A new retail development in Mount Pleasant is set to be reviewed at a Commercial Design Review Board meeting this Wednesday. The proposed retail village project, located off North Highway 17, aims to introduce four commercial buildings with five tenants each, offering over 20,000 square feet of retail space. The development also plans for nearly 6,000 square feet allocated for restaurants or bars and includes a 155-space parking lot.
The Location and Concerned Residents
The site for this new development is positioned near a church and down the road from a busy shopping plaza anchored by Publix and other businesses. While some residents are hopeful about the new shops and dining options, longtime locals are concerned about the increased traffic and congestion.
Vanessa Trice, a Mount Pleasant resident for over 60 years, voiced her concerns about the growth, saying, “It’s not like the old little Mount Pleasant it used to be. It’s way overcrowded. The roads are awful. It’s awful.” She mentioned that getting to Town Center, a popular area, now takes about 15-20 minutes, compared to the 10 minutes it used to take. “It’s really bad. You know, 30 minutes to get down to the bridge,” Trice added.
Excitement and Optimism from Other Residents
On the other hand, some residents are excited about the development’s potential to bring new shops and dining options to the area. Employees from the church next to the site are particularly enthusiastic, hoping that the development will bring more people through their doors and boost the area’s growth.
Environmental Impact and Concerns
The development, however, does raise concerns about its environmental impact. Approximately half an acre of wetlands would be disturbed, and several trees would need to be removed to make way for construction. These environmental changes are contributing to the debate among residents and environmental advocates.
Recent Development Surge
This project is part of the ongoing growth in the area. A new ALDI grocery store opened across the highway in June, adding to the increasing number of commercial spaces popping up in the region. The development proposal is just the latest step in the town’s transformation as the demand for new spaces continues to rise.
What’s Next?
The Commercial Design Review Board will meet at 5 p.m. on Wednesday to further assess the development. The board will review whether the project meets town standards for construction and ensure it aligns with the Design Review Overlay District guidelines. For now, the review board has outlined the development as a “grayshell” commercial space, meaning the exterior will be completed, but the interior will remain unfinished, allowing tenants to customize their spaces.
As Mount Pleasant grows, the debate continues between those excited for the new opportunities and those worried about the environmental and traffic implications. The Commercial Design Review Board’s decision will be crucial in determining the next steps for this retail village project.
