This is the kind of pressure Public Officials get from various entities, like the Chamber of Commerce in this instance, to buy what they are selling. However, Im not buying it! August 7, 2014 The Honorable Linda Page Mayor, Town of Mount Pleasant 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Dear Mayor Page: I am writing you today on behalf of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and business membership regarding the proposed changes to the commercial review process and the Town’s Planning Commission recommendations regarding building heights along Coleman Boulevard. The Chamber is working closely with a coalition of small and large businesses and members of the development and planning community in Mt. Pleasant. Our coalition – the Partnership for Responsible Growth – is concerned with the changes that are being discussed due to the potential negative impact these adjustments could have on the Town’s twin goals of being a business friendly environment and a place that attracts young professionals and their families. Further, we are concerned that the recommended changes are in response to a vocal minority of negative voices and fail to take into consideration the majority view of Mt. Pleasant citizens and businesses. Failing to consider this majority view could impede or derail well-thought-out development projects from moving forward. As we have shared previously, we have some reservations regarding the Commercial Design Review Board’s (DRB) approval track. We understand the need for public input on new projects, but are concerned that the possibility of vocal community input could persuade Review Board members to slow down or modify projects that clearly fall within the Town’s zoning and regulatory guidelines. Businesses and developers become frustrated with this type of regulatory uncertainty. Changing the process or the requirements because of “public input” on a case by case basis opens the door to the Town looking unfriendly toward business. We feel there should be ample time for projects already in the pipeline to finish their current staff track. We are happy that the Planning Committee recommended the DRB remain seven members, and, we feel strongly that the make-up of the Board should be four members having occupational requirements (architect, landscape architect, engineer and general contractor) and three at-large members. This allows for citizens of the Town to have a voice, while professionals in building and design fields maintain the majority voice. This will ensure that approvals have technical expertise to evaluate proposals, while including ample public input. We urge Town Council to leave the current height restrictions along Coleman Boulevard as is versus adopting the recommendations of the Planning Commission. Several years ago, the Town spent significant time and resources creating the Coleman revitalization master plan. During the plan’s 18- month development process, the Coleman Revitalization Advisory Board (CRAB) held public meetings, receive community input and developed a great plan with overwhelming support. The Honorable Linda Page August 7, 2014 Page 2 Several years ago, the Town spent significant time and resources creating the Coleman revitalization master plan. During the plan’s 18-month development process, the Coleman Revitalization Advisory Board (CRAB) held public meetings, receive community input and developed a great plan with overwhelming support. The adopted height limits of 55 feet and 75 feet (for three total parcels of land) allow for different architectural styles and different uses along the corridor. Lowering the heights forces the development of similar boxy looking buildings which is out of character with the stated goals of the Coleman plan, to allow four and six floor structures. Lowering the heights prevents the development of different uses and will result in flat roofs with little architectural diversity or aesthetic appeal. We know that the Town Council members and you have faced aggressive opposition by a very vocal minority of Mount Pleasant residents who have concerns with the proposed new development along Coleman Boulevard. We believe the root cause of this outcry is traffic and parking, not building heights. There are projects currently being proposed that will help with the parking issue. Let these projects move successfully forward and be a part of solving the existing problems. Slowing this process, or changing it, contributes to the regulatory uncertainty I mentioned earlier, and damages Mt. Pleasant’s reputation as a forward-thinking, business responsive community. Thank you again for your leadership and vision for Mount Pleasant’s future. Please know that the Chamber is here as a resource for you, Town Council and your staff. If you have any questions or comments, please contact George Ramsey with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce at 843- 805-3116. Sincerely, cc: Mount Pleasant Town Council
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 02:52:01 +0000
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