Planning Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 24, 2024 MINUTES PowerPoint Presentation Present: Brett Bennett, Chair, Adam Ferrara, Pam Ireland, Gary Davis, Bill Smyth, Michelle Mansour, Mike Tinkey (via telephone; not voting). Absent: Garrett Lacy, Emily Sanford. Staff: Peter Stone, Michele Reed, John Farrell, Marissa Noble, James Aton, David Pagliarini, Lynnette Lynes Mr. Bennett called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm. 1. Approval of the Agenda Mr. Bennett moved to amend to add Discussion on role of Sketch Plans and Planning Commission Purview for Approvals to the agenda as item 6B. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. All in favor. 2. Approval of Minutes from May 22nd Meeting Ms. Ireland moved for approval of the minutes. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. All in favor. 3. Update on Planning Commission Recommendations Mr. Stone reviewed Town Council decisions with the Commission. 4. Correspondence All correspondence received was linked to the agenda. 5. General Public Comment Ms. Lisa Schniptke, 185 Mossy Oak, spoke regarding the sketch plan for Hibben phase 7 and expressed concern with the ponds and wetlands being filled. She suggested that from a sustainability aspect, the wetlands should be preserved.  Planning Commission July 24, 2024 Page 2 of 6 Ms. Kim Seal, 210 Cobblestone Way, spoke regarding the Hibben Ph 7 sketch plan and expressed opposition to the roadway being extended. She expressed concern with child and pedestrian safety and the disturbance of the wetlands in the area. She asked that the request be denied. Ms. Jean Hamilton, 202 Cobblestone Way, expressed concern with Hibben Ph 7 sketch plan and suggested that the roadways should not be extended. She stated that she is an avid walker and suggested that the extension of Cobblestone Way would increase the amount of traffic. Mr. Brad Kuhn, 219 Historic, stated that he is the Belle Hall HOA president, and is opposed to the extension of Cobblestone Way. He stated that many of the Belle Hall residents are opposed as well. There being no further comments, Mr. Bennett closed public comment. 6. Requests A. Text Amendment Proposal to amend Section 156.110 of Chapter 156, Zoning Code, of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances, pertaining to Accessory Uses. Proposed is to amend the ordinance to expand Home- Based Businesses to allow certain outdoor instructional activities, including but not limited to swimming lessons. Ms. Reed reviewed the request with the Commission. Ms. JoAnn Gore, 683 Kent St, expressed concern with the amount of noise from those taking the swim lessons. She also expressed concern with the additional traffic because of the lessons. She stated that another concern is the flooding of the roadway and that the increased traffic could cause additional flooding due to the wear on the roadway. Mr. Eugene Slater, Greenhill resident, suggested that the increased noise and traffic from the swim lessons has impacted the quality of life for the neighborhood. He suggested that there should be some type of noise cancellation required such as the pool being domed. Ms. Judy Tolly, 746 Spark St., expressed concern with the tranquility of the neighborhood being negatively impacted with the home-based business expansion to allow swimming lesson.  Planning Commission July 24, 2024 Page 3 of 6 Ms. Gale Lesesne, 721 York St, stated that she was “shocked” to hear about this use being proposed for the neighborhood. She suggested that there are plenty of pools around Mount Pleasant that can be used for swim lessons. She expressed concern with child safety and the possibility of children getting into the pool unsupervised. Mr. Ryan Sacko, Johns Island, stated that children are naturally noisy and rambunctious. He stated that the swim lessons would be a life-saving measure that is a great community need. Ms. Shannon Smalls, 683 Kent St, suggested that having the swim lessons within a residential neighborhood is not appropriate. She suggested that the amount of noise is very disruptive for the neighborhood on a daily basis. Mr. Larry Keys, 3101 Yachtsman Drive, stated that his grandchild has taken swim lessons at this location and it has been very quiet. He suggested that the noise might be associated with some other activity rather than the swim lessons taking place. Mr. Steve Manti, 675 Kent St, stated the pool is fenced in by two fences and that they have taken extra precaution in maintaining safety. He stated that they have children as well that enjoy the pool during the day and can at times be very rowdy and loud. Mr. Nick Scover, 850 Pine Shadow, stated that they have toddlers and have had a hard time finding swim lessons. He suggested that having more options should be allowed. Ms. Frances Laughton, McClellanville, expressed concern with the danger of children that cannot swim and that for children between the ages of 1-4 years old, drowning is a major cause of death. She stated that there is a need for additional swim lessons in the area. She suggested that the lessons are more survival lessons than swim lessons for these toddlers. Ms. Sara Goldstein, James Island, stated that her children take private swim lessons. She stated that more options for swim lessons is necessary for better safety. She stated that there is a lengthy wait list for lessons.  