Mount Pleasant Town Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Mount Pleasant Town Council held a special meeting followed by a regular meeting on September 8, 2026. The special meeting included a brief reappointment to the planning commission and recognition of the Wando High School girls soccer state champions. The regular meeting covered a wide range of topics including a longevity award for a police deputy chief, public comments on the Faison Road property and zoning changes, multiple rezoning applications, a data center moratorium, a contentious zoning text amendment for churches and schools, and a report from the tree task force. Key votes included approval of a data center moratorium (7-2), deferral of a zoning text amendment (6-3), denial of height increases at Oyster Park (6-3), and approval of a change to special meeting requirements (6-3).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Francis Bishop (Ion resident): Expressed concern about chemtrails being sprayed over Mount Pleasant, citing health risks and asking the council to be aware. She referenced a documentary "The Dimming" and stated that some states have banned geoengineering.
• Sandra Connell (2106 Seaweed Indian Court, Dunes West): Urged the council to adopt a prevention-first approach to animal welfare, including required microchipping and spay/neuter to reduce shelter intake and costs.
• Amy Murray (1605 Adventure Crossing, Carolina Park): Opposed development of the 38-acre Faison Road property, citing traffic safety concerns from existing warehouses, schools, and senior communities. She requested preservation as a walking trail or nature preserve.
• Marty Jackson (3532 Artful Loop): Representing seniors along Faison Road, requested the council consider walking trails, a senior center, or amphitheater instead of more warehouses. He invited council members to meet with residents.
• Elizabeth Roth (1610 Bloom Street): Opposed further development of the 38-acre property, asking that it remain as green space with trees.
• Father Robert Spencer (Christ Our King Catholic Church, 1149 Russell Drive): Opposed the proposed zoning text amendment that would limit density on church and school properties. He argued it would hamper his church's ability to serve the community and reduce property values, affecting future expansion.
• Deborah Rowe (1604 Bloom Street): Supported keeping the Faison Road property as green space, noting increased traffic and safety issues from recent development.
• Cheryl Butler (3513 Artful Loop): Moved from Atlanta to Restore community for the green space; requested the council preserve the remaining 38 acres as green space.
• Sharon Marsh (1481 Oldenburg, Tupelo subdivision): Supported a senior center in North Mount Pleasant, possibly on the Faison Road property, but opposed further development that would add traffic.
• Molly Starr (1602 Bloom Street): Spoke for preserving the grove of trees on the 38 acres as a dedicated park, noting the trees are important for shade and seniors need a place to walk.
• Ross Morazzo (1883 Bolden Drive, Carolina Park): Opposed overdevelopment on Faison Road, advocating for community gathering spaces like walking trails or a YMCA to foster a sense of community.
• Bruce Landsberg (3720 O'Coney Loop, Carolina Park): Opposed car dealerships, warehouses, storage, and strip malls on Faison Road. Supported community amenities and noted the need for the property not to be clear-cut.
• Jessica Ziegler (1438 Crane Creek Drive, Carolina Park): Asked the council to take no action on the Faison Road property, leaving options open for green space, passive recreation, or family entertainment. She stressed not rushing into development.
• Rogan Saul (Old Park neighborhood): Opposed the rezoning of churches and schools to a new public institutional designation, arguing it would diminish land value and hurt schools like Trident Academy.
• Hacker Burr (1596 Headquarters Plantation Drive, John's Island, interim head of Trident Academy): Stated that the proposed zoning text amendment would harm the school's long-term sustainability by restricting land rights. He asked for more time and constructive conversation.
• Loy Stewart (1502 Mariner Place Drive, president of Detyen Shipyards): Asked the council to honor the intent of his grandfather's gift of land to Trident Academy and protect the school's property rights, rather than limiting them.
• Jeff Tibbles (attorney for Christ Our King Church): Opposed the zoning text amendment, noting that the planning commission recommended denial and the planning committee failed to recommend approval. He asked that the ordinance not be adopted and that the church be included in discussions.
• Alison Pine (963 Warcooks Lane): Questioned the council's analysis of the financial impact on schools, churches, and nonprofits. She urged the council to consider less restrictive alternatives.
• Chad Martins (3732 Oconey Loop, Carolina Park): Urged the council not to sell the Faison Road property to developers, citing ARPA fund restrictions. He supported a YMCA or community center with green space.
• Carla Pinkney (3768 Robbie Glever Road, Awendaw): Asked the council to extend the temporary moratorium on major subdivisions in Charleston County historic districts to protect settlement communities like the 10 Mile community.
• Unnamed speaker (fire department supporter): Criticized the council for only offering a moment of silence on 9/11 and not supporting fire and police departments year-round. He also suggested a shared facility for seniors and children on the Faison Road property.

