Scott Harper/GAB News•
Feb 07, 2024
Last spring, the Georgetown City Planning Commission approved a request from D.R. Horton, Inc. to build 274 homes in multiple phases in Maryville between South Island Road and Highway 17.
But now the development called South Island Landing is being challenged by Georgetown County and the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission (SCAC) because of the property’s proximity to the Georgetown Airport.
In early January, Peter Gaytan, director of planning and community development for the City of Georgetown, reached out to the SCAC about the proposed development which, according to SCAC Executive Director Gary Siegfried, is “in the approach of runway 23” of the airport.
Siegfried begins his response letter by stating such a housing development so close to an airport “can lead to a multitude of challenges.”
“First, it increases the potential for accidents and safety hazards, as residential or commercial buildings situated too close to runways can hinder emergency operations, increase the likelihood of aircraft accidents and increase danger to not only pilots but also people who live and work on the ground around airports,” the SCAC letter states.
Siegfried also points out that noise pollution from airports can “disrupt the quality of life for nearby residents.”
“Additionally, people who live near airports will not be able to enjoy their homes in the same way others can,” Siegfried writes.
He also notes incompatible land use can “lead to legal disputes and regulatory conflicts.”
The area for the proposed development is zoned R4, meaning it is high-density residential. Siegfried said it is unusual to allow high density so close to an airport, especially when areas farther away from the airport are zoned R1 – low-density residential.
Siegfried says local planning officials must coordinate with the SCAC before making land decisions for land located under airport safety zones. He says he can find no records of the city contacting the SCAC about the property before zoning changes that allow the development to take place.
He wrote that proceeding further with the building plans “would continue to violate state law” and the SCAC has the authority to take action to try to stop the development.
Violating the law, Siegfried wrote, can result in a $1,000 per day fine until the matter is resolved.
On Wednesday, Gayton confirmed the project is “on hold” until the matters get resolved. He said the city cannot issue any building permits until D.R. Horton gets approval from the SCAC and the Federal Aviation Administration.
“Local agencies are expected to follow the law and take into consideration the comments of the commission and respond substantively to such comments,” Siegfried said.