The Mount Pleasant Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 13 unanimously approved an amendment to Planned Development (PD) No. 2 for Anderson Town Crossing to allow larger retail frontage and bigger signage so a national retailer can locate on the U.S. 271 side of the development.

Lynn, planning staff, told the commission the amendment affects approximately 53.84 acres on the northwest side of Roten Road and West Ferguson Road and amends sub-area maps and architectural standards for that portion of the PD. "This is an another amendment," Lynn said, describing the change as necessary because a national retail chain wants to locate an anchor store and requires a longer facade and larger signage than the PD originally allowed. Lynn said the proposed maximum facade length would increase from 450 feet to 600 feet and sign standards being requested include a maximum height of 100 feet and combined tenant signage up to about 1,000 square feet.

Staff noted the change is largely a map and design adjustment rather than a change in the PD's overall purpose. Lynn told the commission the retail buildings have been moved slightly into an area earlier identified for multifamily use but that multifamily will continue in Parcel 23 and pad sites along 271 remain. Lynn also said the proposed sign will sit on ground that is higher than some nearby signs and, on that basis, "it did not appear to be, really an, a sticking point" in staff's view.

The commission heard that property owners within 200 feet were notified; one property owner submitted written opposition expressing concern about construction traffic and the overall development but did not register specific objections to the amendment. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

An unidentified commissioner said the changes were "90% cosmetic," and the commission discussed whether the alteration required the formal amendment process because the PD allowed some staff flexibility for smaller changes. The commission nevertheless moved to approve the amendment. A motion to approve the changes was made and seconded and the commission voted "Aye" unanimously.

Next steps include subject-site site-plan approvals and any roadway/entrance approvals that must be granted by the roadway authority before final plat approval, as noted in the staff presentation.