Planning Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2022 MINUTES (amended per December 2022 meeting) PowerPoint Presentation R-20-2022 The Point PD applicant presentation Present: Kathy Smith, Vice-chair, Brett Bennett, Michael McCormick, Pam Ireland, Gary Davis, Bill Smyth, George Gates, Bruce Koedding, Garrett Lacy Staff: Michele Reed, David Pagliarini, Brad Morrison, Kevin Mitchell, Peter Stone, Marissa Poultney, Julie Wright, Kate Miller, Lynnette Lynes Ms. Smith called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. 1. Approval of the Agenda Ms. Ireland moved for approval of the agenda. Mr. Smyth seconded the motion. All in favor with Mr. Gates abstaining. Mr. Gates stated that he would like to amend the motion to move the last item on the agenda to be discussed first. Ms. Lynes noted that a vote on the motion had already been made. Mr. Pagliarini stated that the agenda could be amended if desired, but a new motion would be required. There being no additional motions, Ms. Smith continued with the agenda. 2. Approval of Minutes from September 21st Meeting Ms. Ireland moved for approval of the minutes. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. All in favor with Mr. Gates abstaining. 3. Update on Planning Commission Recommendations Mr. Stone reviewed Town Council decisions with the Commission. 4. General Correspondence All correspondence was linked to the agenda and distributed to the Commission.  Planning Commission October 19, 2022 Page 2 of 5 5. General Public Comment Mr. Cern Van Newkirk, 944 Provincial Circle, spoke regarding 963 Houston Northcutt Boulevard, expressed concern with the project being in proximity of residential homes. He stated that currently there is a 50-foot buffer between the residential development and the proposed project, and they would like this to remain as an undisturbed buffer and natural fence line. Ms. Daphne O’Donnell, 923 Provincial Circle, spoke regarding 963 Houston Northcutt Boulevard. She expressed concern that removal of the trees abutting their neighborhood would be a detriment to their neighborhood and the environment as the trees help to absorb water and protect against flooding in the area. 6. Requests A. R-19-22, Request to annex and zone PD, Planned Development District, an approximately 9.66-acre tract of land comprised of two parcels. Property is located off the future Vaughn Ed Kee Parkway and behind the Pointe at Primus development, further identified by TMS No’s. 578- 00-00-005 and 578-00-00-006. Additionally, the proposed mixed-use development will require approval of an Impact Assessment and Conceptual Plan. Ms. Reed and Mr. Stone reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. Todd Richardson, Synchronicity, and Mr. Giles Branch, Earthsource Engineering, reviewed the request with the Commission. Mr. Glenn Kern, 2364 Primus, expressed concern with the proposed project and filling in the wetlands. He expressed concern with additional noise, possible flooding, and suggested that this would negatively impact the neighborhood. Mr. Louis Jefferson, vice-president of CAGE, stated that they have been meeting with the developer regarding this project. He suggested that the proposed project is amenable to the CAGE members and the surrounding community. He suggested that this development would provide needed services for the surrounding community. He asked that this development be approved and be able to move forward.  Planning Commission October 19, 2022 Page 3 of 5 Ms. Jeanette Lee, president of CAGE, stated that they are in favor of the project and asked that the project be approved. Mr. Chris Quick, 1232 Caisa Circle, expressed concern with the buffer between this development and the Primus development and how this would affect the lake at Primus. Ms. Niki Kazameas, 1204 Caisa Circle, stated that she is opposed to the proposed development. She suggested that the proposed development would be a detriment to the surrounding communities and would negatively impact the natural waterways. She expressed concern with having additional townhomes in the Town. She asked that this development be denied. She suggested that the community was not informed of the various projects in the area. Mr. Ed Gillespie, 1131 Cultivator St, stated that he is opposed to the proposed development. He expressed concern the impact this project would have a negative impact to the forest canopy. He stated that a study by the College of Charleston found that approximately 20% of the forest canopy has been lost in Mount Pleasant and is therefore causing additional flooding areas. He expressed concern with filling in a pond. He suggested that if approved it would cause issues for future taxpayers. There being no further comments, Ms. Smith closed the public hearing. Ms. Smith moved for denial of the zoning request. Ms. Ireland seconded the motion. Motion passed on a 8 to 1 vote with Mr. Smyth, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Koedding, Mr. Lacy, Mr. Davis, Mr. Gates, Ms. Smith and Ms. Ireland in favor; Mr. McCormick opposed. Ms. Smith moved for denial of the impact assessment and conceptual plan based on the PD zoning request upon which this is predicated being recommended for denial. Ms. Ireland seconded the motion. Motion passed on a 8 to 1 vote with Mr. Smyth, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Koedding, Mr. Lacy, Mr. Davis, Mr. Gates, Ms. Smith and Ms. Ireland in favor; Mr. McCormick opposed.  Planning Commission October 19, 2022 Page 4 of 5 B. R-20-22, Request to annex an approximately 8.31-acre tract of land comprised of one parcel in its entirety, and a portion of a second parcel, and zone PD, Planned Development District, an approximately 9.37-acre tract of land comprised of two parcels, in their entirety. Properties are located at the intersection of Long Point Road and Belle Point Drive, further identified by TMS No’s. 556-00-00-525 and 556-00-00-278. Additionally, the proposed development will require approval of an Impact Assessment and Conceptual Plan. Mr. Davis recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Ms. Reed and Mr. Stone reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. Todd Richardson, Ms. Jennifer Biel, and Mr. Randy Cooper reviewed the request with the Commission. Mr. Brooks Davis, 833 Tupelo Bay Dr, expressed concern with insufficient infrastructure, traffic, noise, etc. He suggested that there is only one main entrance into Belle Hall and that this development would further exacerbate the traffic in the area if approved. He asked that this development be denied as it would not be in character with the neighborhood. There being no further comments, Ms. Smith closed the public hearing. Ms. Ireland moved for approval of the PD zoning with the following conditions: ➢ Vehicular interconnectivity with Belle Station ➢ Establishing street tree standards to the Town’s satisfaction ➢ All economic development area be limited to three story buildings Ms. Smith seconded the motion. All in favor with Mr. Gates and Mr. Davis abstaining. Ms. Smith moved for approval of the impact assessment and conceptual plan. Mr. Koedding seconded the motion. All in favor with Mr. Davis abstaining. C. Impact Assessment and Conceptual Plan, Request approval for Impact Assessment and Conceptual Plan for an approximately 7.0-acre tract of land located at 963 Houston Northcutt Boulevard, identified by TMS No.  Planning Commission October 19, 2022 Page 5 of 5 517-00-00-050, and zoned AB, Areawide Business District. Proposed redevelopment is for General Office and Medical Office uses, all a permitted use in the AB District. Ms. Reed and Mr. Stone reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. Tony Woody, Mr. Mills Buxton, and Mr. Dan Schafer reviewed the request with the Commission. Ms. Smith moved for approval of the impact assessment and conceptual plan. Ms. Ireland seconded the motion. All in favor. D. SP-09-22, Request to subdivide an approximately 2.75-acre lot, proposing to create 5 lots located at 980 Pine Hollow Road. Property is currently zoned R-1, Low Density Residential District. Identified by TMS No. 535-00-00-004. Ms. Poultney and Mr. Pagliarini reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. John Madison and Mr. Rodney Tyler reviewed the request with the Commission. Ms. Smith moved for approval of the LDR waiver and sketch plan contingent on all staff requirements being met and contingent upon showing clear title to the access node. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion. All in favor. 7. Other Business A. Election of Officers The Commission voted for Ms. Smith as Chair and Mr. Bennett as Vice-chair by secret ballot. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes PlanComsn10192022