By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald
A packed commission chamber met the County Commissioners at their regular meeting on April 4. Commissioners Jamie DeLoach and Roger Burdette were absent. Since a quorum of four commissioners was present, the meeting proceeded.
Residents expressed concerns regarding a proposed development of 549 residential units (detached single-family homes and townhomes) on approximately 289 acres on Midland Road. Many residents expressed opposition to the proposed new homes because current traffic flows make just leaving their neighborhood extremely difficult.
“The planning board recommended denial for really three reasons,” said Bryant Ligon, the developer for the proposed project. “First, the single access point; traffic; and third is the surrounding area -- the density the townhomes. One thing I want to say to that is I took the time to see what the projects within a one-mile radius in the area are, and I stopped counting at nine.” He explained that surrounding developments also include townhomes.
He added that the area is a “growth corridor” and “The problem is people who work here, they can't afford to live here,” Ligon added. “We want to be able to provide them with attainable housing. And so I think that's what this project does.”
However, his comments did not assuage the sentiment of the residents who firmly believe that the project will increase traffic, strain utilities, increase the likelihood of flooding, and adversely affect things such as water pressure to existing homes. Ligon added that they have reached out to community members for their concerns and input. “We feel that every objection has a reasonable and staff-supported solution.”
Because of the packed house, Commission Chair Wesley Corbitt asked the crowd to pick three or four people to speak, and then if time permitted, maybe a couple more would be allowed to speak.
“It’s a swamp,” said homeowner Marty Seckinger, whose property backs up to the proposed project. “They’re going to build five retention ponds. You can’t drain it. I don’t want ‘em in my backyard.”
Developer Wade McDonald spoke to support the project saying the increased revenue would benefit the county.
“It seems our county has a good problem. I have two adult children who have been trying to buy houses.” said
“From a business standpoint the current (vacant) property revenue is less than $5,000 a year. When it's built out, it could be three-quarters of a million or a million dollars and provide a whole lot of infrastructure for this county,” McDonald said. “I attended tonight because basically I wanted to say that I have rights, too. I am a constituent. And if it is legally permissible and conforms to zoning, I'd urge you to approve it. But it's also heartbreaking to me to think that we all move somewhere and then we want it to stop; and then we don't want neighbors. It's not very neighborly.”
At this point the audience became slightly unruly and Corbitt warned that more outbursts would force him to ask people to leave.
“We live in Effingham County and we can agree to disagree,” Corbitt admonished the crowd. “We can keep it civil.”
Several more speakers addressed the Commissioners in opposition to the proposed project. After more than two hours of comments, Commissioners tabled the final vote until the May 2 meeting so DeLoach and Burdette could weigh in with any questions and concerns. Burdette is recovering from a racing accident, according to a county spokesperson. “If Mr. Burdette is unable to attend in person, we may get him on the phone.” Corbitt said.
The issue will be taken up on May 2 at the County Commission’s regular meeting beginning at 5 p.m. at the Effingham County Administrative Complex, 804 S. Laurel St., Springfield. There will be no public comments taken at that time.
