By Lauren Ratcliffe
lratcliffe@scbiznews.com
Published May 8, 2012

Mount Pleasant Town Council narrowly voted tonight to remove an ordinance in the Town Code limiting large format development on plots smaller than 50 acres.

Mount Pleasant residents listen to the discussion over a zoning ordinance that opponents argue would usher in a big box development. (Photo/Leslie Burden)

Council chambers were filled to the brim with residents vocalizing both their support for and opposition to big box stores, notably the proposed Gregg Tract development.

Current code limits the footprint of buildings on plots smaller than 50 acres to 70,000 square feet.

Councilman Craig Rhyne said he chose to move his family to the town after having grown up in Mount Pleasant because of the character of the town.

“This is not about the Gregg Tract,” Rhyne said. “It really isn’t.”

Rhyne moved that the council eliminate the ordinance from the books. Mayor Billy Swails seconded the motion.

The motion passed 5-4 with Thomasena Stokes-Marshall, Linda Page, Elton Carrier and Chris Nickels in opposition. This is the first reading on the measure.

The Gregg Tract became the public face of this ordinance when Henrich Properties submitted plans to place three buildings, including two with footprints larger than 100,000 square feet on the 40-acre plot. In February, Henrich withdrew its application for further study.

Henrich, or any other developer wishing to build big box stores, would still have to go through town council procedures to have their projects approved.

“There are enough filters in our system right now (to prevent development),” Councilman Kenneth Glasson Jr., reminded the crowd.