[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6124173,"mediaKeyId","2686031-39ee5d29bf4fa11e984b69bfc9ad62df","parentId",2686031,"title","Residents urge moratorium on rapid growth, cite parking and environmental concerns in public comment","audioSeconds",742,"startMs",2062000,"endMs",2804000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2686031-39ee5d29bf4fa11e984b69bfc9ad62df&start=2062&end=2804","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2686031-39ee5d29bf4fa11e984b69bfc9ad62df/thumbnail_2062000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6124173/Summerville/Dorchester-County/South-Carolina/Residents-urge-moratorium-on-rapid-growth-cite-parking-and-environmental-concerns-in-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124173-d04d434e0b91712c7e77a382e00bc7cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448519&Signature=Z5ZiKxKT8R~7nTwIapnFOy1UOTNbPcOu7v-RulFkCQ6ZW7okfYZIA2W2pi59QRsnUsmyqWDw62NDyLpOhMrFGBw96QSywO5Ay65GMV2sA8J4-Hn1a~357JxjBE23w5E1BsHc5Uoax0B0eCstp1IbP2DGtjEwdvQtnFNzuJDjkVOWvQb9Z0GGlkg4~8~DehmROeIsps3Ny~bSrdlelWmmK2ELmUlHsO3pt5~qm7MtC1pCLNwmRoglTWyeMuSGSEWCusE90BKRdJ7u-QFjUTVa9gQUIcmhVBxOqbKwEcqGF7t8riS2VmTSO~ERCBUIOPR7rnZ-VTFKHMGTETGOppJ7bA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TownSummSC","date","2025-03-13T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple residents and preservation advocates used the public-comment period to press the Summerville Town Council for a more deliberate approach to development, to expand the historic district and to address downtown parking issues.

Hayward Hudson, speaking for the Somerville Preservation Society (as identified in the transcript), said the society opposes large developments such as Watson Hill and Poplar Grove and called for a moratorium on new development to preserve the character of Old Summerville. He asked council to consider expanding the historic district and offered the group’s help drafting recommendations for additions.

Mike Strecker, identified in the transcript as vice president of the Somerville Preservation Society and an architect, focused on parking outcomes in the downtown DMX (downtown mixed-use) zoning. Citing the town’s Unified Development Ordinance, he said Article 7.3 (vehicle parking location) and Article 3.405(b)(6) (parking ratios for event spaces) apply. Strecker noted that a new business at 117 West Luke Street, Kersey House, advertises outdoor ceremonies for up to 200 guests, which by the cited standard would require roughly 50 parking spaces. He said the block of West Luke between Main and Cedar has about 30 parking spaces and that downtown DMX currently has “no minimum parking requirement” per UDO Article 7.402, creating a mismatch between large event venues and available parking.

Ben Huff, representing Summerville’s Bike and Pedestrian Committee, supported the town’s Complete Streets work and invited council members to a walk audit in April to assess sidewalks and bicycle access. Huff said transportation projects and highway expansion — specifically the third phase of the BGM Parkway — have local environmental and quality-of-life impacts. Huff and other speakers described recent wetland filling and increases in traffic noise near neighborhoods.

Other public comments included Linda Haynes Wetzel, who raised street-paving and drainage issues on Atlantic Street and asked about SCDOT resurfacing plans for North Main Street; council staff said a resurfacing contract with SCDOT had been awarded and that engineering could follow up with residents about timing.

Why it matters: Speakers argued that rapid development and spot zoning undermine downtown character, strain parking and infrastructure, and can increase flood and environmental risks when wetlands are filled. Preservation advocates asked the council to pause further approvals until a comprehensive plan that protects historic neighborhoods and addresses parking and infrastructure is in place.

