OpenPublica

Accountability starts with access.

© 2026 · Filed for the public record

Use casesAboutAPIPrivacyTermsLinkedIn
Home/Mount Pleasant, South Carolina/Town Council
OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Mount Pleasant Planning Commission Meeting - October 21, 2026

Town Council — Wednesday, October 21, 2026
BodyMount Pleasant, South Carolina
SessionTown Council
DateWednesday, October 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:31:30

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:06

Peter, are you ready?

Speaker 2

0:07

Yes, ma'am.

Speaker 3

0:13

Okay, we'll call the uh what is this month?

0:16

October uh meeting of the plan that Mr.

0:18

Barry will want to recuse himself for one of the agenda items item seventh C.

0:23

We'll do that later, but he'll he'll uh participate otherwise.

0:27

Okay, I'll ask for a motion to approve the agenda.

Speaker 4

0:31

Move to approve.

Speaker 3

0:32

Motion has been made and seconded.

0:34

All those in favor say aye.

Speaker 4

0:35

Aye.

0:36

Aye.

Speaker 3

0:36

Any opposed?

0:37

Motion carries.

0:38

Aye.

0:39

Aye.

0:40

Any opposed?

0:41

Motion carries.

0:42

We'll move to uh Mr.

0:43

Stone and the Planning Commission recommendations update.

Unassigned speaker

0:49

Thank

Speaker 2

0:49

you, Mr.

0:50

The first reading on uh 663 Faulkner Drive for rural residential.

0:56

That was denied.

0:57

That will automatically uh defer to RC2.

1:02

The 1268 Porsche's Bluff was um was approved for AB1, 1182 Russell for NC2.

1:12

That was approved.

1:14

The two properties on Johnny Dodds Boulevard that were in a PD.

1:18

It was approved for AB1 zoning, and the ordinance for a temporary moratorium on data centers and the processing of those applications that was approved.

1:29

That's all the staff has.

Speaker 3

1:31

Great, thank

Unassigned speaker

1:32

you.

Speaker 3

1:32

Okay, we received quite a bit of correspondence this month, just confirming with uh staff that we received it all within the uh parameters set forth by the town.

Speaker 5

1:42

Yes, sir.

Speaker 3

1:43

Great.

Unassigned speaker

1:44

Okay,

Speaker 3

1:45

now is the uh portion of our uh meeting where we ask for general public comment.

1:50

So most of you, my suspicion is um would like to comment specific to one of our agenda items, um, which uh you will you may have opportunity to do.

2:02

We've got one public public hearing on the agenda tonight.

2:06

Um, but if if you want to speak on any uh topic uh this evening to the commission, now would be the time to do

Unassigned speaker

2:13

that.

Unassigned speaker

2:14

We

Speaker 3

2:14

have two and uh two and a half minutes, and the procedure or our protocol is to state your name and address for the record.

Unassigned speaker

2:22

Yes,

Speaker 3

2:22

sir.

2:22

Please, yes.

Unassigned speaker

2:44

Uh

Speaker 6

2:45

Jeff Irvine, 852 Denton's Road.

2:48

Good evening, commissioners.

2:49

I live on Denton's Road overlooking the Lake Saratina and have three primary concerns about the development at Walkendal Farms.

2:58

First is the loss of recreational green space and mature trees.

3:02

For generations, Trident Academy's fields have served not only its students but children throughout our community for organized sports and informal recreation.

3:10

Replacing this green space with homes and a roadway representing represents a permanent loss.

3:16

The proposed removal of 11 historic and significant trees is equally concerning.

3:21

Second is storm water drainage.

3:24

Longtime residents, including myself, report declining water levels in Lake Saratina following construction of Hamlet Square and its retention pond in the early 2000s.

3:36

Portions of that lake behind four homes have completely dried

Unassigned speaker

3:40

up.

Speaker 6

3:41

Last year I communicated extensively with town environmental manager Claire O'Laufman and asset manager Frankie Pettit about these problems.

3:50

We walked the lake extensively and the dam.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Land Use████████████████████████████████32%
Zoning Policy████████████████████████24%
Education Funding█████████9%
Data Center Regulation████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Environmental Protection█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Mount Pleasant Planning Commission Meeting

October 21, 2026

The Mount Pleasant Planning Commission met on October 21, 2026. The meeting included extensive public comment on the proposed Walkendal Road subdivision, the denial of that sketch plan, and the approval of another. Commissioners also discussed policy frameworks for aligning zoning with the future land use map and regulating data centers.

Consent Calendar

  • The agenda was approved unanimously.

