If you missed the last Town Council meeting you should be sorry. It was by
far one of the most provocative in the history of Summerville. There were
the usual suspects: media, Chamber representatives, a few board members and
a sprinkling of townspeople. However, there was also County Councilmen, a
representative of a State Legislator, a bundle of county residents and a
redistricting specialist. The audience was privy to half-truths, misleading
information, well-constructed arguments, temperamental management, honest
concerns, and downright self-promotion. A play-by-play commentator would
have been helpful.
Half Truths and County/State Representatives
There are 25 acres on Dorchester Road in between Walnut Farms and The
Bluffs. Everett Knight purchased it within the past year. Rumor has it
that originally he planned to remodel the existing house and live there but
ghosts have made that impossible. (No, I'm not making that up) Now, he
wants it annexed and rezoned for General Business. He will build
apartments, a storage facility and a car wash. He felt no need to attend
either the Planning Committee meeting or the Town Council meeting to
present these plans and answer any questions. The Walnut Farms HOA
President addressed council. He represented fifty or so people, so he was
allowed about ten minutes from Town Administrator, Dennis Pieper, instead
of the normal three. Those in attendance would have been better off each
using their three. He went over the allotted time and was treated to the
mayor's banging gavel. County Councilman Larry Hargett spoke and read a
letter from State Representative Annette Young opposing the rezoning. He
went well over his three minutes but received no such treatment. County
Councilman Jamie Feltner took the stage for twenty minutes and put on quite
a display of political shuffling, name calling and attempted bullying. He
spoke of the County's comprehensive plan, their moratorium and the Town of
Summerville's obligation to work with all other planning groups and
commissions. He used Councilman Brown's campaign promises against him.
All very interesting except: hundreds of acres all the way around Walnut
Farms and The Bluffs have been zoned for multi-family housing by the
county. A tract directly across the street from the Knight land has been
zoned for INDUSTRIAL use. How does that fit with residential zoning on
Dorchester Road? In addressing Councilman Feltner's audacity, Councilman
Brown stated, "Mr. Feltner, perhaps you should clean up your own backyard
before you come messing in ours." Well said.
Councilman Waring was already a "yes" vote so that guaranteed Councilman
Flowers' vote. Councilman Brown consistently votes with whatever will gain
the most political ground so his vote would have been secured ahead of
time. This was obvious in Monday's Finance Committee meeting when
Councilman Brown announced that even though the majority of the Planning
Committee thought this rezoning was a bad idea and voted against it,
everyone should be prepared for him to make the motion anyway. Councilmen
Bridgeman, Dawson and Jackson voted no. There is no guarantee a developer
will do what they say without a written agreement and we've all seen where
that can get us. The mayor cast the deciding vote, which will always be
with Councilman Waring. The second reading will be held during the council
meeting September 10th.
The appearance of county and state officials gave rise to a familial
protectionist lean (you know, I can bad mouth my family all day but if
someone else does there's gonna be a fight). Nevertheless, the rezoning of
property in this fashion is not a good idea. If Town Government is serious
about protecting quality of life, planning for the future and looking out
for all area citizens, then lines need to be drawn. No one should be
allowed rezoning without a written agreement. Long-term effects need to be
considered, not just for present town citizens but those that will be
annexed in the future.
There's a town election in May. Everyone should be keeping score.
With Kind Regard,
Kelly Lax
Managing Editor
The Summerville Sun
