Developers went to Berkeley County Council Monday, March 11, with the intent of getting a vote to lift the moratorium on a significant development for their project, which involves a mixed-use community with a wave park “envisioned as a vibrant hub in Berkeley County, South Carolina.”
A vote to lift the moratorium was postponed after council members decided it was too early to offer the plan and voted to give the company more time for public workshops and community input.
The company, Tamarama Capital LLC, brought the council the development plans showing how the roughly 80 acres of rural land will be transformed into the designer’s vision.
The proposal includes an outdoor water-based recreational facility, retail, food and beverage spots, a hotel and a convention center.
In addition, a residential development supporting 300-500 housing units will be built in phases.
Those who live in the area along Black Tom Road and Highway 176 say traffic is already way past capacity, and they can leave their homes only during certain hours because of the gridlock. Residents in that area haven’t been able to offer input or comment on the plan.
Before the ambitious effort can begin, the development moratorium has to be lifted by a vote from the council. The company aims to create a surf park as the foundation and a mixed-use community. The presentation for the council could have been more specific.
“In this case, what do you want to put out here? Exactly what are you looking for?” District 1 councilmember Dan Owens asked the presenter. I understand commercial, hotel, and restaurant. Is it apartments, homes, a mix, and what would come first? If I was going to vote yes on lifting the moratorium, I sure as hell want to know what is going on there.”
Owens then remarked on the aerial design map and said it didn’t tell him anything.
Councilmember Steve David chimed in later.
“You can’t even get onto 176 off of Black Tom Road anymore,” he said. You have to wait and wait and wait. Sometimes, you have to plead and beg to get on 176. It’s just frightening in relation to our movement and the quality of life in that area. I think you got it all wrong. I don’t know how you can ship or shape it. I want to know.”
Council members told the company they brought them the designs with little forethought about the effect and the process.
“I would encourage you to have multiple meetings with the community and then come back and ask for the moratorium to be lifted,” councilmember Tommy Newell said. “I don’t mind the attraction; I just don’t think we need 300 to 500 homes because Berkeley County is full.”
