The Town continues to monitor and repair various drainage issues and plans to soon Regrade Several Drainage Swales/Ditches (no easements) that drain systems in the New Charlestowne/Governors Road area out to the Whipple Road system.

August 24, 2009 - The Town has confirmed that the Sound Wall will be installed in conjunction with the Project schedule!

August 6, 2009 - FINAL PUBLIC HEARING

June 2009 - Unfortunately, the attendance from Snee Farm at the April Public Hearing was very poor. There is little time left to make your voices heard. Your action from this point forward is crucial in helping to ensure that concerns are clearly heard by those making decisions that will impact your property. Those who live adjacent to the road will be the most seriously impacted by the Project, however, the consequences or benefits to their living quality and property value will also be realized by those nearby; and, what affects one area affects the Community as a whole. A SOUND-WALL is the only solution that can mitigate the issues - only one of the two noise studies confirms the noise level being in excess of the EPA standard, but that is not enough to make it happen. The FRONT ENTRANCE INTERSECTION is also a serious concern. At this time, the new design does not provide an alternative to what we now have - imagine when there will be six lanes (one of them on each side shared with bike traffic), a raised median, and sidewalks on both sides without a traffic light or other turning control alternative.

THE NEXT PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE IN JULY; detail is not certain at this time. It should be advertised in a Post & Courier Sunday edition, and the Moultrie News. We will give as much notice as possible on our four entrance signboards - PLEASE WATCH for these notices and PLAN TO ATTEND, and SPEAK, if you care about your property value and quality of life in Snee Farm.

If you are not able to attend, you can send your thoughts to:
Project Manager, Paul Lykins at Town of Mt. Pleasant Planning, P.O. Box 745, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 or by email to plykins@townofmountpleasant.com, or fax to 856-2195
Council Members - Visit www.townofmountpleasant.com for a Directory. Mail to Mt. Pleasant, P.O. Box 745, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465, or email to councilclk@townofmountpleasant.com
Thank you for doing your part to help Snee Farm correct existing problems that will clearly worsen without the needed solutions. We hope to see you then!

April, 2009 - URGENT - PLEASE ATTEND - Weds., April 15, 2009 at Laing Middle School (parking in the rear of the school): Drop-In for Information 5:30 - 6:30, Sign up by 6:25 to speak at this first Public Hearing that will begin at 6:30. Your presence is needed in support of a real solution to the existing noise problem that will significantly worsen when the widening project is implemented. Thanks for your interest and support.

February, 2009 - The Town advised that a draft of the noise assessment should soon be complete, and they would share with us the results and recommendations of the study after the Town, SCDOT and FHWA has reviewed, commented and approved the study. There will be a public hearing after the E.A. Document is approved.

October, 2008 - Please mark your calendar for October 21st - The Town will host an informational drop-in at Laing Middle School (cafeteria) between 5:00-7:00 PM. Please attend to learn about the Project and show support for concerns initially expressed by George Ballester on Ambling Way. Thirty-one properties on Yorktown Court, Ambling Way, and Sanset Place; also, Astor Dr. and Middleton Court in the Gardens section, are adjacent to what will be soon be the modification of a four to six lane section of busy highway. In 2006, the Board wrote to Mayor Hallman and the Transportation Committee requesting their serious consideration to address the current noise and view problems that will be of greater proportion during construction and forever after completion of the added lanes. We are advised that the road will come six feet closer to the Snee Farm properties which, several years ago, were dealt a blow when drainage work done by the MPWW negatively impacted a heavy buffer that was never adequately replanted. Greater adverse impact from the road expansion will translate to a lesser quality of life and property value to the adjacent homes. What negatively impacts one area of our Community affects us as a whole. Please attend and/or write to the Mayor and Council Members encouraging them to do what must be done to buffer/sound-wall those property owners from an avoidable extreme compromise to deserved quality living environment and property value protection.

September, 2008 - We are advised by the Town Transportation Dept. that the Plans should be complete approx. May, 2009 with the work beginning before the end of the year.

