OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Some county leaders and residents are raising questions after claims of a conflict of interest between a proposed land development and Clemson University President James Clements.

The controversy centers around a proposal to build 5,200 housing units on 600 acres in Newry, near Seneca and seven miles from Clemson.

Oconee County Council Chairman Matthew Durham said developer Mark Hart approached councilors earlier this year about the massive development. Durham added that Hart asked for a special exception to build eight to nine units per acre, double the number typically allowed under county ordinances.

“The number of housing and units would be larger than our largest municipality—the city of Seneca,” Durham said.

Hart bypassed the planning departme

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