Posted by Thomas1776 on June 9, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Robert Pratt sounds like is a crook who uses his office for his own personal financial gain. Is the FBI keeping an eye on him? Well if not, perhaps they should be.

Posted by Thomas1776 on June 9, 2008 at 1:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Robbie Robbins and those lame brain factory patent allegations that all lawyers use. What a joke. Worried about the image? LMAO!

Posted by moonpie on June 9, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the property has been zoned one way for this long how did concil think they could just change it to any zoning the wanted?? Sounds like Mr Feltner used the system to his advantage. So that it would have "passed the sniff test" he should have had another memeber of council do this and not him.

Posted by cappy on June 9, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Do I see a conflict of interest??? How can a realtor be put in such a position as Planning Commissioner and be expected to approve anything that would impede him or his developer cronies regardless of the impact.

Posted by theronce on June 9, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is so common. Only when they fall out with each other do some of the people see it. Conflict of interest on both sides? Ohhhhhhhh, nooooooo, they say. It's not like the zoning has been a big secret for all these recent years.

Posted by totheright on June 9, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr Pratt omitted important information in his permit requests like previous permit applications ("No") and flooding information. The residents at the meeting had huge fotos of the lake that emerges when it rains. Robert Pratt owns Dorchester County and he and his cronies think that they can do ANYTHING that they want and cry "personal Property rights". Now they're backing a closing attorney for election to control County Council. Wake up Dorchester County! Vote Fred Luxmore in!

Posted by onedeep on June 9, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Robert Pratt is a complete waste. The buildings that he builds on his properties are poorly constructed, and he only does the bear minimum to fix them when something goes wrong. Which of course only leads to more things going wrong.

Fact is, Ashborough residents are absolutely justified in keeping this carrion and anything he touches as far away from their homes as possible.

Posted by Floger76 on June 9, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sure, vote for Luxmore. He wants to stop growth of new subdivisions. Of course, he bought a new home in a new subdivision less than three years ago. But all of a sudden these new developements are evil (once he got his new home).

Posted by drp7773 on June 9, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow.......corruption in Dorchester county, who would have thunk it.......But dont worry when elections come around we can vote the same click back in to piss our money away.

Posted by bigwhip on June 9, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pratt on the planning commission is like having the fox guarding the hen house. A clear conflict of interest. These council members need to understand that their appointments to boards & commissions is a very important responsibility.

Posted by CokeClassic68 on June 9, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is it not a conflict of interest for the Planning Commissioner (who is also a commercial realtor) to be involved financially in something that he is also helping regulate?

Should Commissioner Pratt not recuse himself from any action(s) with which he has a professional relationship?

Seems a bit odd to me.

Posted by robbybobby on June 9, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

speaking of foxes and hen houses, how about the messervey guy (who is a realtor) running for auditor and his only opponent gets fired a week before the election. A realtor with access to all sort of tax notices, delinquent notices, etc. What a sniff test that one seems to be. Can you say insider information?????

Posted by Thomas1776 on June 9, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Pratt bought about three- quarters of an acre on Woodlake Drive about a year ago for about $40,000."

"Pratt is crying foul. He said he has sunk almost $40,000 into the project, not counting the cost of the land. He said he got nothing but green lights from the county until now."

"More than 350 residents signed a petition against the condos."

Pratt wants to fight "We The People" will support from his allies? Is this man stupid, or what? People can dig up all sorts of illegal doings by him and his cronies and make their lives a living hell. After all, the law is the law - right?

Go away Pratt. These people have figured you out to be a crook.

Posted by Thomas1776 on June 9, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

robbybobby,

Exactly. Most of these people who run for office (like Nancy Cook) are wanting to line their own pockets. There are a few who actually are in it for the good of all and DO NOT abuse their positions should they be elected or appointed.

This is yet another reason why everything has got to be turned inside out for everyone to see what really goes on. With that said, I think we need to do more audits and put up websites with detailed transactions and more.

White collar crime is, and has been, going on here more often that the public really knows about.

Posted by CaptPete on June 9, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These developers and realestate people have done a wonderful job making the roads where it takes you 45 mins to go across Summerville. The nice trees have been cut down and replaced with these eyesore ugly designed homes. Vote Messervey if you want it to continue.

Posted by myheartwillgoon on June 9, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought some of you were educated that posted on this forum, but explain to me how an auditor can affect growth policy. If you know anything about government, you would know that is just simply not true. And Messervy has said he will retire his real estate license if he wins.

And as far as Feltner and Pratt go, both need to just be quiest. It's divisivness they both bring to the table that doesn't allow Dorchester County to move forward with productive solutions.

Posted by svilletruthhurts on June 9, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Celine, we need proactive leaders -- guys willing to buck the trend -- that's what Bill Hearn did last time he was on council. He won't be a Jamie Feltner clone.

As for the auditor's race, I couldn't care less, but I wont't vote for somebody giving selective tax breaks to family like Teresa did.

