7 themes
This plan is organized around a framework of vision, goals, objectives, and actions. It integrates and synthesizes an understanding of the growth and development trends and forecasts with the values of the community. The development trends and community input results are each summarized in the plan.
There are several major planning themes that this plan embraces that will require a reexamination and adjustments to planning practices on Lady’s Island. These major planning themes are:
MANAGE GROWTH
The amount of growth that could happen under current policies and regulations would likely exceed the capacity of infrastructure and natural systems on the island. With a current population of approximately 15,000 potentially growing to 18,000-22,000 by 2035, based on trends and existing policies, new measures are needed to manage growth. For example, growth should not be built at densities beyond current available infrastructure and should follow the recommendations of current plans and codes. Additionally, stronger regulations are needed to discourage development in flood-prone and low-lying areas. Finally, the footprint of urban and suburban growth will be limited by reducing the existing growth boundaries. This prevents the expansion of growth beyond current limits.
CREATE A WALKABLE LADY’S ISLAND CENTER
The community should renew and strengthen the commitment to a mixed use, pedestrian friendly Lady’s Island center.
STRENGTHEN NEIGHBORHOODS
Stronger efforts are provided to manage the form of new development to reinforce and protect existing neighborhoods and business districts.
MANAGE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Construction of the improvements, and other similar road and connectivity enhancements, called for in the Lady’s Island Corridor Study should be implemented.
IMPROVED BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN SYSTEM
A connected island-wide network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities should be implemented.
REQUIRE ADEQUATE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Development regulations should link growth to adequate public facilities and reduce environmental impacts, by promoting sewer connection requirements and adding excess dirt fill limitations to low lying land regulations.
IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY IN DECISION MAKING
An improved and transparent development review process is critical to building community trust and engagement.
