The Palmetto Tree Service Difference
At Palmetto Tree Service, we believe that trees make the world a much more pleasant place to live. They provide us with refreshing shade, verdant beauty, cool shade, and emergency shelter. They add personality to our homes, raise our property values, and give us clean air to breathe. When your home is well-manicured, with healthy trees, everyone around benefits. That's why, as arborists, we are passionate about providing our customers with dependable Lowcountry tree care.
We believe that honest prices, state-of-the-art equipment, friendly arborists, and good old-fashioned hard work set us apart from our competition. With years of experience serving homeowners in South Carolina, you can rest easy knowing every member of our team is committed to:
- Conducting themselves in a professional manner
- Providing you with top-notch tree care services
- Arriving at your property on time and ready to work hard
- Providing you with reasonable tree care service rates
- Exceeding expectations
- Utilizing safe, time-tested techniques when trimming, pruning, or removing your trees and shrubs
- Friendly, helpful customer service
Our customers mean the world to us. When you hire our company for tree services in cityname, we take that responsibility seriously. No matter the size of your project, our team will always treat your home like it is our own. Plus, you won't ever have to worry about sneaky hidden fees or outrageous pricing. We believe every homeowner deserves access to affordable tree services!
Whether your home has overgrown trees that need trimming or you have unsightly stumps that require grinding, we're here to handle it all. Curious what kind of tree care we provide to homeowners in The Palmetto State?
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Our Services
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Eco-Responsible Tree Removal in Mount Pleasant, SC
We have removed thousands of trees over the years. However, we never recommend tree removal if it's not warranted. Some South Carolina tree service companies tend to remove trees when they should be saved or simply pruned. Others go the opposite direction and never recommend tree removal.
Unlike other companies, our arborists make educated recommendations based on experience, your trees, and your needs. We make the right call for you - not for us. If disease, destruction of foundation, or other circumstances necessitate tree removal, rest assured we're recommending it for a reason.
Benefits of Tree Removal


Though we never recommend this service unless it's needed, tree removal is often the only way to protect your property and family. When done properly, removing trees from your yard can have numerous benefits.

Prevent Damage to Your Foundation
When the roots of a tree spread and grow, they often damage concrete structures, like your home's foundation or driveway. This unsightly, unsafe situation is preventable with careful tree removal.

More Yard Space
If you've got to remove trees, you might as well make use of the space. Removing trees from your yard frees up space for fun, useful additions to your home firepits and pools. Some examples that we've seen from clients include removing more free space to plant vegetables and flowers and even room to build a new basketball court.

Enhanced Views
Another benefit of tree removal is that you can create a better view for your home, both inside and out. If you have unhealthy trees blocking the view of your property, removing the tree could be a solution. On the other side of the coin, you might want the exterior view of your home to remain intact and unobstructed by trees.
Tree Trimming in Mount Pleasant, SC
Have you noticed your favorite tree growing strangely? Are your trees so overgrown that it's making your home look like vagrants live there? Are the trees around your property weighed down by dead, dangerous branches? If you answered yes to any of those scenarios, Palmetto Tree Service has a solution to your problem.
Most folks don't know that trees respond to their environment. When trees aren't cared for, they can cause unwanted problems for the homeowner. Issues like overgrowth aren't just ugly - it's a potential safety hazard for your home and family. To prevent these problems from plaguing your property, it's important to keep your trees pruned and trimmed.
Our pruning and trimming have been described as "artistry" by our customers and are performed by highly skilled tree climbers per the Society of Arboriculture standards. Trimming procedures such as view enhancement and crown raising boosts curb appeal and open up obscured views. Proper pruning can also help establish your tree's structural integrity, which helps keep them planted firmly even in South Carolina wind gusts.
Because every shrub and tree is different, we approach our tree trimming projects with a detailed plan of action. That plan starts with our team of professional tree trimmers visiting your home. Once we see what kind of trees we'll be pruning or trimming, we'll put together an actionable plan which we'll share with you. As tree care specialists, we always account for unique variables like your tree's species and where they're located in your yard.

