Residents tell commissioners growth is unchecked; nonprofit leader asks for affordable space to reopen free grocery

A resident who canvassed 317 Berkeley County residents told the commission more than 80% of those he surveyed said county growth is not sustainable and that growth is not being properly managed. Sean Wilt, who identified himself as a long-time Berkeley County resident, told the commission he polled 317 people over 10 days and that roughly 80% said growth was neither sustainable nor properly managed; Wilt said most people he spoke to do not attend county meetings because of work schedules and skepticism about being heard. He relayed one respondent's comment: "they don't want to hear what we or I actually have to say. That would mean that they have to listen to us." Wilt described the results as "concerning." In a separate public comment, Zondria (who gave a single-letter public name, "Z") said she runs a free grocery and clothing operation but closed a storefront after rent rose to $2,500 a month. She asked the commission to help identify cheaper space she could rent for about $2,000 a month so she could reopen and continue serving people in need. Zondria said she funds operations through multiple jobs and occasional grant money and asked for assistance in finding a low-cost building rather than a handout. Why this matters: public comment highlighted community concerns about rapid growth, civic engagement barriers for working residents, and the direct impact of rising rents on small nonprofit operations that provide services to low-income residents. Details and next steps: commissioners listened and thanked speakers; no formal action or commitments to specific programs or buildings were recorded. Zondria provided contact guidance ("Google me"/Facebook) and said she can pay up to $2,000 per month to reopen a physical location.