Planning Commission Recommendations Update

  • Staff reviewed recommendations forwarded to Town Council. A denial was recorded for 663 Faulkner Drive (which will automatically defer to RC2). Approvals were granted for 1268 Porsche's Bluff (AB1), 1182 Russell (NC2), two properties on Johnny Dodds Boulevard (AB1), and the ordinance for a temporary moratorium on data centers.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the proposed subdivision on the Trident Academy soccer fields (Walkendal Road).
    • Jeff Irvine [POSITION: opposed], cited the loss of 11 historic and significant trees, declining water levels in Lake Saratina, and reported that Lucy Beckham High School is already at 119% of its 1,482 student capacity.
    • Margaret Malden [POSITION: requested a deferral], asking the town to evaluate safety and flooding impacts, and to explore public acquisition of the land as a rare green space opportunity.
    • Bergen Connors [POSITION: asked to slow the process], requesting independent traffic, drainage, and environmental assessments before decisions are made.
    • Shelby Swales [POSITION: strongly opposed], argued the land should be preserved for a community facility like a stadium for Lucy Beckham High School, stating there are not enough amenities for children in the area.
    • Mayored Flyandry [POSITION: requested a pause], citing a lack of public notice and transparency, and the need to balance property rights with the common good.
    • Brett Thomas [POSITION: opposed], questioned the rejection of alternatives to save the 24-inch live oak, noted a similar 2016 proposal required a public hearing, and argued the comprehensive plan designation of community facilities should be respected.
    • Kevin Vincent [POSITION: opposed], criticized the lack of transparency and warned of significant flooding damage to neighboring properties from grading.
    • Lauren Newman (Walkendahl Lakes Civic Association President) [POSITION: posed questions to the developer], asking about civic association participation, the responsibility for lake maintenance, and traffic safety on Mathis Ferry Road.
    • Cheryl Ross [POSITION: opposed], stated the existing Trident rear gate is closed most of the time, so traffic is minimal, and the proposed new entrance at her corner would worsen congestion on Mathis Ferry Road.
  • Representatives for Trident Academy argued in [POSITION: support] of the plan.
    • Joseph Techlinberg (CCT Real Estate) stated the town declined to buy the land for a park and that 10 homes would generate less traffic than the current 600-family soccer program.
    • Board members and the interim head of school, Hacker Burr, shared personal stories regarding the school's impact on children with dyslexia. They stated the land sale is critical to securing the school's financial future and buying its building.
    • Eric Hortner (Assistant Head of School) stated the school's mission is education, not subsidizing public recreation, and the donor intended the land to be an investment for the school.

Discussion Items

7A. Bell Hall Planned Development Amendment

  • The commission held a public hearing for a request to add commercial recreation as a permitted use. No members of the public spoke.
  • Outcome: The commission voted unanimously to approve the amendment.

7B. Vested Rights Extension for Zero Hill Road

  • Outcome: The commission unanimously approved the extension.

7C. Sketch Plan for Walkendal Road (Trident Academy Parcels)

  • Presentation: Staff presented a plan for a 6.5-acre site zoned R1. The plan proposed 10 lots, a 1.7-acre open space, and the removal of 7 historic and 4 significant trees (including a 24-inch live oak). The applicant stated the density (1.5 units/acre) and traffic (9 peak trips vs 32 for the field) were lower than allowed. A non-conforming parking lot and road length of ~1,100 feet were noted.
  • Commission Deliberation: Commissioners expressed concerns about tree loss, road length, and compatibility with the R1 neighborhood. Commissioner Ireland read the R1 district purpose, which discourages use that generates traffic on minor streets.
  • Outcome: A motion to deny the sketch plan was made, seconded, and carried.

7E. Sketch Plan for Spring Hope Drive

  • Presentation: The plan proposes subdividing a 1.44-acre R4 lot into 3 lots (density ~2 units/acre vs a max of 6). Issues included a flag lot and access easement.
  • Outcome: The commission approved the sketch plan, with one commissioner in opposition.

8. Discussion of Density in Relation to Future Land Use

  • Staff reviewed the legal difference between the Future Land Use map (policy guide) and Zoning (the law).
  • Outcome: The commission directed staff to explore a process where a substantial improvement or change in use on a parcel out of sync with its future land use would trigger a public review.

9. Discussion of Data Center Land Use and Zoning

  • Staff reviewed a two-year moratorium and regulations from other counties regarding noise, water, and power.
  • Outcome: The commission directed staff to draft an ordinance restricting large data centers (over 1 MW) to Light Industrial (LI) zoning as a special exception with strict criteria.

Key Outcomes

  • Motion to Deny (7C): The sketch plan for the Walkendal Road subdivision was denied.
  • Motion to Approve (7E): The sketch plan for Spring Hope Drive was approved.
  • Motion to Approve (7A, 7B): The Bell Hall PD amendment and Zero Hill Road extension were approved.
  • Policy Direction (8): Staff was directed to create a review trigger for land use vs. zoning conflicts.
  • Policy Direction (9): Staff was directed to draft data center regulations requiring a special exception in LI zones.

Meeting Transcript

Peter, are you ready? Yes, ma'am. Okay, we'll call the uh what is this month? October uh meeting of the plan that Mr. Barry will want to recuse himself for one of the agenda items item seventh C. We'll do that later, but he'll he'll uh participate otherwise. Okay, I'll ask for a motion to approve the agenda. Move to approve. Motion has been made and seconded. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. We'll move to uh Mr. Stone and the Planning Commission recommendations update. Thank you, Mr. The first reading on uh 663 Faulkner Drive for rural residential. That was denied. That will automatically uh defer to RC2. The 1268 Porsche's Bluff was um was approved for AB1, 1182 Russell for NC2. That was approved. The two properties on Johnny Dodds Boulevard that were in a PD. It was approved for AB1 zoning, and the ordinance for a temporary moratorium on data centers and the processing of those applications that was approved. That's all the staff has. Great, thank you. Okay, we received quite a bit of correspondence this month, just confirming with uh staff that we received it all within the uh parameters set forth by the town. Yes, sir. Great. Okay, now is the uh portion of our uh meeting where we ask for general public comment. So most of you, my suspicion is um would like to comment specific to one of our agenda items, um, which uh you will you may have opportunity to do. We've got one public public hearing on the agenda tonight. Um, but if if you want to speak on any uh topic uh this evening to the commission, now would be the time to do that. We have two and uh two and a half minutes, and the procedure or our protocol is to state your name and address for the record. Yes, sir. Please, yes. Uh Jeff Irvine, 852 Denton's Road. Good evening, commissioners. I live on Denton's Road overlooking the Lake Saratina and have three primary concerns about the development at Walkendal Farms.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com