RAVENEL, S.C. (WCBD) – With five minutes on the clock, Ravenel residents took to the podium Wednesday night at a special public input meeting to share their concerns about a proposed rezoning request at a Drayton Street property.
The change in zoning would allow for a higher housing density on the 99-acre tract which is being eyed for a proposed neighborhood called the Pasture at FarrField. The plan includes 100 new single-family homes.
“It’s right in the smack, right down by the railroad tracks, right in the heart of Ravenel, right in the residential area,” said Roy Smith, a longtime resident of Ravenel.
The central location of the project is part of the problem for neighbors. Ron Sprovero is a retired engineer and lives in the town. He said the property borders a jurisdictional wetland.
“They’ve never addressed what happened with the runoff that goes down into the wetland, into the creek that ends up running over to Wallace Creek. So, that’s one of the big problems I have,” Sprovero told News 2.
The land is owned by Tumbleston Trust. Susan Hendricks is part of the Tumbleston family and gave the following statement.
“As a life-long resident of Ravenel, I want the best for my community and so does my family. We have listened to our neighbors’ feedback and have made proactive changes to the neighborhood plans. We have reduced the number of homes from 150 to 100. We have also added more than 50 acres of recreational greenspace and 100 foot natural buffers around the community to help preserve Ravenel’s charm. The Pasture at FarrField neighborhood is designed by locals with locals in mind.”
Still, many of the speakers worried the neighborhood will alter the rural character of Ravenel, which the town’s vision statement vows to maintain.
“We don’t want to be Summerville, we don’t want to be West Ashley, we want to be Ravenel and Ravenel is rural, and we welcome agricultural and families,” said Matthew Collins, who spoke up during the meeting.
The land belongs to the family of Ravenel Mayor Stephen Tumbleston. He has recused himself from conversations on the issues.
