Bluffton Residents Take to Town Council Meeting Amid 5B Confusion
In the sleepy yet vibrant town of Bluffton, residents gathered in droves on Tuesday evening, passionate about the hot-button issue surrounding county resolution 5B, often dubbed the “zombie ordinance.” With many wielding buttons boldly proclaiming their disdain for 5B, the atmosphere in the town council chambers was electric. As the crowd filled the seats, however, it became evident that some folks might have been misled about the purpose of the meeting.
What’s the Confusion?
According to elected officials seated at the dais, residents concerned about the county’s controversial project may have inadvertently attended the wrong assembly. The evening’s agenda focused on the town’s decision to annex 65 acres of unincorporated land into Bluffton’s limits. The annexation of Grande Oaks was met with mixed feelings, and public comments flowed like the tide as residents expressed their qualms over the potential impacts.
Among the council members, Emily Burden aimed to clear the air. She posed a straightforward question: “Does the annexation have anything to do with 5B?” The response was direct and unambiguous: “No,” stated Kevin Icard, the director of growth management. Despite this clarification, the tension surrounding the broader implications of both projects lingered in the air.
A Year in the Making
After a lengthy year-long process, the council finally approved the annexation of the 65 acres located at the intersection of Buckwalter Parkway and Lake Point Drive. While some council members applauded the move as a necessary step for local management, skeptics worried it might pave the way for developers to skirt county checks, especially regarding the contentious 5B road project.
The land, primarily uninhabited aside from a solitary cellular tower, consists of 27 upland acres and 38 wetland areas. Many in attendance voiced their fears over the effects increased traffic might have on property values and the natural beauty of Bluffton. “The public, as usual, gets shafted,” lamented Paul Coe, a local resident, echoing the frustrations of many.
The Pushback Continues
As the dialogue continued, Burden pressed on, seeking to understand if the annexation would indirectly advance 5B. Yet, Icard reiterated that the two matters were separate, assuring that any development proposals must be reviewed by the town’s planning commission and receive a go-ahead from the town council before proceeding.
“I personally believe that this annexation agreement actually protects this land from what could happen if it did stay in the county,” Burden asserted, adding that it ensures Bluflton maintains control over future developments.
Frustrations from Longtime Residents
Feeling sidelined, many residents like Jim and Kathie Dillon expressed their frustration at the late notice they received about the meeting, leaving them feeling as though their voices mattered little in the grand decision-making process. Kathie shared her concern, stating, “It’s not like we have a say in the matter.” The couple, who has lived in Bluffton for nearly 20 years, found the lack of engagement from the council particularly disheartening.
Mayor Toomer’s Perspective
Mayor Larry Toomer initially grappled with the necessity of the annexation. However, he concluded that if the land were developed as commercial property, it could provide beneficial services, including medical facilities, closer to home. “There’s so much more to this,” he noted, encouraging residents to consider the broader implications of development.
The Ongoing Battle Over 5B
Despite the clarity surrounding the night’s vote, the specter of the 5B project looms large over Bluffton. It seeks to eliminate a troublesome “dogleg” in the road layout while snaking through several neighborhoods where residents remain staunchly opposed, often citing concerns over wildlife and traffic congestion.
Public skepticism about 5B remains high, with individuals like Nancy York passionately urging the council to rethink its stance, claiming the project “looks like a pig dressed in stylish makeup.”
A County Stance
The Beaufort County Council has made it clear they have no plans to fund 5B. Council officials have firmly stated they will not allocate resources towards this project, reinforcing that, at present, there is “absolutely no funding for it.”
As the evening concluded, it was clear that the air was thick with unaddressed questions and an undercurrent of frustration. Bluffton is at a crossroads, balancing the needs for development with the desires of its residents—and as conversations continue, the voices for and against must navigate the volatile waters of community engagement.
