Another Setback for Big-Box Stores

A council committee has voted to keep a town ban on large retail developments larger than 70,000 square feet on parcels of land smaller than 50 acres.

The town's planning office sought the repeal of the so-called 50-acre rule in an effort to clean up its aging development codes. The council had already approved the proposal in July 2011, but the code remained on the books due to a clerical error.

On Monday, the council's Planning Committee heard arguments for and against the rule change. Most speakers, however, opposed the rule chance because they fear the lack of a prohibition would open the door for a controversial retail development near Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.

Read more about the Gregg Tract.

The Planning Committee voted unanimously to keep the rule on the books. Councilmembers Elton Carrier, Linda Page and Thomasena Stokes-Marshall voted to keep the rule. Councilman John Burn was absent.

Residents said big-box stores don't fit into Mount Pleasant's charm and crush small businesses. Supporters, however, said locals already patronize big-box stores outside Mount Pleasant. Allowing big boxes just keeps motorists off the roads and allows some tax revenue to stay in town.

The developer behind the Gregg Tract, the controversial, three-store development proposed for 40 acres of land near Towne Centre, said removing the restriction allows the town simply to consider all retailers.