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Charleston County Council Votes Down New Johns Island Development
A Johns Island development was shot down Thursday night. The proposed development would have been on Chisolm Road but tonight a Charleston County committee voted it down.
“It's a way to preserve our way of life and our island and its fun sometimes when we can stop these people who think they can come in and turn us into New Jersey,” Johns Island farmer, Thomas Legare said.
The property is zoned for more than 20 single unit homes but a developer's plan for 73 didn't fly with council. That number of houses goes against the county's comprehensive plan, changing the rural area.
“We are not against development, we just want to go with the comprehensive plan,” Henry Rivers, who lives along the proposed development, said.
Council just approved the comprehensive plan.
“It’s a strong guide. The ink isn’t even dry on it yet. We just finished the 14 month process. The public showed up and spoke,” Charleston County councilman Joe McKeown said.
Still some worry that by denying this development, cities like Charleston have a chance to get their hands on it and could ultimately allow an even bigger development. But for most on county council, that argument isn't enough.
“Should we do something that’s not smart because someone else might do something that’s not smart, and our answer today is ‘no’,” McKeown said.
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley (web | news | bio) says the city will not annex the area.
“Now we have to make sure Mayor Riley lives up to his word and we believe he will,” Legare said.
The property owner of the land can come back to county council in 12 months but with a new plan.
The vote tonight by county council shot down the plan six to three.
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