Council response: The mayor offered to meet with preservation society representatives to schedule a presentation. No formal council motion to impose a development moratorium was made during the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council March 13, 2025 6pm","oneSentenceSummary","Several residents and members of the Summerville Preservation Society urged the council to pause aggressive development, expand the historic district, and review parking rules downtown. Speakers also criticized the filling of wetlands for the BGM Parkway project and invited council to a bike-and-pedestrian walk audit.","taxTitle","Summerville, Dorchester County, South Carolina","taxId",4554,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6124177,"Summerville council approves amendments to development rules and conveys small parcels; several items postponed",411,1072000,1483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2686031-39ee5d29bf4fa11e984b69bfc9ad62df&start=1072&end=1483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2686031-39ee5d29bf4fa11e984b69bfc9ad62df/thumbnail_1072000.jpg","/articles/6124177/Summerville/Dorchester-County/South-Carolina/Summerville-council-approves-amendments-to-development-rules-and-conveys-small-parcels-several-items-postponed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124177-d80f114696bec4d3726613cf02b1b72a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448519&Signature=KEcBE23fIVO9oDXreaZfGd0jRsZSdlRVodGWZOt0O0dTgB1QQcWf1-NKOFwkJTAKLOVLA~JK~x8b3piDoDwZFiB3CJCEqqy3r3E0HsGb1gh~geVGf9MlB-zlgfF73VlMqhzMuuHLOhwkNYyBDQwZ2oc9PLGXYzjzA39TnsPDJ16vUg8EbJ6yqt92ps5mQyA3S3mdWDNq8G6xN63xCIyzwjQbjGgZk6afbreqc0iASXvhSYyVMH3m-s2hXf9enWXDIvveIuYO0Q3YJ9Q8nhmdCO37KBj5pGMqMSy0jHC4bY3gFaLdC7ZlbWHAZAeLsEeBdZ2bPMKKMneqpQI3nwso2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Summerville Town Council approved amendments to the town’s Unified Development Ordinance, authorized conveyances of small town-owned parcels and approved quitclaim requests for two unopened right-of-way areas, while postponing or denying several rezoning items.

Key votes at the meeting included approval of: a second-and-final reading to amend Chapter 13 (Administration and Procedures) related to the design review board; a second-and-final reading to amend Chapter 3 (Use Provisions) on permitted temporary uses; final restrictive covenants for the Summerville Preserve on the Ashley (parks and recreation request); a quitclaim of a 0.12-acre portion of South Pine Street right-of-way to the property owner at 303 West Richardson Avenue (with a council member recusing); and a quitclaim of approximately 0.10 acres of unopened side-street right-of-way to the owner at 105 Noysett Road.

The council also approved conveying remaining town-owned parcels at 110 South Maple Street and 919 West Fifth North Street to adjacent property owners conditioned on settlement or mediation agreements tied to existing condemnation or mediation case numbers presented to the council.

Why it matters: The UDO amendments were framed by council members as clarifying administrative processes — for example, streamlining review for small projects such as a new press box for a high school team so they do not need to appear before the design review board. The permitted temporary uses change was described as providing structure for seasonal or winter tents used by restaurants and did not target the bed-and-breakfast industry, according to council remarks.

Quick-claim and right-of-way clarifications: Council discussion of the 303 West Richardson quick-claim explained that Summerville’s historic street grid was platted with a 100-foot right-of-way in the 1800s while SCDOT recognizes only a 50-foot maintained portion. Staff said the quitclaim would not materially change road maintenance but would resolve an area described as a \"no-man's land\" where the DOT maintains only the 50-foot portion. One council member recused from the 303 West Richardson vote; the remaining council approved the request.

Postponements and rezoning: The council postponed second reading for rezoning of TMS 1301000074 (917 West Fifth North Street) and, after discussion, denied or postponed other rezoning requests — including first-reading consideration of a rezoning for 717 and 719 West Fifth North Street (TMS 1301413010) which the planning commission and the planning and development committee had recommended for denial.

Process and next steps: Council did not provide detailed implementation timelines for the conveyances or for administrative steps following the UDO amendments. Several items were postponed to the April council meeting; mediation or settlement conditions were referenced for the property conveyances and remain to be completed before final transfer.

