Settlement plan narrows Upper Beachwalker proposal; town says development likely but timing uncertain

Moderator outlined the settlement and development background for Upper Beachwalker and associated parcels.

He said earlier entitlements for about 102–104 units were reduced through negotiation; as implemented in recent approvals the settlement allowed site plans that eliminated one building on the church parcel and reduced heights and unit counts in other places. The developer (identified in the discussion as Keyhole Partners / Keyhole Resort Associates / Kiawah Partners) has building and zoning permits but is working through remaining zoning permit issues.

Moderator summarized what was approved in the settlement: eight buildings with six units each were allowed in some configurations and a negotiated reduction in Ocean Pines modifications; Parcel 11 was described as the largest remaining parcel and the discussion referenced an expectation of 48 dwelling units there. He said the Parcel 11 buildings would be three stories (about 45 feet), not the taller 55–65-foot alternatives discussed in earlier entitlement plans.

Residents asked about visual impacts (for example from Cougar Golf Course) and traffic and egress at the general store/Beachwalker intersection; the moderator acknowledged added congestion during construction and after completion, and noted the town will require staging and traffic management to minimize disruption during build-out.

Timing remains uncertain, the moderator said, because permit windows and encroachment approvals affect when construction can begin. He added that planning-commission rezones for some parcels had already occurred since the development agreement expired.