By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Officer
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (May 4, 2016) – Mayor Linda Page recently appointed a Housing Task Force to study attainable housing in Mount Pleasant and provide recommendations to Town Council.
The Task Force is chaired by former Councilwoman Thomasena Stokes-Marshall – a senior and affordable housing advocate – and vice chaired by Benjy Cooke. Other members include Skipper Wooddy, Jack Richardson, Debby Waid, Chris Brooks, Rebecca Imholz, Leo Russo, Michael Meyer, Stephanie Blunt, Sarah Jacob, Daniel Brock, and Rich Estes.
“The Task Force will determine the feasibility of providing attainable housing in the Town,” said Stokes-Marshall. “This will be done through review of current ordinances and policies, as well as determining what has worked and what new options should be explored."
The Task Force explored Mount Pleasant demographics, including the U.S. Census and the American Community Survey. Staff also provided employment information on the percentage of their workforce living in Mount Pleasant. They included Mount Pleasant Waterworks (45%), the Town of Mount Pleasant (40%), Patriots Point (35%), Roper St. Francis (35%) and Vibra (24%).
Chair Stokes-Marshall stated that there should be more diversity within the community. She also added that the older generations are making up a larger percentage of the population, bringing into focus a different set of issues that have not necessarily been considered in the past.
The Task Force will meet every third Monday at noon, with meetings lasting approximately 90 minutes. Michele Canon, a planner with the Town’s Planning and Development Department is serving as staff liaison. Housing Task Force Subcommittees will include Regulatory, Financial Subcommittee, Housing Needs and Stakeholder.
The Task Force plans on seeking additional input from stakeholders via site visits, traditional and emerging media and surveys.
For more information on the Housing Task Force, visit the town website at www.tompsc.com, download the new Town App ConnectMP, friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.