April, 2005 - In conjunction with the private study funded by the Town to evaluate the Project, the drainage impact concerns of Snee Farm were considered and resulted in the Hwy. Dept. agreeing to modify the mitigation aspect of the plan. The Town looked out for our interest in this regard and, for the short term, we should be OK; however, also resulting from that study the consultants pointed out, in the long-term, a probable increased impact on our lakes system to efficiently handle drainage without provision in accordance with the Town's "ten-year storm" policy.

June, 2008 - The lawsuit filed against the owners of Snee Farm Country Club to halt the construction of new homes on a portion of the club grounds has recently been settled in favor of the Club. A note to club members inserted with the January bills mentioned that the club owners had received a letter from I'ON's attorney stating "due to market conditions we can no longer go forward with this project." However, since that time, negotiations have re-opened with the I'ON group and club manager Mike Ashton is still very optimistic about the project.

September 11, 2007, Town Council APPROVES the rezoning necessary for the Club Project to move forward! Deferral from earlier Council meeting agendas was necessary for the Club Owners to plan their legal defense regarding the lawsuit filed against them by the LLC. Mid-day on the 11th, it was confirmed that they could return for the second and final reading. The attorney representing the Plaintiff in the lawsuit told Council Members that they should wait to act until the lawsuit is settled; however, legal counsel for the Club, Larry Richter, stated that it was their duty to vote now due to it being private litigation and not their business, and the "bogus" nature of the lawsuit as evidenced by the credibility of those who spoke against the project that night. The approval vote was 6-3 (Smith, Santos & Stokes-Marshall opposed). Updates on progress of the Project will continue to be posted as available.

May 1, 2007 - The Club Gen. Manager made the SFCF Board aware of the following: The day prior, the Club Owners learned of a Complaint (law suit) filed against them in the Court of Common Pleas by T. Goldstein, Attorney for "Save Snee Farm, LLC (formed in January, 2007) - Francis Hutto, Agent". The Board had no prior knowledge of the aforementioned and is not a party to the LLC's action. The Club has advised the Board that they "are planning a professional and aggressive defense" to what they believe is a "frivolous" effort by the Plaintiffs. In order that the Club has sufficient time to plan their action, the rezoning request Applicant (I'On Group) has requested that the rezoning vote be deferred from Town Council's May 8, 2007 Meeting Agenda.

April 10, 2007 - The Applicants advised Council that they needed some additional time in order to address some contractual matters. Town Council honored their request and approved deferring the topic/vote to their May 8, 2007 meeting which will be held at Town Hall, 7:00 PM.

March 13, 2007 - The first reading of Town Council on March 13, 2007 resulted in a 6-2 vote (Santos absent) to approve the rezoning request. At the April 10, 2007 regular Council meeting, there will be a second reading and vote - a favorable vote is needed to give final approval to the rezoning request that will enable the Clubhouse Project to be accomplished. This meeting will be open to the public.

March 11, 2007 - The Planning Committee of Town Council Meetings: In FEBRUARY with the Town staff and the Applicant to review the rezoning request information; limited input from others was heard at the Chairperson's (Ms. Stokes-Marshall) discretion. In MARCH with the Town staff to again review - public opinion was then heard. The Committee elected to send the request onto Council without a recommendation to approve or disapprove the rezoning request. This will be on Council's March 13, 2007 Public Hearing Agenda. At this meeting, they will vote on the requested rezoning. Please plan to attend this important meeting if you wish to speak.

January 24, 2007 - Town Planning Commission Public Hearing: The Board provided a letter to the Commission to advise of their position of support taken on January 23rd subsequent to the official survey results and the ongoing Board Committee dialogue with the Club in addressing the concerns and comments provided by the homeowners. Various agreements/understandings had been achieved and others are in process. More information is available under Member Resources, 2007 Meeting Minutes. Some of the areas of concern that we noted in the Commissioners' discussion: No experience and some confusion re. the new PD-MU-SU zoning classification which the Applicant is requesting; A Pinckney Historic Site representative expressed some concerns not having been contacted by the Club's representative (Seamon, Whiteside, & Assoc.) to evaluate the pool area location re. noise as well as buffer aspects of the project; The Commissions lack of experience as to how the Applicant's rezoning request should be evaluated relative to the new CR-O zoning classification, implemented by Council in 2006, with no precedent yet set. The application was moved forward to the Planning Committee of Council with recommendation to not approve the rezoning request. This will be on the Committee's Agenda for their February and March meetings open to the public.

