Developers propose upscale amenities for town center

Developers told a Planning and Development Committee hearing Wednesday about amenities that would make a proposed Summerville Town Center special, and sought Summerville's help to pay for them.

The planned upscale retail, office and residential project on a 57-acre tract at U.S. Highway 78 and the Berlin G. Myers Parkway could provide up to half a million square feet of commercial space by 2013. A small number of residences would be located atop shops and stores, according to conceptual plans prepared for Thomas Calcote and Steve Varn, who bought the tract two years ago.

The potentially $50-$60 million project would feature open space, hiking and biking trails beside the two major highways and a bridge spanning a canal dividing the site from a nearby neighborhood. The trails would connect to the existing Sawmill Branch hiking and biking trail.

But how much the town should be expected to invest in amenities — the trails, the bridge, a service road for water and sewage and upkeep — was debated by the committee.

No one from the public spoke concerning the proposed project. It will face a second public hearing 6 p.m. Thursday at a Planning Commission meeting in Town Hall. Wednesday's hearing was about hammering out a development agreement between the town and project developers.

Neil Robinson, an attorney representing the developers, said the project needs no variances or zoning changes, and theoretically could proceed with a modest commercial site without extras. But, he said, with the town's help, the project could become an asset. "This is a high-end development, not a strip shopping center," he said.

Robinson said the project compares to "a down-sized Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. We think it will be a great addition to the town of Summerville," he said.

Though neither the developers nor town officials or council members would speak in specific dollar terms, both sides agreed the project would make contributions to the town in impact fees. Developers expressed hope the fees could offset the costs of the proposed amenities. Summerville Planning and Development Director Charlie Miller said, however, impact fees by law are tied to a capitol improvements plan and go into parks and playgrounds, fire protection and town facilities.

Councilman Aaron Brown said town residents have instructed elected officials to avoid approving developments that cost the current populace money.

Councilman Bob Jackson suggested creating a special taxing district that would include only the proposed project site or other area commercial sites. Town officials also suggested federal grants might help pay for amenities.