Ridgeland Residents Confront City Council at Annexation Meeting
Ridgeland, S.C. – A group named “Keep Chelsea Rural” has taken a proactive stance against the proposed 3,000-acre annexation of land near the Jasper/Beaufort County line. They are urging the local city council to reconsider the annexation plan following a request from an unnamed development company.
Public Sentiment
The proposed annexation became a subject of immense concern during the recent city council meeting held on Thursday. Local residents shared their worries stating that the town seemed to be expanding beyond its reach. As one perturbed resident put it, “It breaks my heart to see what is happening in Ridgeland and Jasper. It feels like my world is falling apart around me.”
Locals claim that this development focus took precedence over addressing the prevailing issues and primary residents’ needs. Carmen Pinckney, a member of Keep Chelsea Rural, voiced her fear for the unchecked development, “I can’t turn left out of my house as it is, and that is the road that all the schools are on.”
Annexation Proposal
The proposal revolves around the annexation of 3,000 out of 5,000 acres of the Chelsea Plantation. This area, upon development, is planned to include residential homes, commercial spaces, and apartment buildings. However, residents believe that substantial planning and consideration are required before such a step.
“Conservation and development was not an either-or situation, it is an “and”, but for it to be an “and” situation it requires careful, and thorough planning,” elaborated Ashley Rhodes, another individual from Keep Chelsea Rural.
The Way Forward
The citizens emphasize that they are not against development per se. They recognize the possibility and the benefits of successful growth. Their main concern lies with the town’s inability to plan and manage this growth effectively.
Thursday’s discussion was the first reading of the proposal, which will undergo a second reading followed by a vote. The outcome of these proceedings is awaited anxiously as it holds substantial implications for the future of Ridgeland.
As the public eye turns towards the city council, the residents’ sentiment mirrors the hope that their concerns will be taken into account to facilitate a well-planned and beneficial growth plan for both Ridgeland and Jasper.
About Keep Chelsea Rural
“Keep Chelsea Rural” is an organized group of local residents aiming to preserve the rural charm of Ridgeland. They actively participate in local development discussions and voice the concerns and suggestions of the residents to the council. Their current focus lies on influencing the city council’s decision regarding the annexation of Chelsea Plantation, advocating for a carefully planned and balanced approach to growth in the area.
