Developer tells Mount Pleasant council overlays can deliver controlled affordable units; council weighs neighborhood protections

A developer who identified himself during a Mount Pleasant work session urged the council to adopt overlay zoning as a controlled way to deliver affordable housing near town.

The developer (Speaker 4) said overlays provide clarity to builders and oversight for the council, describing an example site of about 1.7–2 acres that could hold roughly 36 units and saying the units would “sell for around $220,000.” He told the group overlays let developers and regulators agree up front on covenants and use restrictions so projects do not become large rental operations (Speaker 4).

Councilors and staff pushed back with neighborhood protection issues. Several council members said a half‑acre minimum for an overlay application could enable small infill projects scattered through older neighborhoods; staff suggested raising minimum application size or requiring a larger parent parcel while allowing smaller internal lots in the development. Staff also emphasized development agreements, CC&Rs, and required infrastructure and traffic studies would be part of any approved overlay project (Speakers 6,9).

The developer framed overlays as an alternative to pushing affordable projects far outside town, saying young people need housing near services and that overlays can keep projects appropriately located and restricted. Councilors urged staff to craft rules that protect existing residents while enabling projects where they make sense (Speakers 4,6).

There was no decision on a specific project and no vote; staff will draft code options and return to the planning commission and council.