We are writing to inform you that the Island Park Place Health and Wellness Village proposed development is back before the Charleston County Planning Commission. Despite being denied by the County Council in February, the developer has submitted the same Planned Development (PD) proposal—with virtually no changes!

This development, if approved, would have serious and permanent detrimental impacts on both the environment and the local community. Key concerns include habitat loss, destruction of grand trees, wetlands filling, increased flooding, and the disruption of the rural character of Johns Island.

The Charleston County Planning Commission will hear this matter on November 18, and public comments are crucial. Comments must be submitted by 5:00 PM on November 14. Your voice is essential in ensuring that the community’s concerns are heard.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Submit your comments online here.
• Email your comments directly here.
• Full details of the proposed PD can be found here.

The Kiawah Conservancy has been advised that opposition to this development should be led by the Johns Island community. The Conservancy will provide support and resources as needed, including assistance with community education on the environmental impacts. We are committed to ensuring that Johns Island residents are the face of this opposition and will be here to provide a platform for your voices.

As many of you know, our collective efforts played a critical role in this planned development being denied previously. While support from all the sea island communities was invaluable, it became clear that the turnout from Johns Island residents was the decisive factor in influencing the County Council's decision.

This experience underscores the power of our community's voice, and it reminds us that our involvement is essential to shaping the future of our islands. We must continue to build on this momentum and ensure our presence is felt when important decisions are made. We encourage you to voice your concerns to the Planning Commission, but more importantly, we ask you to show your support to the Johns Island community which will be most impacted by this decision.

The Kiawah Conservancy’s opposition to this development stems from a variety of serious environmental and community impacts including:

• Habitat Loss and Wildlife Corridor Fragmentation: The proposed development threatens critical wildlife habitats and disrupts established corridors essential for local species.
• Destruction of Grand Trees: The project plans to cut down twelve (12) mature grand trees, which are vital to the local ecosystem.
• Wetlands Destruction: The development will involve filling in up to two (2) acres of wetlands, which provide important ecological functions, including flood mitigation and water filtration.
• Environmental Risks: There is concern over potential groundwater and watershed contamination due to the use of septic systems in this area.
• Increased Flooding and Water Quality Issues: With 60% of the development being impervious surfaces, the project is likely to exacerbate flooding and negatively affect water quality in the region.
• Threat of Over-Development: This project could serve as a steppingstone to up-zoning and high-density development, further changing the rural character of Johns Island.

It is also important to note that in past surveys, over 80% of residents from Johns Island, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island expressed opposition to this proposed development, reflecting widespread concern for the preservation of our community’s natural beauty and quality of life.

As we move forward, it is critical that we continue to advocate for the protection of this fragile environment, and we encourage each of you to stay informed and involved in these discussions. Our collective voice is our greatest strength in shaping the future of our islands!

Thank you for your continued commitment to preserving the values that make our communities unique.