Planning Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 17, 2020 MINUTES Attachment 1—Staff Report Present: Kathy Smith, Vice-chair, Michael McCormick, Brett Bennett, Don Campbell, Gary Davis, George Gates. Absent: Joseph Wren Staff: Michele Reed, David Pagliarini, Austin Rutherford, Lynnette Lynes Ms. Smith called the meeting to order at CTO at 5:00 pm. 1. Approval of the Agenda Mr. Bennett moved for approval of the agenda. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. All in favor. 2. Correspondence Mr. Gates referred to correspondence received and stated that public comment should be submitted within 2 business days and since it was submitted after the deadline, it should not be included. Mr. Pagliarini stated that staff would review the date the correspondence was received and remove those from the record if necessary. 3. General Public Comment There being no comments, Ms. Smith continued with the agenda. 4. Items from March Meeting A. Rezoning Case: R-21-20, Request to amend the Long Point PD, Planned Development District Ordinance, specifically pertaining to a 5.98-acre parcel designated as Tract 12 of the PD located near the intersection of Needlerush Parkway and Mount Royall Drive. The proposed amendment would allow the erection, operation and maintenance of a wireless communications facility including a tower not to exceed 140 feet in height. The property is currently improved with the neighborhood amenity center and soccer fields. Ms. Reed reviewed staff comments with the Commission (attachment 1).  Planning Commission June 17, 2020 Page 2 of 6 Mr. Jonathan Yates, Mr. Nick Wyndham, Mr. Murphy Duffy, and Mr. Jody McInerny reviewed the request with the Commission. Ms. Linda Seaton, 561 Galero Lane, suggested that the Commission is elected and that this should be reconsidered if the desires of the citizens are not heard for this request. She recited names of experts in cell service, NSA, UN, etc. She suggested that these individuals are experts on 5G and that this request is in direct response to the recent technology. Mr. Rob Turquoise, attorney with Rice Motley, stated that cell towers have non-ionized radiation and early studies did not provide sufficient information on the effects of cell tower radiation on health. He stated that studies within the last ten years indicate that the radiation causes significant health issues. Mr. Bob Hamis, Longpoint resident, stated that he is opposed to the request. He expressed concern with child health issues associated with cell towers. He asked that this radiation be kept from the children and residents. Ms. Amy McCloud, 125 King St, stated that it is the FCC that regulates cell towers and does not prohibit decisions made based on health concerns. She expressed concern with decrease in property values. She expressed concern that the cell tower would cause health issues for the surrounding residents. Ms. Michele DeMarco, 1854 Peaceful Way, expressed similar concerns with the cell tower that have already been addressed. She questioned whether the Longpoint residents were surveyed on what kind of service they currently receive. Mr. Nathan Bowers, 192 Oak Landing Drive, expressed concern with child safety and the unknown of the effects the cell tower may have. He suggested that the reason for the proposed location was to be farther away from residents because of the effects of the cell tower, the affect to property values, and that it is unsightly. Mr. Matt Everson, 324 Wild Horse Lane, suggested that there is a decrease of Verizon coverage at his home. He stated that access to first responders is important as well as being able to contact family members. He expressed  Planning Commission June 17, 2020 Page 3 of 6 concern with decrease in property values due to poor service in the area. He stated that he has started a petition allow the cell tower. Ms. Cindy Campson, 794 Needlerush Parkway, asked how the request met the waiver criteria. She suggested that there are other neighborhoods that would be impacted by the cell tower that were not heard. Mr. Brian Wilson, 1976 Long Circle, suggested that there was not a proper vote from the POA for approval of the cell tower. Mr. Mark Angelino, 926 Richter Way, suggested that more information is needed and more questions should be asked by the Commission to have a clear understanding of what is involved with providing cell service in regard to purported health issues. Mr. Brett Hamis, 395 Palmetto Bluff, suggested that Lloyds of London will not insure a cell tower because of the potential liability. He suggested that more research should be done before a decision is made on this request. He expressed concern with child safety. Ms. Sara Purcell, James Island, suggested that 5G is damaging to human health and areas around the world are banning this type of service because of the potential health issues. Mr. Cao Yong, 1939 Enclave, stated that their subdivision was not aware of this request. He expressed concern with child safety and has done some research regarding potential health dangers associated with cell towers. Mr. James Tweedy, 1938 Tyson Lane, expressed concern with child safety and the proximity of the cell tower to recreation facilities. He suggested that the HOA Board of Directors approved the lease of the cell tower without permission from the residents. He asked that this not be approved. Ms. Karen Gadol, 2558 Kingsfield, stated that as a physician that treats cancer patients, she is aware of the potential exposure to radiation of cell towers. She suggested that this should be considered in making a decision.  