Planning Commission July 24, 2024 Page 4 of 6 Ms. Julie Fowler, 2317 Darts Cove, stated that she is a swim instructor, and there is a need for additional swim lessons. She stated that children with water trauma need additional care when teaching them. She stated that drowning is a real concern, especially in this area. She suggested that additional swim lessons should be allowed and is an important and vital service. Ms. Jody Manti, 675 Kent St, stated that they want to offer swim lessons for the residents in Mount Pleasant. She stated that it is a necessary service. She stated that she tries to be cognizant and respectful of her neighbors. Ms. Claire Keys, 3101 Dawson Drive, stated that her experience with swim lessons has been that the swim lessons are more one-on-one. She suggested that there is a way to allow these lessons that does not impact the neighborhood. Ms. Caitlynn Rainey, 423 Ansley Court, stated that her child has taken swim lessons and it has been a valuable resource. She stated that her toddler can now swim on his own and it is a relief. She suggested that it would be a disservice if these small home-based businesses were not allowed. There being no further comments, Mr. Bennett closed the public hearing. Ms. Ireland moved for approval to allow expansion of the uses for home- based businesses, with the provision that there is a time limitation of operation from 10am-4 pm, with no more than two patrons at a time, with parking located on site and to the rear of structure. Mr. Smyth seconded the motion. All in favor with Mr. Davis abstaining. B. Discussion on role of Sketch Plans and Planning Commission Purview for Approvals Mr. Mitchell reviewed the sketch plan purview and process with the Commission. The Commission received this as information. C. Sketch Plan: SP-01-24 Review of Sketch Plan proposing to subdivide 820 McCants Drive into two Single-Family Residential lots. Subject property  Planning Commission July 24, 2024 Page 5 of 6 is approximately 0.60-acres, further identified by TMS No. 532-07-00- 104, Zoned R-2, Low Density Residential, located in the SR2, Overlay District. Mr. Farrell reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. Charlie Hagar, engineer, reviewed the request with the Commission. He stated that they did contact the neighbors and the neighbors were in favor of the project. Ms. Ireland moved for denial as it does not meet the threshold for a LDR waiver and due to concern of harmony and welfare of the neighborhood. Ms. Mansour seconded the motion. All in favor. D. Sketch Plan: SP-02-24 Review of Sketch Plan for 2.89-acre parcel located in Hibben Phase 7 of the Belle Hall Subdivision. Proposed is to create nine Single-Family lots on current TMS Nos. 537-08-00-423, 537-08-00-357, property is currently zoned PD, Planned Development. Ms. Noble and Mr. Aton reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. William O’Neal, civil engineer, and Mr. Alan Coleman, Plantation Partners, reviewed the request with the Commission. Mr. O’Neal stated that they are amenable to all staff comments with the exception of extending Cobblestone Way as the property between Cobblestone and this property is owned by the HOA and would require a majority vote of the HOA in order to construct and connect the roadway to this proposed phase. Mr. Ferrara moved for approval as presented including all staff comments with exception of extending the roadway connection to Cobblestone Way. Ms. Mansour seconded the motion. Ms. Ireland moved to amend the motion to include installation of a hammerhead termination of Cobblestone Way and installation of pedestrian and bike connection as recommended by staff at this meeting. Mr. Bennett seconded the motion. All in favor. Mr. Bennett called for a vote on the motion as amended. All in favor.  Planning Commission July 24, 2024 Page 6 of 6 E. Sketch Plan: SP-03-24 Review of Sketch Plan and Land Development Regulation Waiver Request Under Section 155.047(C)(2), specifically for lot width. Subject Property is a 0.47-acre parcel, located on Eagle Street, further identified by TMS No. 535-04-00-161. Proposed is to create two lots from the existing parent parcel. Property is currently zoned R-2, Low Density Residential District. Mr. Farrell reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. Matt Moore, representative for the owners, reviewed the request with the Commission. Ms. Ireland moved for approval. Mr. Smyth seconded the motion. All in favor. F. Sketch Plan: SP-04-24 Review of an amendment to SP-09-22, a proposal to subdivide an approximately 2.75-acre lot creating 5 Single-Family Residential 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 Mr. Farrell reviewed staff comments with the Commission. Mr. John Madison, owner, reviewed the request with the Commission. Mr. Davis moved for approval. Mr. Ferrara seconded the motion. All in favor. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:02 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes PlanComsn07242024