Johns Island boundary change gets initial OK

Long-standing development fights on two of Charleston County's sea islands took distinctly different steps Tuesday. Charleston County Council voted to give final approval to a 107-home subdivision on Wadmalaw Island known as the Anchorage III development, ending a case that had bounced around its planning process for months. Council also voted 5-4 to give initial approval to moving its urban boundary line on Johns Island yet again. The change would move the line to its original position. The 2,500 affected acres -- now in the urban area but being returned to the rural area -- are on the northern end of the island, in the area bordered by the Stono River and Main, Patton, Fickling Hill and Brownswood roads. Two weeks ago, more than a dozen Johns Islanders appeared before council to ask that the 2,500 acres be reclassified as rural. Six people appeared to ask members to reconsider. Several speakers questioned the validity of a petition signed by more than 240 people in favor. Johns Island real estate broker and property rights advocate John Templeton said reclassifying the property as rural would make it difficult to build affordable housing on the island, and he noted most would-be homeowners have to spend at least $100,000 for a lot. "It's like Gucci sprawl. We need higher density so we can have some affordable housing," he said. Council members Curtis Bostic, Carolyn Conlon, A.D. Jordan, Leon Stavrinakis and Charles Wallace supported the change. Chairman Barrett Lawrimore and Ed Fava, Fran Roberts and Tim Scott opposed it. On the Wadmalaw development at 6071 Maybank Highway, council approved a plan for 107 homes on 746 acres of old tomato fields and wetlands. The lots will be at least one acre, and about 224 acres will be set aside as common open space.

Web site created by My Scribe