Planning Commission June 17, 2020 Page 4 of 6 Mr. Joan Warlock, 184 Oak Point Landing, expressed concern with the health hazards associated to cell towers. She also expressed concern that the residents did not provide input on the cell tower. Mr. Ty Curtis, 316 Springhill Lane, stated that he was not aware of the request until today and was not aware of the lease being approved by the HOA. Mr. Rick O’Lair, 2033 Arundel, expressed concern with the proximity of the cell tower to the recreation facilities and child safety. He suggested that more information on the possible effects of 5G should be provided. Ms. Melissa Endal, 4009 Crowne Pointe, expressed concern with the proximity of the cell tower to recreation facilities and where children play. She suggested that a more logical location should be determined. There being no further comments, Ms. Smith closed public comment. Ms. Smith moved for denial. Mr. Gates seconded the motion. Motion passed on a 5 to 1 vote, with Mr. Bennett, Mr. Davis, Mr. Gates, Ms. Smith, and Mr. McCormick in favor; Mr. Campbell opposed. B. Rezoning Case: R-22-20 Request to rezone one parcel approximately 0.34 acres located at 1454 North Point Lane (within the Northpoint Subdivision) from PD, Planned Development District, to R-4, Medium Density Residential District. The Northpoint PD has no adopted ordinance with identified development standards, such as setbacks, lot coverage, etc. The proposed R-4 Town district would provide specific development standards allowing the owner to make necessary improvements. Ms. Reed reviewed staff comments with the Commission (attachment 1). Mr. Ellerbe Dargan reviewed the request with the Commission. There being no comments, Ms. Smith closed public comment. Mr. Davis moved for approval. Mr. Gates seconded the motion. All in favor. C. Proposal to amend Sections 156.106, Setbacks and Yard Requirements, and 156.201, Bufferyards, of Chapter 156, Zoning Code, of the Mount  Planning Commission June 17, 2020 Page 5 of 6 Pleasant Code of Ordinances, pertaining to lot line adjustments of existing lots with a designated critical line. Proposed amendments would include an exemption for the establishment of or alteration to the critical line buffer and impervious surface setback from the critical line provided no additional buildable lot is created as a result of any lot line adjustment. Ms. Reed reviewed staff comments with the Commission (attachment 1). There being no comments, Ms. Smith closed public comment. Ms. Smith moved for approval. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. All in favor. D. Proposal to amend Sections 156.430, Organization, 156.431, Definitions, and 156.432, Powers & Duties, of Chapter 156, Zoning Code, of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances, all pertaining to the Historic District Preservation Commission. Proposed amendments relate to Commission membership and the qualifications for Historic properties and districts. Mr. Rutherford reviewed staff comments with the Commission (attachment 1). There being no comments, Ms. Smith closed public comment. Mr. Bennett moved for approval. Mr. Campbell seconded the motion. All in favor. 5. Items from May Meeting A. Rezoning Case: R-23-20 Request rezone one parcel approximately 0.04 acres located at 958 Key Colony Court (within the Sullivan’s Pointe Subdivision) from AB, Areawide Business District, to R-4, Medium Density Residential District. Further is a request to reinstate the overlay district known as the UC-CBS, Coleman-Ben Sawyer Urban Corridor Overlay District then in effect at the time of permit issuance to render the property compliant with permitted uses and development standards of the same. Ms. Reed reviewed staff comments with the Commission (attachment 1).  Planning Commission June 17, 2020 Page 6 of 6 there being no comments, Ms. Smith closed the public hearing. Mr. Campbell moved for approval. Mr. McCormick seconded the motion. All in favor. 6. New Requests A. Rezoning Case: R-24-20 Request to amend the Carolina Park PD, Planned Development District Ordinance, pertaining to Exhibit C, Carolina Park Land Use Table. Proposed amendment would allow Communication Towers as a Conditional Use in the Carolina Park-Active Park (CPAP) District. This use is currently only allowed in the Carolina Park-Industrial (CPI) District. Ms. Reed reviewed staff comments with the Commission (attachment 1). Mr. Yates and Mr. Keith Powell reviewed the request with the Commission. There being no comments, Ms. Smith closed public comment. Mr. Gates moved for approval. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion. Motion failed on a 3 to 3 vote with Mr. Bennett, Mr. Campbell, and Mr. Gates in favor; Mr. Davis, Ms. Smith, and Mr. McCormick opposed. B. Rezoning Case: R-25-20 Request to incorporate eleven (11) parcels improved with duplexes and zoned R-3, Medium Density Residential District, into the Coleman Boulevard Overlay District (CB-OD). Request pertains to an approximately 2.90 acre tract of land comprised of 11 adjoining parcels located on Queens Court, between Garland Road and Harborgate Drive, and identified by TMS No’s. 517-06-00-001, -108, -109, - 110, -111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -116 and -117, and depicted on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book AZ, Page 014. This item was withdrawn by the applicant. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes PlanComsn06172020