Planning nominee opts outDeveloper says he's tired of recent controversy By Andy Paras (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Originally published 12:00 a.m., October 7, 2008
Updated 03:22 p.m., October 7, 2008 If you goThe Berkeley County Planning Commission meets at 6:30 tonight in the Berkeley County Office building at 1003 U.S. Highway 52 in Moncks Corner. MONCKS CORNER — A developer is turning down a spot on the Berkeley County Planning Commission because he's tired of the controversy his potential appointment has caused, future Councilman Bob Call said Monday night. Call said Brandon Hawkins of Pendley Construction told him he no longer wanted the position shortly after The Post and Courier asked Hawkins questions about their political and business relationships. Hawkins did not return calls about rejecting the position. Call, an architectural designer, has done work for Pendley Construction in the past and this spring received a $1,000 campaign contribution from Pendley's owner. Those facts came to light after Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis last week fired Planning Director Jeff Tyndall. Davis said Tyndall ignored a direct order by calling the State Ethics Commission about having a developer on the Planning Commission. Call said he never intended for Hawkins' appointment to cause the firestorm it has. He said he wanted the Air Force veteran on the commission because he could help others commissioners understand some of the issues. But others viewed it as having a fox guard the henhouse. "In my opinion, the Planning Commission is supposed to be a neutral place, the ears of the people," said commission Vice Chairman Patty Baxley. "If you put people who have special interests on the commission, then you kind of nullify the effect the commission has." Some residents of Spring Grove Plantation, a planned community built by Pendley in Berkeley County, said they are worried the relationship between Call and Hawkins will lead to an unwanted apartment complex next door to their homes. They are expected to appear at a Planning Commission meeting tonight to fight a rezoning request by Pendley that would allow apartments next to homes that range in price from $140,000 to $250,000. "We don't feel that a developer who has issues in this county needs to be on the commission," said resident Rick Simmons. Simmons said the group is worried that even if the Planning Commission denies the request, Call, who has drawn plot plans for Pendley, will be on council in time to vote for its approval. Call is running unopposed for a County Council seat in the November election. Call said he does not think his relationship with Hawkins and Pendley Construction would prevent him from voting fairly on the issue. Hawkins said earlier in the day that it was likely that the issue would already be resolved before Call is expected to take office in January. "Bob Call has nothing to do with the Planning Commission or council at this time," Hawkins said. Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com. Editor's note: Earlier versions of this story incorrectly identified Call's work for Pendley. The Post and Courier regrets the error. |
Article tools |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 6 comment(s)
Posted by creekgirl4 on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As usual, FALSE information being given to the public. Bob Call has not designed any apartments for Pendley Construction or Spring Grove Plantation Development. Bob Call's work for Pendley Construction simply consisted of drawing "plot plans" for homes, not an apartment complex. Pendley Contruction has never even built an apartment complex. The implication that there was money given for a position on the Planning Commission is completely preposterous! Neither Mr. Hawkins nor Mr. Call would be in position to vote on this proposed apartment complex. The comment that was made regarding people on the Planning Commission having special interests is ironic. Individuals currently holding positions on the Planning Commission have special interests. There is currently an individual that owns a construction company that actually bid on work in Spring Grove Plantation, a Real-Estate agent that has sold houses in Spring Grove, an owner of a Timber Company, etc. This article was simply a smear tactic by individuals that clearly do not have all of the facts straight.
Posted by blunt on October 7, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This episode reveals to me: Dan Davis' horrible leadership skills; Mr. Tyndall's interest in trying to be objective and obtain accurate information in order to protect his boss (Davis) and the County; Mr. Call's trying to use his influence as a Berkeley County Councilman before he is elected as a Councilman; and, a businessman trying to position himself for favors. I agree with wpc3iop! Unfortunately, every day citizens suffer!
Posted by shac778 on October 7, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Unfortunately, the situation regarding Spring Grove Plantation and Pendley construction goes much deeper than the present situation at hand. I am glad that finally some of the things that have been happening to the homeowners there are finally coming to light. There are many things we were all promised so that we would move there. I moved to my neighborhood to have a nice place to come home to at night and unfortunately it has been Mr. Hawkins himself that has caused most of this chaos. Had he and his company behaved in a more professional manner, there might be more respect for him there. I am sure he is frustrated now because we as homeowners are tired of this nonsense and will not tolerate this "I pat your back you pat mine" mindset. This is definitely a story to stay on top of and it will be intersting to see what comes about when the change of office takes place.
Posted by inyourface on October 7, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This last post is very humorous, someone actually trying to justify what they have been caught trying to get away with. Most of these people in the column have been trying to get one over on the residents of Spring Grove for the past 3 years and now is the time for them to answer for it. I am just so happy that they are getting what they deserve.
Posted by shac778 on October 7, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree....there is no justification for what we as homeowners have had to endure. I will defintely be attending the zoning meeting tonight as with most of my neighbors. I am very happy that now more people are becoming aware of what is going on and what could have possibly happened had the neighborhood not spoke up.
Posted by gamck69 on October 7, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like the 2nd comment came from a wife!