Town to pursue Shem Creek landMt. Pleasant council votes to negotiate for site that could become public park By Prentiss Findlay (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Mt. Pleasant council votes to negotiate for site that could become public park 
Ken Hawkins/The Post and Courier MOUNT PLEASANT — Town Council voted Tuesday to negotiate to buy 43 acres on the northern side of Shem Creek from developers who plan a marina and condominiums on the property. Without comment, council emerged from executive session and voted unanimously to enter into talks with Mark Mason and Phillip Smith to buy the land. Later, council voted to approve the annexation and zoning necessary for the developers to proceed with their project. Joan Pittman presented council with a Petition to Save Shem Creek signed by 683 people. She said the petition had been circulating in the community since Friday. The petition says those who signed it are "adamantly opposed" to the developers' plan for the creek: "This proposal for construction (and sale to private owners) of floating docks in Shem Creek that would accommodate an additional 24 yachts, each up to 50 feet long, would not only clog and further pollute an already overburdened area, but spell the certain end of this historic center of Old Mt. Pleasant as a viable commercial marine district." The petition urges the town to vigorously try to buy the property and exert its influence in every way possible to help restore the area to its historic purpose as a working waterfront. "It would be a travesty for that property to be turned into some sort of carnival," said Jerry Moore, a resident of nearby Bayview subdivision. Proponents of the developers' plan argue that the area of Shem Creek just past Vickery's restaurant is an eyesore with its sunken boats and rickety docks. They say that the development would restore that side of the creek and allow public access through marsh and creek boardwalks. Town officials have yet to say exactly what they envision for the site, but they have suggested the land would be suitable for a park and marsh boardwalk. The park would be where the developer now plans condominiums at the site of the OK Tire store. The developers were present but did not speak. Mason has said that he has a $7.5 million investment in the property, and he is open to negotiating with the town. Town Administrator Mac Burdette said the Shem Creek project would be paid for through tax-increment financing. Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or pfindlay@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 4 comment(s)
Posted by Neponset on August 15, 2007 at 5:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As a teen and young adult, I spent many happy hours down on the creek.
Trips down to the shrimp docks to visit with the watermen, see what they were doing and go on their boats
Trips to the boat yard to talk to boat owners working on their boats, see what boats had arrived and maybe speak to Henry (my friend’s father) who worked there.
And of course, putting in at the boat landing, above the bridge, and cruising down the creek.
Many of my past pleasures can not be experienced today due to the passage of time and change.
Not all changes have been bad ,as I have enjoyed many seafood dinners on the creek. My favorite is Shem Creek Bar and Grill (I like to sit at the bar on the back porch, have a beer, eat some oysters or “Damn Good Crab Cakes” and watch the sun set over the marsh. If this development goes thru, I will watch the sun set over the tops of some high rise buildings.
I think another petition would be helpful with a lot more than 600+ signatures. I favor leaving the area as is and place it in some sort of trust.
Posted by OverHere on August 15, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Despite being the 4th or 5th largest city -emphasis on city-the "Town" hasn't done squat for parks and recreation beyond t-ball and soccer fields over the last twenty years. We are seriously outclassed by the likes of Rock Hill in the park department. I'm glad they have decided to do something, but it seems that this has more to do with bumping chests with Mark Mason- whose condo project would be in the county not the town, see neighboring office building the town wasn't happy with. I'm sure the land could have been had for less than $7 million if someone would have had the idea sooner.
We need more planning and less reactive politics from the Town.
Posted by OverHere on August 15, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Despite being the 4th or 5th largest city in SC-emphasis on city-the "Town" hasn't done squat for parks and recreation beyond t-ball and soccer fields over the last twenty years. We are seriously outclassed by the likes of Rock Hill in the park department. I'm glad they have decided to do something, but it seems that this has more to do with bumping chests with Mark Mason- whose condo project would be in the county not the town, see neighboring office building the town wasn't happy with. I'm sure the land could have been had for less than $7 million if someone would have had the idea sooner.
We need more planning and less reactive politics from the Town.
Posted by hawneena on August 15, 2007 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Harpo, glad to see that you survived your yard work. You are so right about those hulking palaces that were built. The rich but not so famous are afraid that the average joe might enjoy what they think they own. At least they have not been able to stop people from walking on "their" beach....yet.