Proposed rezoning along Drayton Drive draws some opposition

Broad River Holdings, LLC, has asked Port Royal to rezone four lots on Drayton Drive to allow higher density housing, including duplexes.

At a Beaufort-Port Royal Joint Planning Commission meeting Monday, three residents urged commission members not to recommend the zoning change for 1712, 1714, 1716 and 1718 Drayton Drive.

Current zoning allows only single-family residences and requires lots be 5,000 square feet larger than in the proposed rezoning.

John Barnwell, a Drayton Drive resident, said he bought his home because of the peaceful neighborhood atmosphere. Higher-density development and duplexes will change the neighborhood character and potentially increase traffic and noise in the area, Barnwell said.

Commission members tabled the item until October because only two of five members were available to vote. Three members were present at the meeting, but commission chairman Joe Devito lives within 400 feet of the proposed rezoning and therefore recused himself.

Member Wayne Reynolds said he was weary of “spot zoning” and wanted Port Royal’s planning department to look at rezoning the whole neighborhood instead of just four lots.
Devito, speaking as a resident and not the commission chairman, agreed.

The commission will revisit the issue Oct. 5. The Port Royal Town Council would have to hold a public hearing and approve the rezoning before it could happen.

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