Posted by AnotherVoice on June 9, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where were Mr. Robbins and Mr. Templeton when a landowner who had purchased property in Knightsville for the purpose of building soccer fields had his property rezoned from DE-1 Development District, which would have allowed for recreational fields, to multi-family. He had a much greater investment than Mr. Pratt and knew nothing about the rezoning until he applied for permits. Or are they concerned "about the image we're projecting" or the "citizens of this county" only when one of their buddies is affected! I'm sure there are numerous other examples out there too.

Mr. Pratt has some nerve saying the rezoning request doesn't pass the "sniff test". He was at the first reading before County Council so obviously he was aware of it. Remember, he is the one who managed to get applications with "erroneous" information through DHEC and the county -- knowing applications for this same property were not approved 2 years ago. I suggest Mr. Pratt hold his nose because something definitely stinks!

Posted by retired96 on June 9, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"And Messervy has said he will retire his real estate license if he wins." unquote

I GUESS HE WILL, SINCE HE CAN'T MAKE A LIVING IN THIS CURRENT RE DOWNTURN. HE WILL HAVE HIS "FRIENDS" WHO CAN USE THEIR RE LICENSE TO HELP HIM CORRUPT THE "SYSTEM" AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A POLITICAL POSITION TO ROB TAXPAYERS.

Posted by redman1959 on June 9, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why don't you complainers stop complaining and do something constructive, RUN FOR OFFICE, change things. Otherwise, shut up

Posted by localboy on June 9, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I agree with Celine, we need proactive leaders -- guys willing to buck the trend -- that's what Bill Hearn did last time he was on council. He won't be a Jamie Feltner clone."

You are kidding!?! Bill Hearn? Exactly what does he do for a living? Oh yeah he closes real estate deals! So if we control growth in the county and there are less homes to sell how does Hearn profit if he helps control the sprawl? Wasn't Hearn on the County Council when Scott ran it? Did he vote along with Scott and allow this sprawl to get out of control? Get real - Luxemore may not be answer but he's better than putting another fox in charge of the hen house. Voting for Hearn is like keeping Murphree on the Council and that is certainly a huge mistake - unless all you want is more sprawl!

Posted by localboy on June 9, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry Hearn was pre Scott but anyway how about this logic:
"In the last six to eight months, I've been increasingly concerned about the present direction of County Council," said Bill Hearn, a 48-year-old Summerville real-estate attorney who served on council from 1995 to 2002. "A moratorium is a formula for disaster. People are concerned about their jobs and being able to maintain their standard of living."
So a moratorium in place because there is NO comprehensive plan in place is a problem? When houses are being foreclosed on at the current rate because folks that could not really afford house payments but got financed because growth was not controlled - that's maintaining a standard of living. How about the "illegal" immigrants doing the construction of all of the hundreds of home because the growth was not controlled and the tract builders hired anyone? That's maintaining a standard of living right?
Nice guy but no hint that he supports controlled and managed growth to allow the county to catch up with the great mistakes made in the recent past by the Councils (Town and County)!
Yeah a real estate closing attorney is just what we need on County Council but only if we think we need more uncontrolled growth!

Posted by svilletruthhurts on June 9, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

how many new homes do you think bill hearn has ever closed? the likely answer is hardly any since there not handled by small time closing attorneys. his wife is a realtor who will profit from no growth because lower inventories equal higher home prices and a willing to buy market. the reason realtors struggle now is the out-of-control unbridled growth that we had before. a reasonable, manageable growth plan with a comprehensive plan will do the trick. we do have a comprehensive plan it's just not followed by the politically weak like Larry Hargett, Richard Rosebrock, Willie Davis and Kenny Waggoner. Those four are what's wrong with this county, not Jamie Feltner or Mike Murphree.

Posted by realdealsummerville on June 9, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that by saying a particular profession is corrupt is wrong. That is like saying that if your brother is a thief you are a thief. I thought that labeling was just not the thing to do. Also, it is hard to Lead your county when you are calling people names like a 5th grader. And this goes for both sides.

I agree that Hearn may not be the best choice, not because of his profession but because he was on Council before and look what we have now. He is educated and seems to listen well. Luxemore seems like a very nice man but he is tighly aligned with Feltner. It also seems that he has a real desire to help is community. It is kinda hypocritical to complain about all of these new neighborhoods when he just built a new house and most lickely sold his to someone else who is stressing our roads and schools. Kinda a toss up.

Pratt is outspoken and is wrong a lot. He is also a pretty sincere person the few times that I have met him. He does a lot for his community. As for how great of a land lord his is I am not sure. He does have a lot of signs. Almost as many as all of these huge political signs in Summerville.

I am raising my children to look at people for what they are and not what they have. If we keep disqualifying people because if profession then we may need to start doing the same if for instance so many of them work at the same FACTORY. I do not agree with that. I do not care if all 7 work together or not, I just want someone to get us solutions so my children can go to good schools and it not take 45 minutes to get across Summerville.

All of these people, and I mean all, are very impressed with themselves. They are not working for the people. Lets elect and stress to our friends to run for office and put their community first.

Posted by JohnS on June 9, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Try going on to Bacons Bridge road in the morning. This mess was caused by out of control growth. I agree don't vote anyone into office having to do with the real estate. The previous poster must be a drunk.

