MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Berkeley County Planning Commissioner James Sineath has resigned following a controversial incident during Tuesday’s meeting on the proposed Cane Bay Lake Village development, where a tense exchange over what another commissioner believed was the handling of a firearm overshadowed the board’s vote on the 5,500-home project.
Berkeley County officials confirmed that Sineath resigned from the planning commission effective immediately.
In a statement, county officials said they will begin the process of filling the vacant seat to ensure the district continues to have representation on the commission. The county also said it remains committed to serving the community as it moves forward.
Sineath had served on the planning commission since 2015. His current term was scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2026.
READ MORE l Planning Commission Advances Cane Bay Lake Village Development After Lengthy, Divided Hearing
Controversy unfolded moments before vote
The resignation follows the June 23 planning commission meeting, where commissioners voted to recommend approval of a major rezoning request for Cane Bay Lake Village, a proposed mixed-use development that would add approximately 5,500 homes along with commercial and recreational space.
The tense exchange occurred just before the vote.
After Sineath made the motion to approve the rezoning request, Commissioner Lynn Hoover seconded it. Chairwoman Lisa Kerns then called for a voice vote.
Before commissioners could respond, a man attending the meeting interrupted from the audience, yelling, “No. You guys need to raise your voices.”
Kerns immediately instructed security to remove the man.
Moments later, roughly two hours into the meeting’s livestream, Sineath is seen lifting his right arm toward his waist while appearing to reach into his pocket. An audible clicking sound can also be heard on the recording.
Planning Commissioner Amber Moore, who was seated immediately beside Sineath, immediately voiced concern.
“That’s so unnecessary. I’m very uncomfortable with that,” Moore said.
Sineath responded, “Well, you’re just going to have to be uncomfortable.”
Moore then quickly snapped back with, “Absolutely not. I’m going to need you to get away. We’re not doing that. He literally just racked his gun. I’m not doing that.”
Despite Moore’s objections, Chairwoman Kerns and the remaining commissioners continued with the vote, ultimately recommending approval of the rezoning request.
Sineath denied drawing firearm
Following the meeting, Sineath acknowledged to The Post and Courier that he was carrying a firearm but disputed claims that he removed or displayed it.
According to the newspaper, Sineath said he merely lifted his shirt so he would be prepared if someone rushed the commission. He cited previous disruptions at public meetings and said he believed he had a responsibility to protect both himself and the other commissioners because of his status as an honorary special deputy with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
The controversy quickly drew a response from the sheriff’s office.
Chief Deputy Jeremy Baker told the newspaper that there was no need for Sineath to intervene because deputies and security personnel were already present and handling the situation, describing Sineath’s actions as inappropriate.
ABC News 4 reported that the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office officially revoked Sineath’s honorary deputy status on June 24.
What’s next
Sineath’s resignation creates a vacancy on the Berkeley County planning commission that county officials say will be filled through the county’s normal appointment process.
Meanwhile, the proposed Cane Bay Lake Village development will now advance to Berkeley County’s land use committee before heading to the Berkeley County Council in July. The county council will make the final decision on whether to approve the rezoning request.