Benefits of Tree Trimming


For some folks, tree trimming seems like a minor detail in the grand scheme of homeownership. It can be tedious, but keeping your trees trimmed and well-maintained is more important than you might think. Below are just a few of the many benefits of keeping your trees and shrubs trimmed:

Tree Health
Part of the Palmetto Tree Service pruning and trimming process includes the removal of damaged, broken, dead, and diseased branches. When ignored, these dead and dying branches grow harmful fungi that can decimate the trees around your home or business. Removing these branches can help keep your trees healthy. Tree trimming also allows the sun and air to reach your trees, further helping to maintain their health.

Safety
As proud residents of South Carolina, we know how scary lightning storms and hurricanes are. Strong winds from these natural disasters result in fallen branches and uprooted trees. South Carolina's storm season is a serious concern for homeowners, especially those with tree-lined driveways, rec areas, and walking paths. When you trust Palmetto Tree Service, you're actually storm-proofing your home. If you have low-hanging limbs near home, pruning provides more safety and overhead clearance. That way, you don't have a panic attack every time the skies open up.

Aesthetics
Nobody likes the looks of a dying, disheveled tree. Tree trimming improves the general appearance of your tree and makes your whole yard and home look better. Tree trimming also helps prevent branches from intertwining with one another.

Developmental Tree Trimming
Pruning younger trees is crucial for their health as they age. This vital tree service in Mount Pleasant keeps young trees appealing and helps promote optimal branch structure.
Types of Tree Trimming
Not all tree trimming services from Palmetto Tree are the same. Our experts specialize in many trimming services, so you get the right kind of trim for your needs. Our team understands that even the slightest mistake can permanently affect your yard and trees. That's why we approach every project with precision and expertise.
Crown Reduction: When your trees age without proper care, they can develop too many branches on their interior. Trees like this give great shade, but too much is not a good sign. That's where crown reduction trimming comes in. By reducing the density of your tree's crown, our tree care experts improve its growth rate and health. Crown density reduction also promotes a longer lifespan and a more beautiful appearance.

Storm Prep and Cleanup: Trimming and pruning procedures like removing dead wood and thinning crowns should be done before a major storm hits. Reducing branches and leaves lessens the force that wind gusts have and helps minimize the chances of trees falling. If a storm does damage your land, Palmetto Tree Service has the team and tools to help. Having recently worked Hurricanes Charlie, Ivan, Wilma, Katrina, Ike, Irene, Florence, Dorian, and even Sandy, Palmetto Tree Service has vast experience with twisted and fallen trees. We protect your property from further damage and safely remove lumber from damaged structures.
Other tree trimming services that Palmetto Tree Service offers include:
- Hazardous Tree Assessments
- Shrub Trimming
- Pruning
- Cabling
- Bracing
- Corrective Trimming
Contact Us
Free EstimateStump Grinding in Mount Pleasant, SC
For most property owners, removing a tree can seem like a major project. While that notion certainly isn't wrong, tree removal is more straightforward and often easier than trying to remove an unsightly stump from your yard. Have you ever wondered why you see so many yards with stumps dotted around the land? It's because they're tough to remove. That is why Palmetto Tree Service offers stump removal services in South Carolina.
Our skilled stump grinders bring a depth of knowledge and modern tools to every project we approach. Available for any tree removal project, our fast, efficient grinding machines ensure stumps are 6-8 inches below grade. That way, you can plant your favorite bushes and shrubs where your stump used to be.
Our stump grinding and removal efforts don't just make your yard look great. They also save you time, money, and can prevent injuries. There's a time and place for DIY yard work, but stump removal isn't one of them. Going the "DIY" route can take weeks, even if you work an hour or two every day. There's also the issue of operating heavy machinery on your own, which is dangerous and costly. For these reasons alone, it's best to trust professional stump grinders to remove your tree stumps safely.

Benefits of Stump Removal in Mount Pleasant, SC



Pest Prevention
Tree stumps are notorious for harboring harmful pests that can ruin your property. We're talking ants, termites, carpenter bees, and other wood borers. If you've noticed an uptick in pests around your home, call Palmetto Tree Service for a quote on our stump removal. You could be killing two birds with one stone.