Discussion Items

• Longevity Award for Deputy Chief Pat Carter (30 years of service): Presented by a police department representative, highlighting his career from patrol officer to deputy chief, his work in traffic safety and DUI enforcement, and his leadership of the cadet program. Council recognized his service.
• Data Center Moratorium (First Reading - Ordinance 26045): Staff presented a 120-day moratorium on accepting or processing applications for data centers to allow the council to review zoning regulations. Council members debated the necessity, given the lack of water and power availability. Proponents argued it was a proactive safeguard. Opponents called it an unnecessary empty gesture. The motion passed 7-2.
• Zoning Text Amendment - Density on Public/Institutional Properties (Item 8A2): The proposed amendment would require a comprehensive plan amendment to confer residential density on properties zoned for public/institutional use (e.g., churches, schools). Council debated the impact on property rights and community planning. A motion to defer the item to allow more public input and committee discussion passed 6-3.
• Oyster Park Height Amendment (Item 8A3): Request to increase height from 45 to 48 feet on a portion of the development, with a 120-foot setback from neighboring residential. The planning commission and committee recommended approval. A motion to deny passed 6-3, after council members noted prior promises that no more amendments would be sought.
• Rezoning to AB1 (Item 8A5 - Joe Bryant Court): Unanimously approved.
• Rezoning to Neighborhood Commercial (Item 8A6): Approved.
• Rezoning to AB1 (Item 8A7 - two parcels): Approved 5-4 after debate about PD vs. AB1 zoning.
• Rezoning to AB1 from Office Professional (Item 8B1 - 913 Bowman Road): Approved 5-4, with council member Chapman opposed due to potential traffic impacts and incompatibility with nearby medical offices.
• Final Readings: Items 2 and 3 deferred. Item 4 (moratorium on subdivisions in historic districts) approved with amendment to align with Charleston County's timeline (two years for most districts, one year for 10 Mile).
• Faison Road Property (Economic Development Committee): Council discussed the 38-acre town-owned property. Council members reported a meeting with YMCA officials who expressed interest in using part of the site for a facility offering early childhood education, senior programming, and a natatorium. A motion to direct staff to meet with YMCA was withdrawn; instead, the matter was sent back to the economic development committee to consider all options including green space, a senior center, and other community uses.
• Millage Rate and Local Option Sales Tax Credit Factor: Approved maintaining the current millage rate of 44.3 mils and the LOST credit factor, resulting in an estimated $37.50 credit for a $750,000 home.
• Donation of Canine Officer: Approved acceptance of a donated canine for the police department, value over $10,000.
• Tree Task Force Report: Presented by Jamie, chair of the task force. Recommendations included: set a goal of planting 1,500 trees per year, hire a dedicated arborist/leader, strengthen tree protection ordinances (e.g., modify tree protection zones, simplify residential tree removal, adjust tree categories for pines and oaks, lower the threshold for BOSA review from 24 to 16 inches for healthy trees). Council received the report and approved the motion to allow the task force to hold workshops to assist with ordinance drafting.
• Special Meeting Requirements (Ordinance 26052): Proposed amendment to require a majority of council (5 members) to call a special meeting, aligning with state law. After debate, the motion passed 6-3.
• Towing Radius Increase (Ordinance 26053): Approved first reading, increasing the radius for tow companies called by police from 5 to 10 miles from town limits.
• Green Space/Environmental Commission (Ordinance 26044): Final reading approved with amendments to the mission and objectives, making it a standing commission.

Key Outcomes

• Reappointment to Planning Commission: Dr. Richard Gilmore was reappointed by unanimous vote.
• Data Center Moratorium (First Reading 26045): Approved 7-2.
• Zoning Text Amendment (Item 8A2): Deferred to committee for further public input by a 6-3 vote.
• Oyster Park Height Amendment (Item 8A3): Denied 6-3.
• Rezoning to AB1 (Items 8A5, 8A6, 8A7, 8B1): Approved as noted (votes varied).
• Moratorium on Subdivisions in Historic Districts (Final Reading 26039): Approved as amended to match Charleston County's timeline.
• Faison Road Property: No action taken; returned to Economic Development Committee for further study.
• Millage Rate and LOST Credit Factor: Approved.
• Donation of Canine Officer: Approved.
• Tree Task Force Report: Received, with authority to hold workshops for ordinance drafting.
• Special Meeting Requirements (First Reading 26052): Approved 6-3.
• Towing Radius (First Reading 26053): Approved.
• Green Space Commission (Final Reading 26044): Approved as amended.