The Land Use Committee on Tuesday postponed for one month a rezoning request by Silverbird LLC that would have changed roughly 4.66 acres on Old Somerville Road and Varner Street from manufactured residential (R-2) to office-institutional (OI) for a proposed 47-townhome project. Staff recommended approval while the planning commission had recommended denial on a 6–1 vote. Chair announced the item would be postponed to the December committee meeting after a motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.

The committee also approved a slate of zoning-map amendments. On second reading, Bill 25-48 (requested by Prestige Commercial Properties LLC for multiple TMS parcels totaling about 10.7 acres) was approved on a motion by Councilman Newell and seconded by Councilwoman Stern. The committee then approved Bill 25-49 and Bill 25-57 (motions carried on voice votes). At third reading the committee approved Bill 25-47, Bill 25-52, Bill 25-53 and Bill 25-54; each item was moved, seconded, and carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The postponed Silverbird LLC request would have changed a residential parcel to office-institutional and enabled the developer’s plan for 47 townhomes; postponement delays any final county action and preserves the planning commission’s earlier denial for further review. The other approved bills enact changes to the county’s official zoning and development standards map for multiple parcels across Berkeley County.

Details at a glance:
• Bill 25-56 — Rezoning for Silverbird LLC (approx. 4.66 acres; Old Somerville Road and Varner Street) — Postponed to December committee meeting. Staff recommended approval; planning commission recommended denial (6–1). (topic intro: SEG 187; topic finish: SEG 226)
• Bill 25-48 — Zoning amendment for Prestige Commercial Properties LLC (approx. 10.7 acres) — Approved (motion: Councilman Newell; second: Councilwoman Stern). (topic intro: SEG 235; topic finish: SEG 255)
• Bill 25-49 — Approved (motion by Councilwoman Stern; second recorded). (topic intro: SEG 256; topic finish: SEG 267)
• Bill 25-57 — Approved (motion by Councilman Davis; second by Councilman Owens). (topic intro: SEG 268; topic finish: SEG 276)
• Bills 25-47, 25-52, 25-53, 25-54 — Approved at third reading; motions moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. (topic intro: SEG 277; topic finish: SEG 317)

What happens next: The postponed Bill 25-56 will return to the Land Use Committee at its December meeting. All other approved ordinances will proceed per the county’s ordinance adoption procedures or to the next legislative step required by county code.