Commission advances Applewood Farms Phase 1 to final plat despite traffic concerns

The Berkeley County Planning Commission voted to advance Applewood Farms Phase 1 (file 2409-285) from preliminary plan to the final plat stage.

Planning staff said the developer, Thomas Companies LLC, proposes development on 96.32 acres: 58 single-family detached lots, 62 duplex or villa lots, 184 single-family attached (townhouse) lots, 264 multifamily apartment units and four commercial outlots to be served by public water and sewer. Staff noted that on Aug. 5, 2024, the developer received a prior waiver reducing required parking ratios under the old ordinance.

County engineer Doug Smith deemed the plan compliant with the subdivision ordinance. Gordon Poffenberg of Fox and Associates, representing the project, said the team will make frontage improvements and noted a donation toward Clea Road intersection improvements. “We're making frontage improvements, and we're making a donation to the Clea Road intersection improvements,” Poffenberg said.

Commissioners discussed Route 45 and questioned timing of state highway approvals and entrance permits. One commissioner noted prior public outcry during an earlier review of the project and said there was surprisingly little public attendance at this meeting. Another commissioner stressed emergency-access and interconnectivity concerns and urged continued coordination with state projects such as the Harrell Drive improvements.

On a motion by Mr. Hardy, seconded by Mr. Goff, the commission voted to advance the preliminary plan to the final plat stage.

Meeting action: Motion to advance Applewood Farms Phase 1 to final plat (mover: Mr. Hardy; second: Mr. Goff); outcome: approved.