Town of Mount Pleasant

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 2016 annual report Welcome Letter From the Director To our Town of Mount Pleasant Residents and Businesses, The Town of Mount Pleasant Department of Planning and Development is pleased to present our 2016 Annual Report. Different than the Demographics Report, the Annual Report is intended to provide a comprehensive review of planning and building statistics and provides an opportunity to highlight other Departmental activities and special projects that occurred during 2016.

Construction and development activity continued to be strong this past year with an increase in residential permitting and inspections for new construction as well as renovations and additions. Submittals to Boards and Commissions remained steady for Planning Commission while increasing for the Design Review Board, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Old Village Commission. The Town also saw an increase in our corporate limits adding approximately 800 acres. The Department Outreach effort was particularly strong in 2016 as the department hosted the Planning College for citizens as well as the Meet+Greet and several Code for Lunch events. We are especially proud to have received two major awards this past year recognizing our Outreach efforts. The awards are featured in the Special Projects section of this report. Other major projects featured in this report include the completion of the second phase of the Shem Creek Park and a successful Black History Month with events hosted by the Historical Commission. Finally, the Department was excited to work again with the award-winning students from Wando High School in the creation of the 2016 Annual Report. This year the students were provided with the theme of Lowcountry waters. Images featured throughout the document were provided by the students and show a true representation of our local waters through the eyes of these talented young people. We hope that the information in this report will be useful and informative as it provides an overview of activity from this past year.

Sincerely, Christiane Farrell Director of Planning and Development

Photo by Sophie Winnick 3 Contents

Data 7

Public Outreach 21

Special Projects 29

Photo by Sophie Winnick Data

To describe our growing up in the lowcountry of South Carolina, I would have to take you to the marsh on a spring day,

From The Prince of Tides Pat Conroy Photo by Sophie Winnick

Photo by Sophie Winnick Photo by Sophie Winnick Excerpt from THE PRINCE OF TIDES by Pat Conroy. Copyright © 1986 by Pat Conroy. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Data

9,559 873

Residential Commercial Permits

27,361 3,302

Residential Commercial

Inspections

Photo by Sophie Winnick Data 9 Data

677 667

Single Family Multi-Family

212

Townhouse

24 42

Big House Accessory Dwelling Dwelling Units Permitted Photo by Sophie Winnick Data 11 Data

626 144

Tree Permits Sign Permits

78 Zoning Letters 1709 Plans and Other 158 297 Elevation Certificates

Document Requests Final Plats Photo by Sophie Winnick Data 13 Data

Planning Commission Board of Zoning Appeals

133 Total 56 Total

43 Zoning Requests 45 Variances

37 Sketch Plan 9 Special Exceptions

28 Preliminary Plats 2 Administrative Appeals

11 Text Amendments

9 Other

4 Impact Assessment

1 Comp Plan Amendment Photo by Sophie Winnick Data 15 Data

Design Review Board Old Village Historic District Commission

183 Total Submittals 135 Total Submittals

103 Staff 118 Board

80 Board 17 Staff

101 Total Projects

56 Staff

45 Board

Photo by Sophie Winnick Data 17 Data

Mou

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5 2 Palm 6 etto I C sland ount s y Park

W ando Welch Ter Wand minal o High S chool L on g P o int 17 US

P o d 7 r a 1 c Ar o US h thur R e R le r av s enel p ip B Brid h ge l W u oad f Jo Mathis Ferry R f hnnie Dodd s Blvd C yneck ol r em g a n n u H Pat riots nge P Ra oint Rifle

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93 Parcels Annexed in 2016 Mount Pleasant Town Limits 2015 (815.679 Acres) Annexations

Photo by Sophie Winnick Data 19 Public Outreach

...flush the great blue heron from its silent occupation, scatter marsh hens as we sink to our knees in mud,

From The Prince of Tides Pat Conroy Photo by Sophie Winnick

Meet+Greet ach year, the Department of Planning and Development hosts an annual open house called EMeet+Greet. The event allows citizens the opportunity to meet and ask questions directly to staff including planners, engineers, and building plan reviewers in order to learn about functions, programs, and available resources. Held at different locations throughout the Town, Meet+Greet provides transparency to the planning process and informs community members of opportunities for greater involvement.

he 2016 Meet+Greet was held in the Cooper River Room at Memorial Waterfront Park. Topic Ttables included tree protection ordinances, flood zone regulations, permitting, zoning, mapping, stormwater management, the Comprehensive Plan, demographics, and special projects. The popular Planning Calendar, which features board and commission submittal and meeting dates along with Town events, and the Annual Report debut at Meet+Greet each year. The event includes light refreshments, door prizes, and “goody bags” filled with additional resources for all guests.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Public Outreach 23 Public Outreach

Planning College he Planning and Development Department held its second Planning College in 2016. The Tprogram is limited to 25 participants allowing for in-depth discussion. Citizens attend a two semester program consisting of nine evening classes. The classes consists of a one hour presentation by Planning and Building staff followed by a thirty minute question and answer session. The spring semester provides a broad overview of basic planning processes and functions while the fall semester details the integrated and inter-related components that result in a well- planned community. The popular program enjoyed its second year of full enrollment.

