Remember that old adage, be careful what you wish for because you just might get it? Well, it’s one that the Save Shem Creek crowd is now learning all too well.
Mt. Pleasant Town Council may have voted to limit the height of buildings in the Shem Creek area to 45 feet, but it won’t apply to the previously approved 54-foot tall mixed-use parking garage.
And given that the garage’s developer intends to proceed with construction, that means that this so-called eyesore — a full nine feet taller than all future structures — will be the single most prominent building at Shem Creek. Alanis, don’t ya think?
The P&C’s Jennifer Berry Hawes reports:
A vote Tuesday to lower allowed building heights along Shem Creek from 55 feet to 45 feet won’t affect a controversial planned office building and parking garage, town officials said.
Some residents left Tuesday’s marathon Town Council meeting either unsure of the vote’s effect or hopeful it meant the demise of the 54-foot building’s plans, said Jim Owens, a leader of efforts to reduce development some fear would overpower Coleman Boulevard.
“There was a lot of uncertainty,” agreed Brett Bennett, a member of the Old Village Historic District Commission who opposes Shem Creek building. “I had my fingers crossed.”
However, the office building and garage, which includes a $2.8 million parking lease agreement with the town, is only a few architectural details shy of completing the planning approval process, Mayor Linda Page and other council members said.
“(The vote) will have no impact on the parking garage,” Councilman Paul Gawrych said.
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