Granite Countertops in Hollywood, SC

HOLLYWOOD — Residents have expressed concerns about a large scale subdivision proposed for the area since October, but they'll have to keep waiting to learn its fate.

The proposed Longleaf development is 36 adjacent parcels of land totaling 278 acres and is currently zoned as rural/agriculture. The developer, Pulte Homes, has requested to rezone the property as residential to build 342 homes.

More than 70 members of the public piled into Town Hall on Feb. 24, sitting on tables and leaning against windowsills, as they waited to hear how Town Council would vote on the project. The agenda item was deferred once again.

Meanwhile, council gave unanimous approval on an initial reading for a six-month moratorium on large-scale rezonings and subdivisions totaling more than nine pieces of land while the town reviews its comprehensive plan.

Some noted the moratorium and the large subdivision still left in limbo conflict with one another.

"It would be premature to accept this rezoning request before the residents of Hollywood have an opportunity to give input on their vision for the town," said Emma Berry, communities and transportation project manager with the Coastal Conservation League, a nonprofit that advocates to protect natural resources in the state.

The proposed Longleaf development would be off both S.C. Highway 162 and S.C. 165, which residents worry will add more traffic to the roads.

Hollywood's planning commission recommended approval of the project in October last year, despite several residents voicing concerns about its size and the impact it will have on the town's rural character.

"It's kind of the last hurrah of Charleston out here," Hollywood resident Brittany Pippin told The Post and Courier. "We're kind of the last non-developed area. We know that at some point development is coming, but there could be better ways to develop our community."

This proposed development comes as the town grapples other challenges to growth, such as running out of sewer taps, forcing future developments, like Longleaf, to use septic tanks.

The process of getting Longleaf to Town Council has been a lengthy one, with Pulte requesting a continuance in December, while the January council meeting was cancelled due to the snow.

The developer requested a second continuance on Feb. 24, with director of acquisitions AJ Johnston saying they intend to bring the project back to Town Council in March.

Johnston acknowledged the vocal opposition to Longleaf but told The Post and Courier they've also met with several members of the community, including many whose properties neighbor the Longleaf parcels. He said Pulte has received a lot of support from those they spoke with.

Growth is 'unsustainable'

Pippin is one of those nearby residents. Her home is off Hunt Course Lane and near where the development would be built. She's concerned about the lack of infrastructure and the impact on wildlife as the she said the development would guarantee trees would be cut down.

She's discouraged about another delay, but said she and other residents won't stop fighting the proposed subdivision.

Karen Johnson, who has lived in Hollywood for nine years, also opposes the proposed subdivision. She said she would support the development if it was more reflective of the town — with bigger lots and fewer houses.

"People are coming out here because they want the rural (community), but now they're turning the rural into a little city," Johnson said.

Town planner Mark Brodeur has worked in municipal planning for 40 years. He said since he came to Hollywood a year and a half ago, the amount of development he's witnessed has alarmed him.

He told Town Council the rate at which Hollywood is growing is unsustainable, citing the sewer tap capacity, increased traffic around town and outdated technology. He initially proposed the moratorium so the town has a chance to breathe as they review their comprehensive plan, he said.

Still, he noted the moratorium does not stop things in the pipeline, like the Longleaf project.

Town Councilwoman Annette Sausser made her perspective very clear as the meeting came to a close: "no more new houses." She emphasized that she wanted Hollywood to remain rural.