Residents Voice Concerns at Bluffton Town Council Meeting Over New Annexation
Bluffton, South Carolina – A lively town council meeting took place Tuesday evening as residents packed the chamber, many donning buttons emblazoned with a bold red line crossing out “5B.” This gathering was primarily to discuss the county’s controversial road project, but the conversation veered towards the recently approved annexation of 65 acres of unincorporated land into Bluffton, which has sparked further debate among community members.
The Growing Confusion
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that much of the public was still grappling with the intricacies of the recent resolutions and annexation plans. Among the residents, there were expressions of confusion and concern regarding the implications of these decisions, especially in connection to Beaufort County’s ongoing plan for “zombie ordinance” 5B.
Council member Emily Burden sought to clarify the situation during a Q&A session with Kevin Icard, the director of growth management. “Does the annexation have anything to do with 5B?” she inquired. Icard responded flatly with a quick “No.” This straightforward answer was supposed to quiet any fears, but it only seemed to deepen the residents’ concerns about future developments.
New Annexation Approved
Despite the swirl of worries, the council unanimously approved the annexation of the land located at the southwest corner of Buckwalter Parkway and Lake Point Drive. This patch of land includes 27 upland acres and 38 wetlands, and it’s currently empty save for a cellular tower. The approval marks a significant step as it has been a year in the making, with the application first being submitted over a year ago.
Paul Coe, a member of the Rose Hill community, voiced his feelings of frustration during the public comment section. He expressed worries that this annexation would ultimately contribute to the development of 5B, a project that has been in discussion for nearly two decades and remains highly contentious among residents. “The public, as usual, gets shafted,” he lamented.
The Balancing Act of Development
Prior to the vote, Burden continued her inquiries, worried about the future implications of annexation. She asked if the annexation would facilitate the execution of the 5B project. Again, Icard assured the assembly that it wouldn’t. He mentioned that all proposals would need to return to the town’s planning commission and full council for further review before any development could commence. This reassured some, but skepticism remained.
“I personally believe that this annexation agreement protects this land from potential chaos if it remained under county rule,” Burden argued. “Bringing it into the town helps us maintain control over what happens here.”
Residents Express Their Frustrations
As the decision was finalized, attendees slowly began to leave, including long-time residents like Jim and Kathie Dillon, who expressed their irritation over a lack of timely notification regarding the meeting. Deriding the council’s decision-making timeline, Kathie remarked, “We feel like we don’t really have a say in this process.”
Other residents echoed their fears, particularly concerning how the upcoming developments could affect traffic and local wildlife. Many are concerned that the much-debated 5B plan could displace beloved natural areas.
The Bigger Picture
Mayor Larry Toomer admitted he initially found little justification for the annexation. However, he eventually acknowledged that commercial properties might offer essential services, like medical facilities, closer to home for residents already traveling long distances for such services.
The proposed 5B plan intends to eliminate an awkward “dogleg” in the roadways, transforming local traffic patterns significantly. This change is projected to impact numerous neighborhoods, causing alarm among their residents.
The heated discussions at the Bluffton council meetings have been ongoing, and the latest developments raise even more questions about the town’s future and the residents’ power to influence it. As worries over traffic increase and the threat of losing natural habitats looms, Bluffton’s tapestry of residents and officials must continue to work toward a common vision that balances development with community needs.
In the end, Bluffton’s residents are left asking, just how much change will they be able to withstand as the region continues to grow?