Eliminate Unwanted Growth
When you leave a tree stump in your yard, there's a good chance you could experience unwanted tree growth. These new growths cause clusters of small trees to grow at the base of your stump. This isn't only unsightly - it can kill nearby plants because the more recent growths hoard water and nutrients to themselves.

Better Looking Yard
If you're a homeowner who loves beautiful landscaping, well-sculpted hedges, and a neat law, you will love our stump removal services. Not just for the weight off your chest but for your home's enhanced curb appeal and resale value. This point is extra pertinent if you're going to sell your home soon.

More Space
If your yard is small, even one stump can affect your usable space. If you spend a lot of time playing sports or just enjoying your yard space, stump removal is a huge help. After all, nobody wants to toss a football if there are old stumps you've got to avoid. With their complicated root systems, stumps also take up considerable space below ground. Stump removal gives your family the space needed to grow vegies, plant flowers, erect water features, and more.

Reduce Headaches
Is stump removal impossible for non-professionals? Sure, in theory. You could take spend hours researching the best ways to remove stumps. You could go to your hardware store, rent a powerful stump grinder, and risk your safety trying to run it without training. You could spend every minute of your free time grinding the stump down. Or, you could work with a trustworthy stump removal company with trained professionals, as you'll find at Palmetto Tree Service.
Your Premier Tree Service Company in South Carolina
With years of experience, it's no wonder why so many South Carolina natives choose Palmetto Tree Service over the competition. Clients love us because we exceed expectations with a smile - no if's, and's, or but's.
Our commitment to superior service isn't a gimmick; it's a year-round promise. When you choose Palmetto Tree, you'll benefit from:
- Professional advice and expertise
- Seasoned, friendly, hardworking tree care experts
- Efficient, effective tree care services
- Competitive pricing
Ready to get started? We're ready to help! Give us a call to learn more about our tree care services and to schedule your first appointment today.