December 20, 2006 - The Town Planning Commission Public Hearing had standing room only including into the hallway. The Town planning staff gave an overview of the Project rezoning submittal request to the Commission, followed by the Club's Gen. Mgr. and Project development Team providing additional information and answers to the Commissioners' questions. Everyone in the audience wanting to speak was able to do so. After brief discussion by the Commission, they agreed to keep the hearing open - they requested the Town provide information regarding drainage impact, and want to know if any steps need be taken concerning the rear aspect of the Project adjacent to the Pinckney Historic Site. This "open hearing" status means that it will be on their January 24, 2007 meeting agenda, and again open to the public. Please plan to attend - 5:00 PM. We will post a reminder on our signboards nearer to that date.

December 5, 2006 - Regular Board Meeting: The Committee presented the OFFICIAL SURVEY RESULTS (click to view), and draft of a package they recommended be provided to the Town Planning Department for inclusion in the Dept's. work to the Planning Commission. Also included in the package was a complete listing of all comments provided by the homeowners who responded to the survey; and, a LETTER TO THE COMMISSION (click on to view) from the Board requesting that the Commission delay review of the project for sixty days to allow the Board additional time to seek more definitive answers regarding the project; it also stated "The Foundation's goal is to respond to the questions and concerns raised by Snee Farm property owners during the past several weeks and frame a response that accurately reflects the opinions, and hopefully the consensus, of our community." A copy of a letter from Seamon, Whiteside & Associates to the Town on behalf of the Club owners was provided to the Board in which they too asked for a delay based on a request from the Board that they do so. It is important that you understand that these requests do not guarantee a delay and an official response will not occur prior to the Commission's Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 20 - Town Hall 5:00 PM. The topic will remain on their agenda and you will be permitted to speak. Therefore, it is important that you attend and express your thoughts on the Project if you wish to do so.

November 13, 2006 - On Wednesday, November 15, 2006, the Board of Directors will hold a Special Board Meeting to be held at the SFCC at 6:30 PM. The only topic planned for discussion is the newly appointed SFCC Committee regarding the Country Club's Proposed Project. It is open to all SFCF members.

November 6, 2006 - THE CLUB HAS SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS FOR SFCF HOMEOWNERS. In preparation for your Board of Directors soon contacting you to survey the level of community support on the proposed Project, we ask and encourage you to attend. This is your opportunity to personally view their proposed plans, learn the factual details, and get answers to questions from the various individuals who are part of the Club's team that created or plan to build the new residential section and Club facilities, all of which is subject to the Town's approval. Your input is important to the Club, and will be a very important factor in the Town's evaluation in making the rezoning decision. In order that the Club comfortably accommodate you due to space limitations, please plan to attend the Presentation that alphabetically correlates to your last name:
A - L   Tuesday, November 14, 6:00 PM    ~     M - Z   Wednesday, November 15, 6:00 PM

September 19, 2006: The Country Club Owners honored their "sixty-day prior to submission to the Town Planning Commission commitment" to our Board. With the various interests involved in the planning of the proposed Project, a full presentation was given to our Foundation and Ventura Villas Board Members. Your Board is now making plans to enable all Foundation homeowners the opportunity to have the same benefit of being provided complete information and ask questions as part of your evaluation process. Continue to check here for updates, and also watch for information from the Board and other credible sources via other methods.

Initial Information: See August, 2006 Newsletter on the Foundation Newsletters page under Member Resources. The Club Owners have not yet provided the actual preliminary development plans to the Board, however, we anticipate receiving them in the near future. Please watch for important information to know when the plans are available for your review and comments which are very important and needed by the Board prior to the Owner's submission of the their request to the Town for rezoning approval.

January 21, 2007 - The Town has confirmed a Public Meeting to present their updated information which includes a traffic light vs. traffic circle. Please plan to attend this important meeting to learn the facts and give our input as to what we think will best serve our Community for the long run. There is no doubt that a safe and efficient traffic solution need be achieved, but must be accomplished without negatively impacting property values based on the aesthetic aspects of this important entrance, including the living environment and view of it from our homes in that area. See the Town Public Meeting Notice (Click on to view).