Posted by realdealsummerville on June 10, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JohnS: Usually people act like that when they are not smart enough to craft a real argument. But you have your opinion just like I have mine. Yours is just a little more bias. Be sure to vote for your folks on Tuesday. I am going to do the same.

Posted by KBhonest on June 10, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr.Pratt, You need to be honest with yourself. Just try sitting back for a moment and notice the "Conflict of Interest" that is between you and Mr.Feltner. The best way to keep the peace would be to sell your land and Oh' yea now that a year has past, you'll make more than 40,000,"what you paid" then try looking into buying some land with all these older unused homes on the land that is a disgust to look at as we as a community drive by and see everyday. Maybe purchase that land and bring good out of a community instead of all this unjustice conflict that is unnecessary. Be a positive person and bring society up! Think twice before being a negative person and bringing society down.

Posted by thevilleslr on June 10, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It seems that many of the posts have veered completely off track. The issue here is the rezoning of one's personally owned property. Regardless of his or hers profession, a property owner should not be subjected to the unwanted, unsolicited & unnecessary rezoning of their property.

I've heard the concerns of the residents of Ashborough in regards to the drainage issues in the neighborhood. This has been an ongoing issue for these residents and will not be corrected until Dorchester County makes the necessary repairs to the COUNTY easements and drainage ways. I may suggest you call on the assistance of your dedicated Councilman, Mr. Feltner to ensure the County corrects these problems and improves the condition of your personal property.

Whether single family homes or condos, the outcome is the same. Some sort of housing structure(s) will occupy this parcel of land. The professional engineers that spoke during the Planning Commission hearing referenced above indicated without a doubt that the construction of Mr. Pratt's proposed 5-Unit townhome complex would ASSIST in correcting the existing drainage problems. Now, if I needed to know what speckled white critter was eating my prized petunias I would consult an expert in the agricultural profession. What Mr. Pratt has done here is consult an expert in the engineering profession...who, by the way disproved the drainage argument in this case. Please remember, the issue here is the rezoning of one's personally owned property. What the issue is not, is the ongoing problem of drainage in Ashborough - which, by the way is the neighborhing community to where the parcel in question is located.

Again, I encourage the Ashborough residents affected by the drainage issues of their neighborhood to call upon their elected offical to work with them in bettering the county's easements and drainage ways. I am positive Mr. Jamie Feltner can place his call to the County requesting that assistance; after all it is his neighborhood.

Posted by AnotherVoice on June 10, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In response to thevilleslr, "Give me a break"! What do you expect the engineer who drew up the plans and is being paid by Mr. Pratt to say? Keep in mind this is the same engineer and the same plans that were NOT approved 2 years ago and who has still not done the soil studies DHEC requested!

It's amazing how people like you who haven't experienced the drainage problems can just say the county will make "the necessary repairs". The county has been trying to do that for the last several weeks with no noticeable improvement. The surrounding area is still saturated when it rains and the ditch has standing water. I'm sure the county has already invested more in trying to make "the necessary repairs" than Mr. Pratt has invested in the property!

Posted by thevilleslr on June 11, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AnotherVoice - thanks for your opinion. You are correct on the matter that I do not live in Ashborough and therefore have not experienced the drainage problems first-hand. I am in no way being unsympathetic toward the residents that are having problems there. I'm simply stating that the drainage of a piece of land has nothing whatsoever to do with the zoning of a separate piece of land - they're two completely different issues.

On the topic of the plans not having been approved 2 years ago; I understand there were a set of plans that were not approved. Developers are constantly submitting and re-submitting plans for review until they ARE accepted. These plans were accepted by the county upon submission. The permits were not revoked until the request for rezoning was submitted to Dorchester County.

I'm glad that the county has begun addressing this issue for the residents of Ashborough. On the flip side of that, I'm not surprised in the least that these efforts have only begun over "the last several weeks". The residents have been raising concerns over the drainage issues for quite some time now - seems the county should've been on this long before now...long before they decided it was acceptable to request a rezoning of someone else's property.

Posted by AnotherVoice on June 11, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with thevilleslr that rezoning is not a perfect solution. Ideally, nothing would be built on this property because even a single dwelling will create additional drainage problems. But because of political pressure this time around the county will probably not support us on that. Obviously, five condos with necessary parking area (there is no other area available for parking) will create more problems than a single home with a driveway. OCRM apparently agrees with this also because they don't require storm water permits for single-family dwellings. So the rezoning is a comprimise of sorts.

Also, you have some erroneous information concerning the timing of the rezoning request and the termination of the permit approval. The approval letter was terminated on March 18, 2008, due to "an error in the permit application concerning an existing drainage issue." (Mr. Pratt's application stated there were no flooding problems adjacent to the site and it failed to list previous permits applied for--even though he was realtor for the previous developer and spoke at the public OCRM hearing 2 years ago.) It was AFTER that termination that residents approached Mr. Feltner about the rezoning request.

We're not surprised either that the county's efforts to address our drainage issues has just started recently. Seems making sure Mr. Pratt can build whatever he wants on his property outweighs 350 signatures of Ashborough residents on a petition. Who do we sue when OUR property is damaged or devalued because of these actions? Don't we have property rights too?