HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 Developer letter to clarifyHunt Ranch, LLC
129 Abaco Lane
Seneca, S.C. 29672
September 13, 2007
RE: Hunt Ranch
Dear Property Owner:
I am writing to you as the co -manager of the Hunt Ranch, LLC to correct some
misinformation which you have recently been provided about the proposed development
of the Hunt Ranch. In a letter dated September 6, 2007, numerous statements and
misrepresentations were made by Rob Tobias who has referred to himself, along with
Becky Chase, as one of the two "co -coordinators" of the Missouri Heights Well Users
Association (MHWUA"). While he is unable to provide an accounting of the funds, Mr.
Tobias has apparently spent a considerable amount of the money obtained from
individual property owners in Missouri Heights, and elsewhere, and is now requesting
additional funding to pursue a claim against a well documented and sound water
augmentation plan which has been designed to maintain and replenish the existing
aquifers through sustained irrigation of the haying operation at the Hunt Ranch.
Prior to sending any funds to the MHWUA, anyone considering such a contribution
should initially review the water engineering reports from Zancanella & Associates and
Jehn Water Consultants which were provided to the Water Court to substantiate the
applicant's position. These reports clearly and unequivocally indicate that no injury will
occur to neighboring wells as a result of the central water system being proposed for the
Hunt Ranch. Recent additional, and voluntary, testing has shown that there is virtually no
drawdown after sustained water usage. Mr. Tobias, and his lawyer, have been provided
with these documents as a part of the Water Court process. As a member of the
MHWUA, you should secure a copy of the reports from Mr. Tobias and have them
independently reviewed so that you can make an informed decision before committing
any additional funds to the effort. The engineers for the MHWUA have not proven any
injury to any of the surrounding wells. In fact, the engineering reports discussed above
show a very contrary picture to what Mr. Tobias represents in his letter.
Mr. Tobias correctly stated that the developers of the Hunt Ranch held two community
informational meetings very early on in the process. Many residents in the area attended
one or both of the two evening sessions, held in October, 2005, and expressed concerns
and made constructive suggestions. Mr. Tobias attended and contributed minimally.
Since that time, which was over twelve months ago, there have been approximately
seventeen (17) modifications to the site plan. Many of the comments from the attendees
at the early sessions relating to views, traffic patterns, driveway access issues, buffer
zones, outdoor lighting, maximum and minimum size of the homes, lot location, water
Voice (864) 882-8680 gamsden@bellsouth.net (864) 888-8126 Fax
tank placement and safety issues along County Road 102 have been incorporated and
form the basis of the proposed site plan.
The developers have met several times with adjacent property owners including the
Strangs, the Pedersons, and Larry Martin and Leslie Bethel, a professional land planner
who intends to develop her site with Mr. Martin. Comments and suggestions from all of
these people have been incorporated and have resulted in major changes to the site plan.
There have also been some individual meetings with others who have expressed interest
in reviewing the progress of the site plan. While invitations have been extended to Mr.
Tobias on many occasions, he met only once and has refused to meet on several other
recent occasions. As is very evident from the contents of his letter to you, he has little or
no knowledge of the site plan which is being submitted to the County.
The number of home sites proposed for the Hunt Ranch is 93, one of which is a deed -
restricted 225 -acre, agricultural parcel which will be perpetually committed by recorded
instrument to open space generally in the current location of the haying operation and
cattle staging area. The overall density complies with the dictates of the Comprehensive
Plan for the site and the project meets or exceeds all elements of the Zoning Code. There
are hiking and walking trails, pocket parks for residents, separate dog -friendly parks,
nature observation areas and preservation of the wildlife corridor. The home sites have
been moved to locations well below the ridgeline on the north near Panorama Estates and
minimizing visual impacts to neighboring properties has been a main focus in placement
of building envelopes. Most importantly, the traditional haying operation will continue
unabated which results in complete compliance with the Water Court requirement to
continue irrigation of the land.
The overall density of the Hunt Ranch falls between that of Panorama Ranches to the
immediate north and Kings Row to the south. Despite Mr. Tobias' incendiary comments
to the contrary, No ADU's have ever been, or are being, proposed for the project. This
was an early commitment by the developer to the County planning staff and the Planning
Board at the sketch plan review. The Hunt Ranch is the only development in Missouri
Heights that has focused on maintaining a dedicated and irrigated agricultural use of
the land. Preserving this land will help maintain the quality of life for all of the residents
in and around Missouri Heights.
The developers of the Hunt Ranch are knowledgeable and experienced and believe in
public input at all levels. As is evident from the initial meetings and the open door policy
for all interested people, there is no hidden agenda for the development of this site.
Rational, fair and constructive input is welcome while incorrect and deceitful attempts to
stop the project are not appreciated or welcome. A substantial professional and financial
commitment has been made to ensure that this project is a safe and comfortable place to
live and that neighboring properties will be enhanced by the improvements being
oposed. Comments and questions are welcome by telephone, email or in person at any
stage the ► o ' ess.
J1 evelopment, LLC - Project Manager
Greg Amsden