Mount Pleasant Town Council Meeting Summary – March 10, 2026

The Mount Pleasant Town Council held its regular meeting on March 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM, following a special called meeting at 5:00 PM. The meeting covered zoning changes, development approvals, a wetlands ordinance, public comments on infrastructure and recreation, and multiple votes on planning items. The council also held public hearings and took action on various planning and development proposals.

Consent Calendar

• Council removed items A and B from the consent agenda and deferred them.
• Items C, D, and E were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on Wetlands Ordinance:
  • Michael Ramsey (Charleston Trident Association of Realtors) expressed concern that the ordinance would overregulate homeowners, burden commercial investment, and worsen housing affordability. He urged council to adopt safeguards.
  • Monica Bon Miller and Michelle Stress spoke in favor of the ordinance, disagreeing with the Realtors' position and arguing wetlands protection is essential.
  • Bob Adams strongly endorsed the regulations, noting a gap left by a Supreme Court decision.
  • Mike Van Horn asked how the ordinance would apply to the Rifle Range Park project.
  • Andrew Wonderly (Charleston Waterkeeper) supported the ordinance as a response to federal rollbacks and emphasized wetlands' value for flood control and habitat.
  • Susie Carlson (Southern Environmental Law Center) supported the ordinance, urging Mount Pleasant to be a state leader.
  • Tori Sanders (Coastal Conservation League) supported the ordinance but urged council to reconsider exceptions for pools, sheds, and garages due to cumulative impacts.
  • Denise Hugo (Housing for All) supported the ordinance and advocated for proper tree selection to avoid flooding.
• Public Comment (General):
  • David Spid raised concerns about the Highway 41 expansion plan, noting the county’s plan would build through Laurel Hill Park and the Phillips community. He urged council to fight for better solutions, such as shifting the road toward Dunes West and improving signage.
  • Denise Hugo thanked planning bodies for approving five affordable townhomes at First Baptist Church development and updated on bank partnerships for long-term residents.
  • Michelle Stress criticized artificial turf based on a California study, noting high surface temperatures, chemical detection, and impractical maintenance rules. She suggested natural fields at Rifle Range Park and Long Point.
  • Jennifer Palmer (SeaMon White Soden) presented the Park West PD amendment on behalf of Center Park Group, highlighting low impervious coverage, affordable units, and wetland preservation.
  • Jason Esposito (Center Park Group) spoke in favor of the townhome project, citing its location near services and its attainability.
  • Blake Hill requested deferral of a consent item due to family issues.
  • Michael German (Olive Branch AME Church) requested continued approval for a drive-through on Indigo Market Drive.
  • David C., representing First Baptist Church, thanked council but expressed concern that requiring HOA participation could financially burden the church and threaten the affordable housing deal.
  • Mike Van Horn asked for a public list of county projects for the upcoming half-cent sales tax referendum.
  • Jason Fabrizio clarified a rezoning request on White Flat Road, noting commercial use was unworkable and R3 zoning was needed for two single-family homes.
  • Lawrence Disdale spoke in favor of artificial turf at Rifle Range Park, arguing it allows more play time.

Discussion Items

• Highway 41 and County Projects: Multiple residents raised concerns about the Highway 41 widening plan, which would impact Laurel Hill Park and the Phillips community. Staff and council acknowledged the issue but took no formal action.
• Wetlands Ordinance (First Reading): Staff presented the ordinance protecting isolated, non-jurisdictional wetlands. Key provisions include a 10-foot buffer (average 20 feet, minimum 5 feet), investigation by qualified professionals, and exceptions for boundary surveys, property line adjustments, and parcels under 5 acres with an affidavit. The ordinance applies to subdivisions and single-family permits. Council moved it to second reading with plans for a possible workshop to address member questions.
• Density Threshold Amendment (First Reading): Council approved an ordinance removing the one-acre exemption for density calculations, making density rules apply to all parcels regardless of size.
• Park West PD Amendment (First Reading): Council approved incorporating 7 acres into the PD for 43 multifamily townhomes, with 5 designated as attainable housing. The vote was 6-2. The project will also include a pedestrian/bike connection to All American Boulevard. It will be discussed further at the next planning committee meeting before final reading.
• Indigo Square PD Amendment (First Reading): Council approved allowing a drive-through restaurant use, contingent on a transportation impact assessment and a 15-foot natural buffer with preserved vegetation. Vote was unanimous.
• White Flat Road Rezoning (Denied): A request to rezone two parcels from OP2 to R3 for potential duplexes was denied. Council noted the parcels had historically been R1 and could be developed as single-family without rezoning.
• Annexation and Rezoning Requests (Items 8A1 and 8A2): A motion to defer failed on a 4-4 tie (one member absent). A subsequent motion to deny passed 5-3, meaning the properties will remain in the county.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Wetlands Ordinance: Approved on first reading (voice vote, no opposition noted).
  • Density Threshold Amendment: Approved on first reading (voice vote, no opposition noted).
  • Park West PD Amendment: Approved on first reading (6-2).
  • Indigo Square PD Amendment: Approved on first reading (voice vote, no opposition noted).
  • White Flat Road Rezoning: Denied (voice vote, 5-3).
  • Annexation/Rezoning Denials (8A1 & 8A2): Denied (5-3).
• Final Readings: Ordinance regarding public right-of-way planting and replacement (Ordinance 26019) approved.
• Other Actions:
  • Resolution 26023 (sheriff’s office incident management system) approved.
  • No old business or committee action items were addressed.
• Next Steps: The wetlands ordinance will return for second reading, possibly after a council workshop. The Park West project will go to planning committee before final reading.

Special Called Meeting (5:00 PM)

• Council convened at 5:00 PM and immediately entered executive session for legal/contractual discussion on an economic development incentive package and personnel appointments.
• Reconvened without any votes taken in executive session.
• Motion to approve the economic development package based on executive session terms passed (voice vote, one dissenting – Ms. Ramit).
• Appointments: Taylor Craig Porter appointed to Commercial Design Review Board; Llivia Thomas appointed to Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee (seat 4).