Planning Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 9, 2019 MINUTES Attachment 1—George Freeman map Attachment 2—PowerPoint Presentation Present: Joseph Wren, Chair, George Gates, John McNeill, Tripp Cuttino, Kathy Smith, Rodly Millet. Absent: Roy Neal, DeAudre Gregg, Peter Lehman. Staff: Jeff Ulma, Brad Morrison, Kent Prause, Liz Boyles, Lynnette Lynes Others: Jennifer Humphreys, consultant Mr. Wren called the meeting to order at 11:04 am 1. Approval of Agenda Mr. Millet moved for approval of the agenda. Mr. Gates seconded the motion. All in favor. 2. Public Comment Mr. George Freeman, 1450 Bowman Rd, and representative for CAGE, stated that he has attended the Forum meetings. He expressed his concern over the alignment of Highway 41 to Porcher Bluff Road via Hungryneck Blvd/Billy Swails Blvd connection. He referred to a map that he distributed to the Commission showing a proposed location of the connection (attachment 1). He asked that the Commission consider retaining the original road alignment as shown on his map. He stated that this would divert traffic from Highway 41 directly to Billy Swails Blvd. Ms. Gregg entered at this time (11:07 am). There being no further comments, Mr. Wren continued with the agenda. 3. Presentation on the Draft Comprehensive Plan Ms. Boyles stated that staff would review the draft plan with the Commission at this meeting. She stated that following the Town Hall meeting on January 23rd, the Commission would complete a more in depth review with consideration of  Special Planning Commission January 9, 2019 Page 2 of 3 possible revisions. She reviewed the draft plan through a PowerPoint Presentation (attachment 2). Mr. Morrison reviewed the mobility element of the Comprehensive Plan with the Commission. Ms. Smith asked the population calculated for 2020. Mr. Morrison answered that he is not sure the exact number, but it was approximately 110,000. Mr. Millet asked if the 110,000 population is considered the buildout. Mr. Morrison answered that it is the buildout of the parameters of this Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Cuttino asked what is meant as “potential project”. Mr. Morrison answered that the language could be changed to better identify the projects. He stated that these projects are included in the mobility plan, but currently unfunded. Mr. Millet asked if the mobility plan includes public transportation and suggested that the Town should take the initiative. Mr. Morrison answered that a study has been completed on the demand for public transportation. He stated that the next step is to identify how those demands can be addressed. He stated that CARTA is the federal transit authority. If the Town wanted to take the initiative for a project, it would require the Town to fund the entire project. Mr. Millet asked if public transportation is addressed in the plan. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative. Ms. Gregg asked what Mount Pleasant Way would physically look like. Mr. Morrison answered that it would be a minimum 10 foot wide paved pathway. He stated that the first step would be a feasibility study that is included in the action plan section of the Comprehensive Plan. The Commission convened for a short break at 12:10 pm and reconvened at 12:19 pm. Ms. Boyles reviewed the action plan with the Commission. Ms. Smith asked how information would be forwarded to the implementation committee. Ms. Boyles answered that staff would have the responsibility of keeping the implementation committee updated on what areas need to be focused on.  Special Planning Commission January 9, 2019 Page 3 of 3 Mr. McNeill questioned the effectiveness of the implementation committee. Ms. Boyles stated that this was a recommendation from the Comprehensive Plan Forum. Mr. Wren asked how the appendices would be accessed online. Ms. Boyles answered that the maps and appendices would be hyperlinked within the document. Mr. Wren asked if the neighborhood character areas would dictate the zoning. Ms. Boyles answered in the negative and stated that the underlying zoning is not proposed to be changed. Mr. McNeill asked if the neighborhood would determine what the zoning would be. Ms. Boyles answered in the negative. Ms. Smith asked if there was discussion on limiting hotels and self-storage facilities. Ms. Boyles answered that there has been some discussion on this. She suggested that further consideration and possible recommendations could be included in the plan regarding this issue. She suggested that this issue is noted for additional discussion at future meetings. 4. Confirmation of next meeting date and time The Commission discussed the need for a meeting next week. The Commission agreed not to meet until after the Town Hall meeting on January 23rd. The Commission discussed having an overview of the Comprehensive Plan at the January 23rd meeting prior to allowing public input. The Commission agreed that a timeframe should be included on the agenda to give the public a better idea of when the information would be presented and public comment accepted. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:14 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes SpPlanComsn01092019