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Neighbors, military-compatibility concerns lead to withdrawal of developer's rezoning request on Peach Orchard Road
Summary
A proposed R-15 subdivision on 2590 Peach Orchard Rd. drew sustained opposition over traffic, drainage and Shaw AFB compatibility; the applicant later withdrew the rezoning application.
Sumter County Council heard public comment on a rezoning request for roughly 51.9 acres at 2590 Peach Orchard Road on Nov. 22, where residents and a Shaw Air Force Base planner pressed concerns about traffic, drainage, environmental impacts and compatibility with military protection policies.
Planning Director Helen Roodman said the county—s 2040 Land Use Plan designates the site in the Rural Development Planning Area and noted the request to rezone from Agricultural Conservation (AC) to Residential-15 (R-15) was "generally inconsistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan." Developer Tyler "Doc" Dunlap described plans for roughly 40 42 one-acre lots, but Roodman warned soil, topography and septic-field needs would limit the final lot yield.
Multiple residents cited road-safety and environmental concerns, including accident history at area intersections and perennial springs and streams that could be affected. Chris Burns said adding about 40 homes could place roughly 80 additional vehicles on Highway 441 and worsen a stretch already experiencing frequent collisions. James Sequchi and other citizens described Roberts Branch and a perennial spring on the site.
Ashly Nicholas, a community planner from Shaw AFB, said Shaw "is in support of low-density residential development" and noted the developer's preliminary plan had challenges meeting Military Protection zoning criteria, which call for a minimum of one acre per unit in compatibility areas. Council members referenced the base—s strategic importance and the county—s Military Protection Plan during debate.
The minutes record council motions concerning second reading and debate. The day after the meeting, Nov. 23, the county clerk received a written note from Mr. Dunlap withdrawing his rezoning request. The minutes do not record further council action after the withdrawal.