","The council approved two UDO amendments, two property conveyances and multiple quitclaims, and postponed or denied several rezoning items. A quick-claim for 303 West Richardson passed with one council member recused.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6124182,"Summerville council approves 3-way stop at Smythe Drive and King Charles Circle after resident safety appeals",1179,637000,1816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2686031-39ee5d29bf4fa11e984b69bfc9ad62df&start=637&end=1816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2686031-39ee5d29bf4fa11e984b69bfc9ad62df/thumbnail_637000.jpg","/articles/6124182/Summerville/Dorchester-County/South-Carolina/Summerville-council-approves-3-way-stop-at-Smythe-Drive-and-King-Charles-Circle-after-resident-safety-appeals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124182-6b019340fd2afc7819f83fb1b8b0f533/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448519&Signature=esu0mnx~gQKbsOLW6UXEom4GuNh8rLNJUtC2T6iOl1OWU5MiNT45odPMpzT7o-3NIHPugFAbaagVvwnyotnfXIOCkznIzD461qL98~fHdXdylcKHI2OFJjvYYNa8QVEEqYdyeZQz873dNf2XEkShJpny-v~~zOIsVQnuskeUoMHrst6elGSliMG61gBYjhJsQcm8K-q3dcoc3e-UsbZEXP61K7rB1jNStebSvQgKdOc3CHtJYnC1jzufCCMLjQUj8Yv9LvzxKX2JkNR3GyXxhT38ZK7RmuIX9Q1tizk0uxEQOvi7uER7SLxTOEKBiOMU7x4hDjq76~9~RjtNBUd-DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Summerville Town Council voted to install a three-way stop at the intersection of Smythe Drive and King Charles Circle after residents raised safety concerns about speeding and limited sight lines.

The change followed written requests from Newington Plantation residents. Melanie Russo, who identified herself as a Newington resident in a letter read at the meeting, said the intersection “has become increasingly dangerous due to speeding cars” and asked the council to install “a simple 3 way stop sign” to protect children, pedestrians and neighbors. Another letter from Larry Collette, submitted on behalf of about 546 households in Newington, said the intersection sits on a hill and has a curve that makes oncoming traffic difficult to see and noted that school buses use the route.

Why it matters: Council members said traffic counts used by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) did not capture the principal safety concern — sight lines and near-miss incidents — and that local action was warranted. Councilmember Garten moved to approve adding a three-way stop; the motion was seconded and carried. Councilman Halter asked that public works provide advance warning signs when the new stop signs are installed.

Council discussion and directions: Councilmember Garten summarized the neighborhood history of requests and said previous SCDOT studies focused on vehicle counts rather than the visibility problem. Halter asked staff to ensure advance-warning signage for drivers approaching the new stop, a step public works typically handles. During discussion council members asked staff to coordinate with SCDOT as appropriate; council accepted public works’ lead on install and advance-warning placement.

Implementation notes: The motion directed the town’s public works department to install the three-way stop and to add advance-warning signage. Council discussion used the phrase “install those stop signs” and confirmed the expectation that public works will carry out the work even if SCDOT’s right-of-way determinations are involved. No timeline for installation was specified at the meeting.

Public comment context: The push for a stop sign echoed multiple prior homeowner association requests dating back several years, according to council remarks presenting a timeline to members. Residents said near misses have occurred frequently, though no crash report was cited during the meeting.

Next steps: Public works will schedule installation and coordinate any needed notifications or escalation with SCDOT. The council did not set a firm completion date at the meeting.

","Following written requests from Newington Plantation residents, the Summerville Town Council voted to install a three-way stop at the intersection of Smythe Drive and King Charles Circle and asked public works to add advance warning signage.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge moratorium on rapid growth, cite parking and environmental concerns in public comment

Summerville council approves amendments to development rules and conveys small parcels; several items postponed

Summerville council approves 3-way stop at Smythe Drive and King Charles Circle after resident safety appeals