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Residents urge council to reject proposed 360‑unit Pinecrest apartments, call to preserve New River Linear Trail
Summary
Multiple Bluffton residents told the July 8 town council meeting they oppose plans for 360 apartments near Pinecrest and urged preservation of the New River Linear Trail, citing traffic, safety, sewer and environmental concerns. Speakers asked for more outreach and environmental review.
Andrea Presley, a Pinecrest resident, urged the Bluffton Town Council to reject plans for “360 apartments” near Masters Way and McCracken Circle, saying the area’s roads and intersections already suffer heavy congestion during school drop‑off and pick‑up and that the neighborhood ‘‘cannot withstand the additional traffic the apartments would bring to this area.’’
David Cowart, another resident, told the council he and other homeowners fear the development would ‘‘change … single‑family development into apartments and change the character of the development forever,’’ and said rumors had spread locally that two council members were now supporting the project.
Zeke Jordan, who said his property borders the New River Linear Trail, described repeated property damage and safety concerns he attributes to nearby apartment residents, saying trespassers have caused ‘‘$26,000 worth of damage to equipment’’ on his land. Jordan urged the council to prioritize basic infrastructure such as sewer repairs over further trail construction costs in places where septic failures are reported.
Other speakers urged the council to preserve the New River Linear Trail as a largely natural corridor rather than paving it. Skyler Jewell, who lives near the linear trail, recommended exploring acquisition of adjacent properties for public open space and said the former rail bed has habitat value — including for the black rail — that warrants environmental review. Laura Sterling, a horticulturist at the Coastal Discovery Museum who identified herself as an unincorporated Beaufort County resident, said bluntly: "This trail deserves better," and described wildlife and habitat she has recorded there.
Kim Conte, speaking about land‑management practice, encouraged the council to consider organic maintenance policies similar to those adopted by a neighboring town and said state representation is willing to pursue statewide legislation restricting pesticide use. Council members replied that the trail project has a long history in the town’s master plans and capital improvement program, that necessary DHEC permits were previously obtained, and that some project funding is grant‑earmarked and can’t easily be repurposed.
The public comment period closed without a council vote on any specific development or trail design; several council members said staff will continue outreach and that more detailed workshops and materials would be made available so residents can review plans and permitting information.
