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Council approves rezoning for parcel near Saint Thomas Island Drive over neighbor objections
Summary
Berkeley County Council approved Bill 26-16 to rezone about 7.68 acres on Saint Thomas Island Drive to general commercial, carrying the ordinance on a 4–3 roll call after several neighbors urged the council to leave the property as rural/residential.
The Berkeley County Council voted 4–3 to approve Bill 26‑16 on third reading, rezoning about 7.68 acres on Saint Thomas Island Drive (TMS 275‑00‑00‑016) from a manufactured residential district to general commercial in Council District 2.
Neighbors who live near the site urged the council to preserve the area’s residential character. Laura Shaw told the council her family has lived on Saint Thomas Island for generations and said the proposed commercial development would “increase traffic” and “disturb our family‑friendly communities.” Her husband Ronnie Shaw and other nearby residents echoed those concerns and asked the council to deny the application and direct commercial activity to Clements Ferry instead.
The applicant’s representative, Lee Janek, responded that the closest building would be roughly 450 feet from the Shaws’ residence and that about 150 feet of wooded buffer with mature pines separates the sites. Janek described the planned buildings as low‑rise and of low impact and said the project would generate only “6 to 13 cars a day.”
Council debate included an emotional appeal from Councilman Steve Davis, who said he had visited the family and urged colleagues to “reconsider in lieu of changing the whole character” of the neighborhood. After discussion the council took a roll‑call vote: Council members Brooks, Obi, Stern and West voted aye; Council members Newell, Pinkney and Davis voted no. The ordinance passed 4–3.
Why it matters: The rezoning changes the county’s land‑use map for a portion of a residential neighborhood and may set a precedent for other applications near existing homes. Several public commenters told council they believe the change would erode buffers, increase nighttime activity and alter a long‑standing community character. The applicant and supporters argued the project is small, low‑rise and will fit within the corridor.
What’s next: The ordinance was adopted on third reading and will be effective according to the county’s ordinance schedule unless it is otherwise challenged under applicable law.