Free Consultation
Latest News in Mount Pleasant, SC
The 13 Best Dining Destinations in Mount Pleasant
Eater Staffhttps://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-restaurant-mount-pleasant
While the hot, new restaurants tend to open in downtown Charleston, folks east of the Cooper need to eat too. Mount Pleasant serves up a lot of hidden gems that might not get the same publicity as the peninsula hot spots.This group spans multiple cuisines, from Japanese to Vietnamese to Southwestern, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs.Read MoreEater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of...
While the hot, new restaurants tend to open in downtown Charleston, folks east of the Cooper need to eat too. Mount Pleasant serves up a lot of hidden gems that might not get the same publicity as the peninsula hot spots.
This group spans multiple cuisines, from Japanese to Vietnamese to Southwestern, and collectively satisfies all of your restaurant needs.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
After a successful run with Ma’am Saab at former food hall Workshop, restaurateurs Maryam Ghaznavi and Raheel Gauba opened another Pakistani restaurant, Malika Canteen, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Popular menu items include dahi puri, chicken tikka masala, the kabab roll plate, and paneer tikka masala.
Located in Towne Center, Savi Cucina has become known for its excellent wine selection, including a wine-tasting room and coveted inclusion in the wine club membership. Ricotta gnocchi and pizza options including the original fig and prosciutto pie accompany other Italian classics. Situated across from Regal Palmetto Grande movie theatre, Savi Cucina is a great stop before a film.
Chef Eric Milley constantly rotates the offerings on the menu at the Shellmore, but there’s always an oyster and cheese selection available to pair with the amazing wine selection. The restaurant is small and the kitchen is even smaller, but it puts out big flavors like shrimp and scallop risotto with lobster cream or rigatoni bolognese.
Kanpai is truly a staple of Mount Pleasant dining. Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and seems to score the freshest catches around. Always check out the specials, which can range from uni to chutoro.
Open since 2003, Langdon's serves some of the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant. The dining room is set for a special night out, but it isn’t stuffy. Start with local goat cheese gnocchi or seared foie gras and then move on to a lamb ribeye or duck breast with celery root puree.
Brunch is serious business at this restaurant that draws crowds for PB&J pancakes and breakfast martinis. There’s a downtown location as well.
A South-meets-Southwest staple of Mount Pleasant, Red Drum has served the community since 2005. An inviting patio, great margaritas made with real ingredients, crispy fried shrimp, and a wood-fired creations from chef Ben Berryhill keep this a date night destination for many in the Lowcountry.
Expect friendly and fast service at this Mount Pleasant deli. At Mozzo, it’s common to hear, “Hey Jimmy, are you having the regular?” Other patrons can choose from an extensive sandwich menu featuring proteins like chicken cutlet, roast beef, turkey, and Italian meats served on ten different kinds of bread. Daily soups, house-made pickles, and local iced tea are a few of the many accompaniments offered.
Interested in grabbing a few cocktails and watching the sunset? Head here. Chef Denis Crutchfield’s menu offers plenty to snack on, whether it be roasted oysters with “casino butter” or pimento cheese with bacon jam, plus flatbreads and entrees such as grilled swordfish and pasta bolognese.
Oysters are the star at Nico, but there’s so much more to explore. This bustling brasserie from chef Nico Romo serves a wide variety of raw bar items and classic French dishes like escargot and burgundy sea scallops. The wood-fired oven brings a bit of smokiness to the menu through a selection of roasted bivalves and whole roasted fish. The brunch is popular here as well.
Locals like to debate whether Shem Creek dive Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is too touristy or just the right amount of out-of-towners. Nestled on the water, the dining room is not much more than a screen porch and some plastic furniture. It’s no frills, so stop by after a trip to the beach for some boiled peanuts, a cold beer, and fried shrimp.
Post House is a handsome tavern anchoring the Old Village. The neighborhood restaurant focuses on coastal, seasonal cuisine, and classic cocktails. Diners can start their meals with blue crab toast or Abundant Seafood crudo and move on to a half chicken or smothered pork loin. In addition to dinner, the restaurant offers lunch and brunch.
Established in 1945, H&R Sweet Shop is a staple of the Old Village. The address is an old shotgun-style building with a small cafe on the left and a hat shop on the right. Visitors come for deals on griddled burgers, fried oyster plates, and daily specials like cabbage and rice — many dishes are $10-$20 and some less than that.
After a successful run with Ma’am Saab at former food hall Workshop, restaurateurs Maryam Ghaznavi and Raheel Gauba opened another Pakistani restaurant, Malika Canteen, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Popular menu items include dahi puri, chicken tikka masala, the kabab roll plate, and paneer tikka masala.
Located in Towne Center, Savi Cucina has become known for its excellent wine selection, including a wine-tasting room and coveted inclusion in the wine club membership. Ricotta gnocchi and pizza options including the original fig and prosciutto pie accompany other Italian classics. Situated across from Regal Palmetto Grande movie theatre, Savi Cucina is a great stop before a film.
Chef Eric Milley constantly rotates the offerings on the menu at the Shellmore, but there’s always an oyster and cheese selection available to pair with the amazing wine selection. The restaurant is small and the kitchen is even smaller, but it puts out big flavors like shrimp and scallop risotto with lobster cream or rigatoni bolognese.
