Hearings held on multi-boat docks

EDISTO ISLAND — More than 100 people crowded public hearings on plans to build multi-boat docks for a 10-lot development on Sand Creek and a five-lot development on Bailey Creek. Only one spoke for a developer.

The proposals have angered residents and the conservation organizations that have made a mission of keeping the island's scenic, rural character intact. The creeks are tidal backwaters. Owners of older, "family" docks along the creeks and conservationists are fighting what they call "mini-marinas" for room and view.

Developers say the multi-boat docks are less intrusive than a row of docks for each new home. Opponents say they are built to provide more docks for more homes than environmental rules would otherwise allow.

The hearings Thursday ran back-to-back for about two hours, said Adam Myrick, media relations specialist for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

S.C. Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, a DHEC division, held the hearing before deciding whether to grant a permit for either project.

A representative of the Bailey Creek project told residents he would answer any questions after the meeting. No one spoke for the Sand Creek project.

Jim Brailsford of the Edisto Island Open Land Trust and the Edisto Island Community Association said he expects the decision will be appealed "whether they grant either permit, deny it or grant it with conditions."

A decision is expected after the Oct. 3 close of the comment period. Any appeal would go to the DHEC board, and then could go to a state administrative law judge.

Reach Bo Petersen at 745-5852 or bpetersen@postandcourier.com.