Mount Pleasant Set to Lift Apartment Moratorium by Year’s End
Serving as the fourth extension since 2017, the Mount Pleasant Town Council has once again voted to extend a moratorium on the construction of apartments and condos. However, this latest extension promised a different direction for the future growth management of the town. Unlike previous renewals, this extension was amended from one year to last only until the end of the year. Town officials assert this will likely be the last time the moratorium is extended due to the gradual progress made in upgrading the town’s infrastructure to meet the demands of its growing population.
“Our zoning code has to mirror the comprehensive plan that was green-lit in 2020, and we foresee that being finalized this year,” stated Mount Pleasant Mayor, Will Haynie. “Upon its completion, there will be no further necessity for the moratorium.”
Managing Growth
The initial introduction of this moratorium was driven by the exponential growth that Mount Pleasant experienced over the last decade. Concerned about the impact on schools, traffic, and the overall quality of life, town officials sanctioned the moratorium as a strategic mechanism to manage this surge in population as they focused on improving local infrastructure.
“The moratorium provided us with an opportunity to catch up with our infrastructure program which included parks, recreational facilities, and other essential amenities needed to best serve our residents,” Mount Pleasant Town Councilman, Howard Chapman, explained.
Looking Ahead
Fresh off the heels of the intended moratorium expiration, the town does not anticipate a sudden influx of new apartments and condos. To ensure this, stringent construction limitations will remain in place through 2029. These rules restrict the number of building permits issued for single-family dwellings and accessory dwelling units to 2,400 and 100 respectively, with a cap of 500 permits for multi-family dwellings over the subsequent five years.
“These building permit allocations will allow us to regulate growth in a way that we can sustainably support with our transportation infrastructure and recreational facilities,” elaborated Chapman.
A Path Forward for Affordable Living
Interestingly, the permit restrictions will not apply to a projected affordable housing district of 100 homes. This subdivision is expected to cater to families who earn an annual income of $77,000 to $145,000, allowing individuals who work within town limits to also live within the community. The main beneficiaries of this initiative will be professionals such as teachers, medical workers, police and firefighters, public service workers, and those employed in the hospitality sector.
“Our aim is to ensure our workers have a place to live in Mount Pleasant and not have to commute for hours to and from work,” said Chapman.
Haynie reinforced the importance of this measure, noting that it seeks to enhance the quality of life in the town without sacrificing affordability. “We are a welcoming community that values the preservation of its quality of life. With the forthcoming zoning, we expect to see a different, more manageable effect on growth,” he concluded.
Although the moratorium is set to expire by 2025, depending on how quickly the new zoning code is completed, officials anticipate the possible cessation of the ban sooner than expected.