Kanpai is truly a staple of Mount Pleasant dining. Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and seems to score the freshest catches around. Always check out the specials, which can range from uni to chutoro.
Open since 2003, Langdon's serves some of the best fine dining in Mount Pleasant. The dining room is set for a special night out, but it isn’t stuffy. Start with local goat cheese gnocchi or seared foie gras and then move on to a lamb ribeye or duck breast with celery root puree.
Brunch is serious business at this restaurant that draws crowds for PB&J pancakes and breakfast martinis. There’s a downtown location as well.
A South-meets-Southwest staple of Mount Pleasant, Red Drum has served the community since 2005. An inviting patio, great margaritas made with real ingredients, crispy fried shrimp, and a wood-fired creations from chef Ben Berryhill keep this a date night destination for many in the Lowcountry.
Expect friendly and fast service at this Mount Pleasant deli. At Mozzo, it’s common to hear, “Hey Jimmy, are you having the regular?” Other patrons can choose from an extensive sandwich menu featuring proteins like chicken cutlet, roast beef, turkey, and Italian meats served on ten different kinds of bread. Daily soups, house-made pickles, and local iced tea are a few of the many accompaniments offered.
Interested in grabbing a few cocktails and watching the sunset? Head here. Chef Denis Crutchfield’s menu offers plenty to snack on, whether it be roasted oysters with “casino butter” or pimento cheese with bacon jam, plus flatbreads and entrees such as grilled swordfish and pasta bolognese.
Oysters are the star at Nico, but there’s so much more to explore. This bustling brasserie from chef Nico Romo serves a wide variety of raw bar items and classic French dishes like escargot and burgundy sea scallops. The wood-fired oven brings a bit of smokiness to the menu through a selection of roasted bivalves and whole roasted fish. The brunch is popular here as well.
Locals like to debate whether Shem Creek dive Wreck of the Richard & Charlene is too touristy or just the right amount of out-of-towners. Nestled on the water, the dining room is not much more than a screen porch and some plastic furniture. It’s no frills, so stop by after a trip to the beach for some boiled peanuts, a cold beer, and fried shrimp.
Post House is a handsome tavern anchoring the Old Village. The neighborhood restaurant focuses on coastal, seasonal cuisine, and classic cocktails. Diners can start their meals with blue crab toast or Abundant Seafood crudo and move on to a half chicken or smothered pork loin. In addition to dinner, the restaurant offers lunch and brunch.
Established in 1945, H&R Sweet Shop is a staple of the Old Village. The address is an old shotgun-style building with a small cafe on the left and a hat shop on the right. Visitors come for deals on griddled burgers, fried oyster plates, and daily specials like cabbage and rice — many dishes are $10-$20 and some less than that.
Mount Pleasant leaders hear from community after dropping sales tax proposal
Carlie Bakerhttps://www.live5news.com/2024/12/11/mount-pleasant-leaders-hear-community-after-dropping-sales-tax-proposal/
Published: Dec. 10, 2024 at 7:45 PM PST|MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant leaders held a special town council meeting Tuesday night where several community members spoke about a now-dropped sales tax increase proposal.This comes the day after Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie made a public apology and announced the tax, which would have been used to fund major develop...
Published: Dec. 10, 2024 at 7:45 PM PST|
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant leaders held a special town council meeting Tuesday night where several community members spoke about a now-dropped sales tax increase proposal.
This comes the day after Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie made a public apology and announced the tax, which would have been used to fund major development projects at Patriots Point, would be dropped following major disapproval from the community.
The town council approved the first reading of a tourism development fee for the Patriots Point development just last week.
The project’s plan stated the fee was proposed as a local tax on retail items, designed to support the local economy.
A portion of the estimated funding from the fee would have been used to build the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, to which the town has already dedicated $3 million.
Funding was also anticipated to go towards $100 million in public infrastructure projects such as a 1,000-space parking garage, better roadways, a boardwalk along the waterfront, a public park, improvements to the town soccer fields, as well as renovations to the College of Charleston and Charleston Battery soccer stadium.
Some residents that came out raised concerns about the lack of transparency about the proposed sales tax increase to the community.
“I just want to know how this came about. I follow the agendas, there is no committee meeting. It just appears. It appears the Monday after Thanksgiving,” one public commenter said. “If you live on the property. If your direct family lives in Patriots Point. If you have a family member with contracts on Patriots Point, that should be known to the public.”
Some residents brought up that Haynie should resign from his role because of this proposal going straight to the town council and not through the committee first.
“If you were a CEO of a public company and you pulled these shenanigans without board approval you would be fired. You should do the right thing and resign effective immediately. If you don’t, the voters of Mount Pleasant will make sure you will be gone in November,” one public commenter said.
Another public commenter from the Coastal Conservation League brought up concerns related to protecting the land.
