My family has lived on this land for generations. It is inherited family land — not just property, but a living part of our identity, history, and cultural heritage. The residents along Wildgame Road, Sheep Island Road, Washington Town Road, Beltline Road, and Starline Road are not newcomers; we have been here long before large-scale development reached this area. We oppose the proposed annexation of parcel TMS 195-00-00-046 into the Town of Summerville and the associated Eleventh Amendment to the Nexton Development Agreement, because these actions create significant legal, environmental, safety, and economic consequences for long-standing families and rural communities. While our homes are not being annexed, annexing the surrounding land will directly affect us through flooding, drainage failures, school and traffic overload, fire/EMS response times, zoning changes, and long-term infrastructure strain. ⚠️ Flooding and Drainage Risks After moderate rainfall, many of our roads become unsafe or inaccessible due to standing water, overflowing ditches, and low-lying terrain. This area already struggles with drainage. Adding 893 acres of new development — including 182 acres of wetlands — will increase runoff, reduce tree cover, and intensify flooding unless substantial stormwater improvements are made. ⚠️ Traffic & Road Safety Risks Traffic on Jedburg Road, Nexton Parkway, Sheep Island, and Highway 176 is already failing. Additional zoning density will worsen delays, cut-through traffic, and increase safety risks — especially in an area that has already seen tragic accidents. Annexation removes Berkeley County’s control over traffic planning, leaving us impacted but voiceless. ⚠️ Fire & EMS Response Concerns The amendment proposes a one-time $111,750 payment for Fire and EMS services — an amount that does not match the long-term strain thousands of new units will place on emergency responders. Our community already faces slow response times. This annexation creates regional demand without providing regional resources. ⚠️ Loss of Civic Land The amendment eliminates the County’s rights to civic acreage — meaning we permanently lose potential sites for schools, parks, public facilities, or government services. That loss affects current and future generations. ⚠️ Lack of Transparency & Community Input Residents did not receive meaningful notice. The Town of Summerville’s meeting on this issue does not allow public comment. This means Berkeley County is currently the only place where residents can be heard — even though our community is the one most directly affected. ⚠️ Cultural & Historical Impact This community includes seniors, veterans, families on fixed incomes, and people living on inherited property passed down for generations. Rising infrastructure strain, higher taxes, and growing environmental pressures could force long-standing families into financial hardship or displacement. WE ARE NOT AGAINST GROWTH —WE ARE AGAINST GROWTH THAT DISREGARDS COMMUNITY IMPACT. We respectfully request: 1. Reject or postpone the annexation and associated amendment until full studies are completed, or 2. Require a complete Environmental Impact Study, 3. A Stormwater and Drainage Analysis, 4. A Traffic Impact Study, 5. A Fire/EMS Capacity Study, and 6. Full public involvement including Berkeley County residents, who are directly affected even though they are outside Summerville’s boundaries. Our land is not just a location — it is our legacy. We ask for decisions that honor the people who built this community, instead of decisions that place them at risk.