From staff reports
Two dozen Cat Island property owners showed up Monday night to protest a one-plus mile of riprap erosion control devices proposed by a development firm, which wants to build on Cane Island.
Kane Island Development Company LLC has submitted a permit proposal to the S.C. Bureau of Coastal Management (BCM) to build 5,951 linear feet of riprap and 490 linear feet of an 8.5-foot-tall wooden bulkhead along Distant Island Creek to support development of Upper Cane Island.
The development company revealed in February plans to follow through on a 30-year-old Planned Unit Development to construct up to 240 residences, 130,000 square feet of commercial space including a waterfront inn and marina. The PUD which was part of the annexation agreement with the city outlined terms for future development.
Residents of Cat Island, which adjoins Cane and shares access to the islands through a single, curvy, two-lane road, have protested the development, particularly the additional traffic that will be created at the intersection with Sea Island Parkway.
A dozen speakers Monday night asked the BCM staff to reject the request, which representatives of the developers said was needed to protect waterfront lots.
A representative of the S.C. Coastal Conservation League also spoke against the permit on grounds the proposed riprap would extend into the critical water areas in violation of the state’s Coastal Zone Management Act.
The public comment period extends until Oct. 6. Comments may be made through the project website at https://bit.ly/46uVvVl.
