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During a public hearing on the proposal, eight people spoke against the proposed Crossroads development, primarily citing concerns about increased traffic, drainage issues and compatibility with existing neighborhoods.
"The environmental and social risks are not worth the possible return," Bob Bender, resident and curator of the Lowcountry Estuarium in Port Royal, said during the meeting.
The proposal includes annexing and rezoning nearly 12 acres of unincorporated land that straddle Savannah Highway and Parris Island Gateway and is bordered by Shell Point Road and Cypress, Walnut and Hickory streets. The development could include up to 39,000-square-feet of commercial space and 60 residences, including single-family homes and duplexes.
Beaufort County Councilman Brian Flewelling told town council members that it worried him that motorists would have to travel through existing residential areas to get to the proposed commercial properties in the development.
"Most of the people who live in the area are against this project," Flewelling said. "(If approved) we'd be making a precedent that I just don't think we want to set."
One person did speak in favor of the project, saying the potential additional tax revenues makes it "advantageous" to the town.
One project representative was at the meeting but declined to comment, offering to answer any questions.
This marks the third year the Crossroads development team, including land planning firm J.K. Tiller Associates, INC., has requested to annex into the town and zone the area as a planned unit development.
Council members gave preliminary approval for the development in December on the condition that representatives of the council, development team and Shell Point neighborhood association meet and discuss the issues before a final reading.
After two gatherings, project and neighborhood representatives remain at odds over whether the development would benefit or harm the area.
Town Manager Van Willis said council will likely hold a final vote on the issue at its meeting on April 14.