Code for Lunch ode for Lunch is a quarterly program for design professionals which includes architects, Cengineers, landscape architects, and builders. Planning staff presents topics while participants are provided lunch. The topics for 2016 included a review of regulations pertaining to density and mixed use developments; a review of submittal and process changes; and a FAQ and Hot Topics. Informal discussion allows participants the opportunity to create relationships with staff, delve into details of the regulatory process, and identify issues that may need resolution prior to implementation. The result is greater understanding of ordinance requirements, efficiency for both staff and the development community, and improved professional relationships.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Public Outreach 25 Public Outreach

Public Presentations and Partnerships

Cario Middle School, Mount Pleasant History Presentation Wando High School Legends Staff, Annual Report College of Charleston Urban Planning Class, Presentation Clemson Minority Student Success, Special Presenter TreesSC, Presentation East Cooper Meals on Wheels, Presentation Top Producers’ Club Luncheon, Presentation Agent Owned Realty, Presentation Floodplain Outreach: 1st Capital Mortgage Insurance Atlantic Development Carolina One, Coleman Blvd. office Carolina One, Insurance Division Carolina One, Isle of Palms office Carolina One, Longpoint Rd. office Charleston Trident Association of Realtors Harbour Watch Homeowners Association Keller Williams Realty Seaside Farm Homeowners, Cathedral Oaks SC Department of Insurance Information Session & Public Hearing SC Society of Professional Land Surveyors, Coastal Chapter Stubbs, Muldrow, Herin Architects

Photo by Sophie Winnick Public Outreach 27 Special Projects

...open you an oyster with a pocketknife and feed it to you from the shell and say, ‘There. That taste. That’s the taste of my childhood.’

From The Prince of Tides Pat Conroy Photo by Mary Wallace Clement Data Excerpt from THE PRINCE OF TIDES by Pat Conroy. Copyright © 1986 by Pat Conroy. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Special Projects

SCAPA Outstanding Planning Project Award 2016 Public Outreach and Engagement he Town of Mount Pleasant Department of TPlanning and Development was recognized by the South Carolina American Planning Association (SCAPA) with the Outstanding Planning Project Award for Public Outreach and Engagement. The award recognizes the Planning and Development Department for its innovative use of public outreach and engagement in planning practice to improve the effectiveness and accuracy of planning efforts.

he Town of Mount Pleasant Public Outreach Program is a three-part strategy designed to interest, Tengage, and empower citizens, local businesses, and the design professional community through direct access to planners and the planning process. The outreach opportunities include Meet+Greet, Planning College, and Code for Lunch. Each event is featured in the Public Outreach section of the Annual Report.

CAPA awards offer one of the few opportunities that South Carolina planners and communities Shave to highlight the virtues of planning and recognize those who contribute to the profession. Awards are a valuable public awareness tool for local governments, agencies, and community organizations.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 31 Special Projects

Hermes Creative Award 2016 Platinum Winner

he Town of Mount Pleasant Department of Planning and Development, in partnership with the TWando High School Legends yearbook staff, was awarded the 2016 Hermes Creative Platinum Award for the 2015 Annual Report.

s part of our innovative outreach efforts, the Department of Planning and Development partners Awith local schools and arts organizations to provide design and artwork for the Annual Report. This unique community partnership allows artists and students an introduction to the functions and efforts of their local government and fosters civic pride.

ermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the Hconcept, writing and design of traditional materials and programs, and emerging technologies. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, graphic design shops, production companies, web and digital creators and freelancers from around the world.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 33 Special Projects

2016 CRESCO Historical Stewardship Award

n 2016, the Historical Commission created the CRESCO Historical Stewardship Award to be Ipresented annually to individuals, groups, or organizations that have completed exemplary work in studying, preserving, restoring, or promoting Town history. Examples of this work may include historically accurate home restoration, authorship of books or articles, and promotion of historical events or activities.

ary-Julia Campbell Royall was the recipient of the inaugural 2016 CRESCO Historical Stewardship MAward. Ms. Royall has served as Mount Pleasant’s official historian for the past twenty years, she is a founding member of the Mount Pleasant Historical Commission, has published two popular histories of Mount Pleasant, Mount Pleasant: The Victorian Village and Mount Pleasant: The Friendly Town, served as President of the Confederate Memorial Association and President of the Christ Church Parish Preservation Society since 1996. Mary-Julia Campbell Royall’s contributions exemplify the purpose of the Mount Pleasant CRESCO Historical Stewardship Award.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 35 Special Projects

