From an article in this week's Moultrie News, we learn that the Mt. Pleasant Town Council will soon be taking up discussion of a 46 acre project named Bridgeside. This proposed new development will be on the largest undeveloped waterfront property in Mt. Pleasant. It lies to the east of the Ravenel Bridge.
The property has become a natural bird habitat and home to many animals. Migratory birds also make use of this land. That presents a challenge for the developer to build in such a way as to protect the environment to the extent possible, while bring in new visitors to Patriot's Point and the Memorial Park. Front Door Communities will oversee the proposed development and has committed to building "a green, sustainable community that enhances the wetlands for migratory birds." Of the 42 acres in the tract, 3 acres will be developed as the plan is currently drawn.
The developers are also exploring building designs and construction techniques that are energy efficient and reduce the potential for bird strikes. These designs would eliminate the use of reflective glass along the waterfront. Their building and landscaping choices can have a positive impact to sustain the migration of the song birds that already use this space. Front Door Communities has hired a consultant to help incorporate a migratory bird sanctuary and establish guidelines for buildings that are bird friendly.
Bridgeside will be a live, work, play concept and serve, from the developer's point of view, as the waterfront gateway to Mt. Pleasant, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Front Door is giving consideration to the public access to the waterfront. Plans call for an amphitheater with a tiered lawn leading down to the harbor. A waterfront boardwalk will connect the Patriot's Point nature trial to Memorial Park under the Ravenel Bridge. Indoor and outdoor dining, retail shopping will provide a vibrant community that will draw visitors from around the Lowcounty to Bridgestone, Patriot's Point and the Memorial Park. All of this is based on a five year buildout according to Front Door Communities.
This is an ambitious undertaking and the plans for the development seem to have taken much into consideration, migratory birds, green spaces, building designs that are safer for birds and better for the environment. In creasing traffic to the Mt. Pleasant waterfront, including Patriot's Point and Memorial Park will bring in additional needed revenues and maybe some congestion. Developments change their direction over time. We can only hope that the final plan keeps the original intent intact!
Mark R. Fuchs,
Mark and Patricia Fuchs,
Keller Williams Realty,
http://www.MarkandPatriciaFuchs.com
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