May 3, 2006 - Mayor Hallman answered our request with a favorable response advising that the Board would be contacted to meet regarding options. We have since been advised by Town Staff that a study regarding a traffic light, and a conceptual round-about plan have been requested. The Board will be contacted to meet with the Planning Staff when all is ready to review.

Wednesday, April 12 - 6:00-8:00 PM, Public Meeting - Council Chambers (Town Municipal Complex at 100 Ann Edwards Lane). It will be a drop-in type format with a formal presentation at 6:30 lasting approx. 15 minutes. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a public display of the proposed Project improvements. Their present plan consists of a center turn-lane, closed drainage system, sidewalks on both sides of the road, and accommodations for bicycles; NO traffic signal at our entrance is planned. Our attendance is very important to give input to this plan including our thoughts on a roundabout which they were asked to look into. Also, the Project includes improvements the Town advises should provide relief to the Law Lane/Planters Curve areas experiencing storm water drainage problems. We cannot miss this opportunity in order that our concerns and preferences be heard - Please plan to attend to see first-hand, and provide input that you may feel is necessary for their consideration.
MEETING OUTCOME - A decision for the Whipple Rd entrance can help or handicap our residents for many years to come. Only a very small number of Snee Farm residents attended this important meeting. However, the hearing was well organized - our small representation of property owners combined with your Board members were able to give input/get answers along with residents of neighboring Whipple Rd. communities. Your Board has since written to Council to request their authorizing the Town to prepare a complete roundabout plan (comparable to the one at Muirhead Dr.) that we can evaluate against the three lanes/no light concept. Snee Farm deserves to have all options explored in order that the goal of safety (vehicle & pedestrian), efficiency and aesthetic quality be achieved.

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 7:00 PM - VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ATTEND Town Council's first reading of the proposal from the Planning Commission. The lawyers representing the various golf course owners will be there to fight this effort. Therefore, it is crucial that, once again, the room is full of homeowners to encourage Council to do the right thing and protect what is an integral part of our investment and lifestyle as it was originally intended and marketed to be. IT IS URGENT THAT SNEE FARM JOIN WITH THE OTHER AFFECTED COMMUNITIES & SUPORT THE CR-O ZONING PROPOSAL TO PROTECT OUR INTERESTS! Meanwhile, please click here on the Town's website address (www.townofmountpleasant.com) to readily email each Council Member with your comments to gain their support.
MEETING OUTCOME: Attendance was not as strong, but Community representatives, including ours, spoke to Council stressing the importance of their passing the proposed rezoning on first reading. In spite of any opposition presented by some of the Golf Course representatives, Council unanimously voted to pass it, with will send it to second/final reading at the June 13 Town Meeting.

Wednesday, April 19 - 5:00 PM, Public Hearing in Council Chambers. This hearing is NOT for the purpose of the Snee Farm Country Club Owner's impending rezoning request for their proposed Project. It is an effort initiated by the Town to amend the Zoning Code to adopt a new classification to be known as Conservation-Recreation Open Space (CR-O) to provide greater protection to ALL Mt. Pleasant golf courses specifically for golf course related activities so that should the owner of a golf course decide to develop anything other than a golf course, club house, or related use, the property must first be rezoned by Town Council for the new proposed use. In addition to a text amendment to the Zoning Code, this public hearing also serves to rezone Patriots Point and Snee Farm golf courses to this new classification (CR-O). The Snee Farm golf course has a present zoning classification of R-1 (Residential). Please plan to attend to learn more and provide any input you may feel necessary for their consideration.
MEETING OUTCOME: There was no standing room left when the crowd of property owners from the various golf course communities filled the room. Snee Farm homeowners made a good showing of our Community's support of the proposal. The overriding message spoken, and by the unanimous show of hands to the Planning Commission, was support of the proposed CR-O zoning classification to help protect the clubs/golf course recreational features from being altered by their Owners to anything less than that. This proposal will now go to Town Council for first reading - See the above information regarding the upcoming important meeting that again needs your attendance and support!