MONCKS CORNER, S.C.–A new proposed development for Gippy Plantation is facing some resistance from some Berkeley County residents and the Moncks Corner Planning Commission.
The Moncks Corner Planning Commission voted 4-2 vote Tuesday to recommend town council say “no” to the annexation of nearly 800-acres of property because of concerns of overpopulation and crowding.
Developers Hoyer Investment Company and D.R. Horton are hoping to build about 1,000 homes on lots ranging from 6,000-8,000 square feet. Hundreds of other surrounding acres would be kept as a natural environment and park areas.
“Single dwelling houses with one acre lots would be better for the environment and the infrastructure and a public park allowing people to see the Cooper River and rice fields could be grand, similar to the one in Mt. Pleasant under the Ravenel bridge,” stated one Berkeley County resident, Debra Howard Orton. “I don’t think the town should annex Gippy. I think it should remain in the county.”
“Gippy would be a wonderful park! It could be a beautiful venue for weddings and a historic educational field trip for students,” another resident has stated. “They could have bike trails and demonstrations! The uses are endless.”
To date, nearly 1,800 people have signed an online petition opposing the development of Gippy Plantation all together.
Concerned Citizens of the Lowcountry SC, a Facebook group with more than 600 members, raises concerns about the creation of another subdivision in growing Berkeley County.
Early on in the discussion, the developers presented plans which called for 1,800 homes. Through input gathered at public meetings, that number has continued to shrink.
“I can’t compete with the emotional attachment to this property,” Stefan Hoyer, the owner of Hoyer Investment, told The Post and Courier. “Maybe it’s David versus Goliath. We want to do the right thing with this property.”
Along with concerns of over development and the problems that often come with it, such as the need for road widening, more first responders, more schools, etc.–there are also environmental concerns.
Sitting off Old Highway 52 in Moncks Corner, Gippy Plantation is a nearly 800-acre tract of timberlands and open pasture on the Cooper River, with 330-acres of rice fields protected by a conservation easement.
“Not everyone realizes that when we build, use and demolish houses, we disturb and erode soil, disrupt habitats, deplete natural resources, pollute air and water and use up land,” according to Ksenija Janjic, an Environmental Protection Specialist.
Moncks Corner town council could vote on the planning commission’s recommendation as early as April 16th.
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