Zoning change discussion on the agenda tonight at 6:30

The  SI Planning Commission continues to discuss whether to change SI zoning ordinances to allow stand-alone structures and recreational uses on properties zoned residential. The address of the the property currently under discussion is 3117 Marshall Blvd, but any zoning change would apply to the entire community. 

A recommendation by the Planning Commission must also be approved by Town Council. If Town Council approves the zoning change, a similar recreational structure could potentially be built on any vacant lot on the island that has residential zoning. 

Catherine Main, Executive Director of East Cooper Land Trust, has stated that any amendment should be written in such a way as to incentivize more property owners to do what the Marshall Blvd. property owners want to do. (See attached report.)

Based on the discussion at their July meeting, at least some members of the Planning Commission seem to want to figure out a way to make the zoning change happen. 

At the meeting tonight, the Planning Commission will have the option of doing one of the following:

• Adopt language and schedule a public meeting for comments from residents. Assuming this is the option decided upon, the public hearing would be September 9th.
• Table the issue for further study
• Decide against recommending any zoning changes to Town Council.

It is important to find out not only which members of the Planning Commision support changing SI zoning ordinances, but also which members of Town Council support the change.

Here is the link to the report from the July 8th Public Hearing held by Planning Commission.  As the report indicates, the Public Hearing was well attended by islanders voicing questions and concerns about the proposed zoning amendment.

The Planning Commission also discussed the zoning amendment at a meeting on June 11th. The report from that meeting is attached.

The Planning Commission meeting will be held at 6:30 tonight, at SI Town Hall, 2050-B Middle Street. Parking is in the neighborhoods, due to the construction of the new Town Hall.

Hope to see you at the meeting! If you cannot attend, please contact the Planning Commission and Town Council and let the members know what your thoughts are on this issue.

Karen and Barbara
SI Community Impact