HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — An Horry County farmer is facing uncertainty about the future of her family’s property due to a potential highway expansion project that could impact the land she has worked for generations. The planned extension of the Carolina Bays Parkway has now become a point of contention, particularly with recent developments in the project’s scope.
North Carolina transportation officials announced on Friday that they would be scrapping their portion of the project, meaning the Carolina Bays Parkway extension would stop at the state line — if the project moves forward at all. This decision has left Indigo Farms Market, located near the state boundary, in a precarious position.
A Key Location in the Middle of the Debate
Indigo Farms Market, which serves as a popular spot for fresh produce, has long been a staple for people from both Little River, S.C. and Calabash, N.C. The farm’s unique location, straddling the state line, has made it a focal point in the ongoing development battle as the highway project continues to take shape.
Gail Bliss, a long-time customer of the farm, shared her deep affection for the business. “I love this farm. I’ve been coming for probably two decades now,” she said, emphasizing the farm’s importance to the community.
Owner’s Concerns About the Highway Expansion
The farm’s owner, Sallie Lun, who grew up working at the family-run farm, has expressed her concerns about the proposed highway project and its potential impact on the business. Lun has used the farm’s website to keep the community informed with updates on public meetings and project developments.
“We are in the uniquely uncomfortable position of being on the state line,” Lun explained. “While it was positive to hear that North Carolina is not actively pursuing their part, South Carolina seems to think that they will continue and their project may end somewhere near the state line.” Lun’s concerns are amplified by the uncertainty surrounding the future of her property.
Potential Impact on Farming Operations
As the project’s timeline draws closer, Lun is worried about the impact on the farm’s operations. According to Kelly Moore, a spokeswoman for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the agency plans to begin construction on the project in 2029.
Lun, who runs a farm where timing is critical, expressed concern about how the expansion could affect her farming schedule. “You’re always farming a little ahead of the growing season. With strawberries, it’s a lot ahead. How that relates to their plan is concerning,” Lun said, highlighting the difficulty in planning for future crops amid the uncertainty.
Irreversible Consequences for the Community
Bliss acknowledged the need for the highway but emphasized the devastating consequences of paving over such valuable farmland. “If you come through something like this, you are taking away something that is irreversible,” she said. “You can’t just get a century farm back.”
The ongoing situation underscores the challenges faced by local farmers and communities caught between development and preservation. For Indigo Farms, this highway expansion project represents a difficult intersection of progress and preservation — and the uncertainty continues to loom over the future of this beloved family business.
