Concerns over a proposed zoning change in Mount Pleasant took center stage at the City Commission meeting on December 9, 2024, as residents voiced strong opposition to the potential development of a 12.5-acre parcel at the corner of Broomfield and Crawford Roads. The proposal to rezone the land to a commercial designation has raised alarms about traffic congestion and its impact on local public schools.

Timothy Caldwell, a member of the Southwest Area Neighbors Association, highlighted the potential traffic issues stemming from the development. He pointed out that the area’s current road capacity may not support the influx of traffic that a commercial project would generate. Caldwell referenced a 2005 traffic study indicating that significant road expansions would be necessary to accommodate such development, including widening Broomfield Road to five lanes.

Caldwell also raised concerns about the financial implications for Mount Pleasant Public Schools. He argued that the establishment of a private school on the rezoned property could lead to a substantial loss of state funding for public education, estimating a potential loss of nearly $2 million annually if the school reaches its target enrollment of 200 students.

Beth Oetikerk echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the 12.5-acre parcel should remain zoned for residential use. She warned that a shift to commercial zoning would not only increase traffic but also bring noise and potential crime to the neighborhood. Oetikerk noted that previous attempts to rezone the property for commercial use had failed, suggesting that the current proposal could lead to unwanted consequences for the community.

As the City Commission deliberates, the voices of concerned residents underscore the critical balance between development and community needs. The decision on the zoning change will significantly impact both local traffic patterns and the financial health of public schools in the area.