September 25, 2025

Ridgeland Town Council Rejects Tickton Hall Annexation Request

Ridgeland, September 25, 2025

News Summary

The Ridgeland Town Council has voted 4-1 to reject a request for the annexation of Tickton Hall, a proposed development of 1,400 homes and substantial commercial space. This decision came after nearly three years of discussions and community concerns about wastewater treatment, traffic congestion, and environmental impact. Town officials highlighted potential burdens on local resources as a key factor in their rejection, reinforcing the commitment to growth management and preserving the area’s character.

Ridgeland Town Council Rejects Tickton Hall Annexation Request After Three Years of Discussion

The Ridgeland Town Council voted 4-1 to reject the annexation request for Tickton Hall, a proposed development encompassing 1,400 acres located east of Ridgeland, approximately eight miles away on the Euhaw River. The developers sought to build 1,400 homes and up to 250,000 square feet of commercial space on the property.

This pivotal decision followed nearly three years of discussions that involved significant community input and growing concerns from residents. Numerous locals attended the recent council meeting to voice their opposition to the proposed annexation.

Community Concerns Voiced

Residents expressed worries regarding wastewater treatment, traffic congestion, and potential environmental degradation. Additionally, they raised fears about the financial burden that this substantial development could impose on the already strained resources of Ridgeland. Elements such as stormwater runoff and the potential negative impact on the Broad River were some of the key environmental concerns highlighted during public comments.

Town Officials’ Worries

Town officials, including the mayor, expressed specific worries about the uncertainties surrounding essential services like fire protection, water and sewer services, and stormwater management. According to Ridgeland Town Administrator Dennis Averkin, a feasibility study indicated that the proposed development would place an unfair burden on the town’s resources. Given these findings, the council’s decision aims to safeguard the interests of the community.

Impact on Local Traffic and Future Development

Moreover, the Beaufort County Council is currently considering traffic improvements on S.C. 170, which would be significantly affected by the new development. The rejection of Tickton Hall’s annexation aligns with the town’s Comprehensive Plan, reflecting a commitment to avoiding overcrowding similar to neighboring Bluffton.

Future discussions regarding other development projects, including proposals from Pine Island that may involve significant financial considerations for zoning changes, are anticipated. Citizens are actively engaged in ongoing dialogues about the consequences of development on local infrastructure and the environment.

Conclusion

The denial of Tickton Hall’s annexation request underscores residents’ concerns about effective growth management and the importance of preserving the character of the area. The decision is an essential step in ensuring that the development aligns with the town’s long-term vision.

FAQ

What was the outcome of the Ridgeland Town Council vote regarding Tickton Hall?

The Ridgeland Town Council voted 4-1 to reject the annexation request for Tickton Hall.

How large is the Tickton Hall property?

Tickton Hall encompasses 1,400 acres located east of Ridgeland, approximately eight miles away on the Euhaw River.

What were the proposed developments on the Tickton Hall property?

The developers proposed to build 1,400 homes and up to 250,000 square feet of commercial space on the property.

What were some concerns raised by residents at the council meeting?

Concerns included issues related to wastewater treatment, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and the financial burden of the development on Ridgeland.

How did town officials view the proposed development?

Town officials, including Mayor Joey Malphrus, expressed worries about the uncertainties surrounding fire protection, water and sewer services, and stormwater management.

What did the feasibility study indicate about the development’s impact?

Ridgeland Town Administrator Dennis Averkin stated a feasibility study indicated that the development would impose an unfair burden on the town’s resources.

Key Features of Tickton Hall Development Proposal

Feature	Detail
Property Size	1,400 acres
Location	East of Ridgeland, 8 miles away on Euhaw River
Proposed Homes	1,400 homes
Proposed Commercial Space	Up to 250,000 square feet
Council Vote Outcome	4-1 to reject
Duration of Discussions	Nearly three years
Community Concerns	Wastewater treatment, traffic congestion, environmental degradation

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Ridgeland Town Council Considers Major Tickton Hall Development

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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