Shem Creek Park and Boardwalk Phase II

he Town of Mount Pleasant and local business owners completed an ambitious plan to rebuild Tand expand the public boardwalk along Shem Creek to Coleman Boulevard. The Simmons, Toler, and Fitch families granted free access to their waterfront property and the Town sponsored the boardwalk construction. The cooperative effort transformed over 1,000 feet of boardwalk and doubled the length of Shem Creek Park along the water. A new pedestrian bridge spanning Jones Creek linked the new boardwalk to the original park creating one continuous path that increased public access to the water and created new opportunities for local businesses.

isitors can now enjoy access to view shrimp boats and fishermen along the working waterfront, Vstroll to restaurants and shops along the creek, or walk the entire length of the creek and marsh from Coleman Boulevard to its terminus near Charleston Harbor with views of the Charleston skyline and the Sea Islands.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 37 Special Projects

2016 Housing Task Force

ayor Page appointed a 13-member Housing Task Force in March 2016, charged with making Mrecommendations to increase affordable housing opportunities in the Town of Mount Pleasant to promote diverse housing options so residents can live, work, and age in their community. To develop the framework, the Task Force held monthly meetings to review the effectiveness of existing ordinances and policies. In addition, the Task Force received input from residents and reviewed census data including housing, employment, and income statistics. Final recommendations will be presented to the Mayor and Town Council in early 2017.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 39 Special Projects

Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan Dunes West Bicycle Lanes

he 2009 Comprehensive Plan included a Target Strategy to “Develop a pedestrian and bicycle Tconnectivity plan that links to all of the Town’s existing and planned nodes as well as parks and schools.” To achieve this Target Strategy, the Department of Planning and Development developed a Master Bike and Pedestrian Plan with a seven year Action Plan outlining specific projects to achieve and enhance this lofty goal.

ike lanes were installed along Dunes West Boulevard connecting the neighborhoods with the Bpool, tennis courts, and community center at Thomas Lynch Hall. The lanes also connected the RiverTowne and Dunes West neighborhoods to schools, parks, and ballfields in Park West.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 41 Special Projects

Black History Month

he Historical Commission sponsored the second annual Black History Month celebration with Tevents every Saturday in February. The activities highlighted the experiences of local African Americans and how the thread of their lives are woven into the fabric of the community and the nation. Speakers and events included:

Dr. Marlene O’Bryant, Seabrook, Educator and Fiber Artist, Gullah Quilt Design Plantation Singers, Program of Spirituals Mr. Al Miller, Historian and Licensed Tour Guide, Mende Funeral Song (Sierra Leone) Mr. Michael Allen, U.S. National Park Service, Reconstruction Era in Coastal South Carolina Ms. Carolyn “Jabulile” White, Historian, Gullah Storytelling Traditions

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 43

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects

Alhambra Hall ADA Improvements

he Town continues to make improvements to Alhambra Hall and Alhambra Park to make the Tfacilities accessible to those with disabilities. lhambra Park improvements included renovations to the interior of the restroom facility, the Aaddition of sidewalk access to the restroom facility, and the addition of an accessible drinking fountain.

lhambra Hall access and safety were improved through renovations to the exterior ramps and Athe stair handrails. The most recent improvements to Alhambra Hall were completed in April of 2016. The restrooms were completely overhauled to make them fully accessible and more energy efficient. The first floor was renovated to provide a bridal suite with an accessible bathroom.

Photo by Sophie Winnick Special Projects 45

Photo by Sophie Winnick In Memoriam

Joel P. Ford (1951-2016) First Planning Director of Mount Pleasant (1979-2009)

oel was born on December 5, 1951, in Georgetown, South JCarolina. Joel spent his childhood exploring the woods and waterways of Georgetown where he developed an enduring love of the Lowcountry. Whether in the dove field, on a wave, or in a creek, Joel’s spirit was most fulfilled when in the landscape he loved. Joel graduated from Clemson University with undergraduate degrees in Political Science and English, and a Masters in City and Regional Planning. In 1979, he was became the first full-time Planning Director for the Town of Mount Pleasant. During his 30 year tenure, Joel introduced what was then South Carolina’s most progressive and forward thinking planning initiatives such as the development of the Town’s first Master Plan, creation of the first Commercial Design Review Board, and adoption of the Town’s local historic district. He was at the helm in 1989 when Hurricane Hugo hit and worked tirelessly to help rebuild the lives and futures of many. His interests were wide and diverse. He was an Eagle Scout. He excelled at tennis and surfing. He was an avid sports fan and reader with Cormac McCarthy and Mark Twain among his favorite authors. Joel’s colleagues, family, and friends knew him as a man who was strikingly clever in conversation with extraordinary, sometimes devastating, wit and intelligence.

Special Projects 47

Photo by Sophie Winnick Department of Planning and Development 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464 www.tompsc.com

The Planning and Development Department gratefully acknowledges Legends the Wando High School Yearbook Staff for generously providing the design and photography featured in the 2016 Town of Mount Pleasant Department of Planning and Development Annual Report

wandoyearbook.weebly.com

Cover Photo by Sophie Winnick