Council votes loom in zoning battles on Johns, Edisto islands

Controversial zoning battles on both Johns and Edisto islands appear headed for climactic votes on May 4, and the margins are expected to be razor thin. Charleston County Council actually took a final vote Tuesday on Johns Island and, by a 5-3 margin, rejected an ordinance to move the rural-urban zoning line back and change 2,500 acres from urban to rural. But the issue is expected to come back next month. Councilman Leon Stavrinakis, who has supported making these acres rural, said he changed his vote Tuesday so he could resurrect the issue on May 4. Only members on the winning side can ask that a vote be taken again later. Next month, both Stavrinakis and Councilman A.D. Jordan -- who was absent Tuesday and who also has supported moving the line back -- could find themselves in a 5-4 majority, and the change could pass. The area in question is on north end of Johns Island, between the Stono River and Main, Patton, Fickling Hill and Brownswood roads. Less clear is what will happen on Edisto, where a proposed planned development has split the Mikell family and other islanders. Council voted 5-3 Tuesday to approve plans that would allow a 55-home development on 162 acres off Peters Point Road, including 51 lots along three creeks. The land is currently zoned agricultural, and current zoning would allow up to 64 homes but not as many along the creeks. Supporters say the change would allow one branch of the Mikell family to divvy up property that it inherited three decades ago and would allow new generations of the family to enjoy their land. Opponents say the change would set a bad precedent by allowing too many homes on the creeks, homes whose septic tanks, docks, boats, and chemicals such as fertilizer would pollute the sensitive ACE Basin area, which lies to the south. The margin Tuesday was closer than two weeks ago. Councilwoman Carolyn Conlon, who had supported it, said she received enough persuasive letters and telephone calls to change her mind. Opponents are sure to try to target the other five supporters -- Chairman Barrett Lawrimore and members Fran Roberts, Curtis Bostic, Ed Fava, and Tim Scott -- in the next two weeks. "To our friends on Edisto, keep up your fight. You have one more public meeting," Stavrinakis said. "Good luck." Council members spent about twice as much time Tuesday listening to supporters and opponents of Peters Point than they did with the rest of their agenda combined. Many spoke passionately about their personal history or their view of what's happening to the island. Lee Mikell of Columbia thanked council for its vote, adding, "This is what it's all about: allowing Mikell family members to build Mikell homes on Mikell family land."

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