March 3, 2025
The Dorchester County Planning, Development, and Building (PDB) Committee convened on March 3, 2025, to address critical rezoning requests and infrastructure approvals. Here’s a breakdown of the pivotal discussions and outcomes:
1. Rezoning Request #926: Highway 78 Commercial/Industrial Transition
Applicant: Jake Penry
Location: 13.84 acres on Highway 78 near Ridgeville (TMS 098-00-00-090)
Request: Rezone from Agricultural Residential (AR) to Commercial Light Industrial (CLI).
Discussion:
The property lies near the Ridgeville Industrial Park and aligns with the county’s Employment Mixed-Use designation under the Comprehensive Plan.
A conceptual site plan highlighted compliance with stormwater and transportation requirements.
Planning Commission recommended approval in December 2024.
Outcome: Unanimously approved after no public opposition.
2. Rezoning Request #927: Orangeburg Road Neighborhood Commercial
Applicant: George Tupper III
Location: 6.26 acres on Orangeburg Road near Summerville (TMS 144-00-00-038/178)
Request: Rezone from Single-Family Residential (R-2) to Neighborhood Commercial (CN).
Discussion:
The site includes an existing daycare seeking zoning compliance and potential commercial expansion.
Public concern arose over traffic congestion and possible multifamily residential development under CN zoning.
Staff clarified CN prioritizes commercial over residential, aligning with the Medium Density Traditional Neighborhood future land use.
Outcome: Approved unanimously despite resident Tommy Fagan’s traffic concerns.
3. Rezoning Request #928: Highway 78 Light Industrial Expansion
Applicant: Janet Lieber
Location: 2.12 acres on Highway 78 near Ridgeville (TMS 098-00-00-240)
Request: Rezone from Agricultural Residential (AR) to Commercial Light Industrial (CLI).
Discussion:
Adjacent to recent CLI rezonings, the site supports employment-focused growth in Ridgeville.
Access will be directed to Highway 78, avoiding residential roads like Wagon Trail.
Planning Commission endorsed the request in December 2024.
Outcome: Unanimously approved after a representative confirmed DOT-approved access plans.
4. Beverly Drive Roadway Connection Approval
Applicant: Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
Project: 53-unit townhouse development in Summerville, connecting to county-maintained Beverly Drive.
Discussion:
Traffic impact analysis deemed the project’s effect negligible, with most traffic using the signalized Miles Jamison Road intersection.
Concerns about road conditions and construction damage were addressed via encroachment permit requirements.
Sidewalk connectivity and tree preservation were emphasized.
Outcome: Approved unanimously with conditions to address road repairs during construction.
Public Engagement Highlights
Resident Concerns:
Linda Wetzel urged faster road repairs on Highway 17A, citing safety hazards from potholes and faded lane markings.
Ponds Residents raised issues about the Ponds Conservancy’s compliance with development agreements, including missing financial transparency and board representation.
Accessibility: The meeting included a Title VI notice affirming accommodations for language and disability access.
Looking Ahead
The committee’s decisions reflect Dorchester County’s focus on balanced growth, prioritizing economic development while addressing infrastructure and resident concerns. Future meetings will likely revisit road maintenance and developer accountability, particularly in high-growth corridors like Orangeburg Road and Highway 78.
Agenda Link: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/dorchester/11d1b3efc52ea97a0b032ddb8ccbd4e00.pdf
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-_6iITFOUY
*meeting auto transcribed, please excuse any typos & misspellings
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