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Council approves annexation and hears strong neighborhood opposition to Newington multifamily proposals
Summary
Council approved a 4.7‑acre annexation at Baconsbridge Road and Crestwood Drive and debated separate requests tied to a 180‑unit apartment proposal near Newington Plantation; residents and school officials raised safety, traffic and floodplain concerns during extended public comment.
The Summerville Town Council on July 10 approved second and final reading of an ordinance annexing approximately 4.7 acres at Baconsbridge Road and Crestwood Drive (TMS 1520000227) and continued debate on a larger multifamily proposal affecting Newington Plantation.
Residents of Newington Plantation and nearby neighborhoods turned out in force to oppose a proposed 180‑unit apartment development at the Luton/King Charles intersection. Neighbors cited traffic and safety near two elementary schools, possible flooding, and threats to neighborhood character. “We are being surrounded by apartment complex housing industry, and there seems to be no regard for the character and uniqueness of this town,” said Adrian Quist, a 60‑year Summerville resident.
Chad Daugherty, superintendent for DD2 Schools, told council the proposed development sits “directly in front of our two schools” and that his district serves about 1,500 students and operates roughly 26 buses daily. He asked council to provide traffic‑impact studies and specific mitigation measures, including road improvements, crosswalks and other safety features.
Developers and representatives responded to concerns, saying DOT traffic review will govern required turn lanes and signals and that they plan to donate acreage for parks and pay impact fees. One developer representative said the annexation parcel the town considered tonight is already zoned multifamily inside town limits and that the broader project would need multiple review board approvals.
Council action: The council approved second and final reading of the ordinance to annex the 4.7‑acre parcel and approved several related rezoning items (voice votes recorded as 'ayes have it'). For the larger Newington multifamily petition, council members noted the planning commission recommendation to deny similar petitions and emphasized community concerns; some members said they would only consider first reading after developers addressed traffic and school safety issues.
What happens next: The annexation is effective per ordinance schedule. Other rezoning/petition items remain subject to planning commission review and subsequent council readings.
