Enchanted Oaks farm presents conceptual PD; neighbors and community voice support and concerns

Jared and Danielle Crosby presented the Enchanted Oaks conceptual plan development during the planning commission workshop. The applicants described using their 9.9-acre property on Little Bridal Road as a primary residence and to host small, revenue-generating events (rehearsal dinners, micro-weddings and educational field trips) to fund community programs and school partnerships.

Jared Crosby explained the family’s background in education and stewardship and said the property already hosts limited educational events and trials. He told the commission, "The subject property that is our residence is 9.9 acres." The applicants said they have obtained letters of coordination for some reviews and would pursue a PD because their property does not meet the 10-highland-acre threshold required for the ag-area special exception that allows up to 25 special-event permits.

During public comment, a broad cross-section of neighbors, small-business owners and educators supported the project: Van Leer said, "Our community desperately needs a place to have a private event," and several speakers described educational field trips, collaboration with the Edisto Island Land Trust and local economic benefits for caterers, musicians and photographers. Roxbury Mercantile owners and local teachers praised the site’s stewardship and potential to expand community programming.

Opposition and concerns came from immediate neighbors about traffic, noise and the long-term permanence of a PD; Leland Landesberg said he saw "unintended consequences" and expressed worry about noise and additional traffic and maintenance on private roads. The applicant replied to an easement question, with Danielle Crosby noting parts of the Wilkins Lane easement and clarifying which segments are on adjacent properties and which are on the Crosby parcel.

Staff clarified that the property’s AG‑10 underlying zoning allows up to five special-event permits by right countywide and that agricultural areas may seek up to 25 events per year only with a special exception and 10 highland acres, which the Crosby parcel does not meet; therefore a PD or special-exception pathway is needed for the applicants’ desired operations.

What’s next: The applicants were advised to submit a formal application; staff said once a complete application is filed the matter will be scheduled for a public hearing and formal review processes.