More unwanted change on Sullivan's Island?

So what is the real reason the SI Planning Commission is reviewing  deed restrictions on the 3-acre lot on Station 19 (aka The Dump) and the vacant lot next to the boat landing? Explanations so far have been confusing at best. 

The Planning Commission told islanders attending the November 10th meeting that it wants to review the deed restrictions in order to come up with a management plan that confirms what can be done with the properties. But the Planning Commission's minutes for October say something different--that the purpose of reviewing deed restrictions is to discuss "potential allowed uses" for the properties. So what is really going on?

And how did this review process start in the first place? Who brought up the issue of reviewing the deed restrictions on these properties? The lots were just protected by the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy a couple of years ago-- in May of 2012.  And Town Council just approved an update to the Comprehensive Plan this past July, following a year of intensive review by the Planning Commission. Why is PC discussing "potential allowed uses" for these deed-restricted properties so soon after that?

Could this "review" possibly be the first step in a sadly familiar routine by Town Council--a la the coffee shop amendment? Remember that the coffee shop amendment process all started with a supposed need by Town Council to "clean up" and clarify Town ordinances as they applied to eating establishments. And as we all know, the end result was that Town Council approved a controversial zoning change allowing up to four more restaurants (coffee shops) on the island.

Are residents on SI clamoring for changes to these properties? (Is there a survey showing this as a priority for residents?) Has Town Council or the Planning Commission contacted neighboring property owners to let them know that Council is considering potential new uses for the properties and what the impact on the neighborhood would be? 

What is the position of each of the mayoral candidates?  If the candidates do not support potential changes for these properties, each of them should just say so.

Those of us who care about conservation and preservation--and parking, traffic, congestion, and maintaining our quality of life on Sullivan's Island--should probably keep a sharp eye, just to be sure more unwanted change is not in the air...


For more information about what is happening on Sullivan's Island and the impact on the entire SI community, go to sicommunityimpact.com.