale
Under the current “general commercial” zoning, the lot is too small for a standard residential build. Minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet, and required setbacks would leave little usable space. Reuben asked the board to reduce the front setback from 50 feet to 10 feet and to allow construction on the substandard lot, which was created about 75 years before the county adopted its zoning regulations.
She told the board, “We are looking for opportunities for generations‑long family fellowship while continuing to preserve the historical and cultural treasure represented by McKenzie Beach.” Reuben also cited a 2013 appraisal that valued the tract at $9.5 million, suggesting that the land’s potential has long been recognized.
Opposition from Neighboring Owners
Other owners at McKenzie Beach, represented by Gladys Watkins, her son Evan, and Toddy Smith of McKenzie Beach LLC, expressed concerns. While they respect Reuben’s property rights, they questioned whether the variance would set a precedent for seven other substandard lots along Old Beach Road. Smith warned that granting the variance could lead to a “whole subdivision” of similarly sized parcels, altering the historic character of the beach.
Smith also highlighted the lack of a recorded development easement for the private road that provides access to Reuben’s lot. Attorney Dan Stacy noted that without a documented right‑of‑way, utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, and communications cannot be guaranteed. “I don’t want this board to be in a position where it grants variances for a home that can possibly never be constructed without the access or all the other utilities necessary,” Stacy said.
Board Deliberations
Staff recommended approval of the variance, noting that without it the lot would be unbuildable under current zoning. Board member Kenneth Reed warned that the property could otherwise be used only as a storage facility, saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” However, board member Adam Hall clarified that the board is not approving a building permit, only a zoning variance.
Board member Jason Goude moved to defer a final decision until the ownership and easement issues for Old Beach Road are clarified. “I don’t deny any of the claims made this evening from both parties,” he said, adding that unresolved road ownership would be an “ongoing issue.” The board voted to defer.
Community Impact
The debate underscores the tension between preserving McKenzie Beach’s historic legacy and accommodating modern development. Supporters argue that a family‑owned home would reinforce the cultural heritage of the area, while opponents fear that allowing substandard lots could erode the beach’s historic charm.
Georgetown County officials will need to balance these concerns, ensuring that any decision complies with state variance requirements, respects private‑road rights, and protects the historic character cherished by longtime residents.
Original reporting: Coastal Observer (Georgetown County) — read the source article.