“We firmly believe that the proposed permanent structures and necessary infrastructure plans on the conservation easement property which includes the conference center and a 1,000-space parking garage do not meet the criteria of minimum improvement. Conservation easements are an essential tool in ensuring the integrity of our state’s natural resources from our water quality to wildlife to make sure these are sustained for future generations,” one public commenter said.
Another public commenter shared that although she thought the situation was a miscommunication she felt the residents shouldn’t be targeting Haynie.
“Just hearing everybody talk, I’m just going to say this seems like a bit of a witch hunt for Mayor Haynie and I don’t know perhaps some of you have only been to this because I haven’t seen a lot of your faces and I’m in here quite a bit and Mayor Haynie has done amazing things for this town and you can snicker all you want,” the public commenter said. “It seems like poor communication happened here and that’s all I’m going to say about that, but I do apologize for the witch hunt. I think it’s horrible.”
Following the public comment of the special town council meeting, each council member and Haynie spoke about the community’s concerns.
When Haynie spoke he covered concerns about protecting land at Patriots Point, accusations residents made that the town council members were only informed the day of the meeting last week before approval of the first reading, as well as a lack of transparency to residents.
“One reason this could not be thrown out to the public and I am a board member at Patriots Point and the Center for Leadership, all of that, everything that involved them up until the point that we said we could go public was privileged legal information,” Haynie said. “I met with our general council today, we reaffirmed that was the advice from the attorneys for all three. We cannot come out and discuss their landlord, tenant relationships and their legal and contractual things until they were at a point where they told us that we could go, and I hope you understand that because we had to operate under the law.”
Following the special town council meeting was the regular town council meeting, where council members received input from the public for a proposed development to be known as the Patriots Annex at Patriots Point. This development would include a mix of multi-family residential space, office, retail, hotel and conference, amphitheater, museums and public plazas. The town’s agenda says that this project is not related to the proposed tourism fee development that was dropped.
Town leaders emphasized the importance of being clear to residents that this isn’t just a change in the name of the project.
Officials say this proposed development will go to the planning commission on Dec. 11 for a public hearing, following that, it will go to the Committee, then the town council for first and second readings in January.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Mount Pleasant Mayor drops Patriots Point proposed sales tax increase
Jenna Herazohttps://www.live5news.com/2024/12/09/mount-pleasant-mayor-drops-patriot-point-proposed-sales-tax-increase/
|Updated: Dec. 9, 2024 at 7:10 PM ESTMOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie publicly apologized Monday for the controversy surrounding a proposed sales tax increase for a major project currently underway.At a council meeting last week, members unanimously approved the first reading of a tourism development fee relating to the Patriots Point development.At a press conference on Monday, Haynie said the proposed retail fee for the project sparked major outcry among residents and because of the public...
|Updated: Dec. 9, 2024 at 7:10 PM EST
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie publicly apologized Monday for the controversy surrounding a proposed sales tax increase for a major project currently underway.
At a council meeting last week, members unanimously approved the first reading of a tourism development fee relating to the Patriots Point development.
At a press conference on Monday, Haynie said the proposed retail fee for the project sparked major outcry among residents and because of the public disapproval, the tax will be dropped.
“As a leader of the Town of Mount Pleasant, I come before you today to take full responsibility for the shortcomings and the bad optics of the rollout of the plan the town is considering for the Patriots Point district, and to ask for your forgiveness. I’m also announcing that the controversial funding mechanism, the 1% retail sales tax, will not be considered, and that idea will be dropped completely, including any discussion about a referendum since that tax will not be used regardless,” Haynie said.
Haynie asked Mount Pleasant citizens and council for a little extra grace at Monday’s press conference after he shared that one of his parents was recently hospitalized.
“My sister and I had to make the difficult decision to move both parents from their home of 55 years to a memory care residence here in Mount Pleasant. I am still involved in those adjustments on a daily basis. It was an urgent situation, and I trust that those families who have been through this will understand how all-encompassing it is. I don’t claim to have any superpowers. There are many things I would have handled differently, communicating and in the lead up to last week’s council meeting under normal circumstances,” he said.
According to the project’s overview plan, the proposed fee would have implemented a local tax on retail items, which would have helped boost the local economy.
“It is a unique blessing to have the opportunity for the Town of Mount Pleasant to be Patriot Point hosts. This is why our long-standing comprehensive plan and our economic development strategic plan direct us to make it a thriving area for its economic benefit and for that of the town. All of the town council share this vision, and that is why we are working on it. Our responsibility remains to ensure adequate infrastructure for resiliency, traffic, safety and our work on that continues,” Haynie said.
Haynie took full responsibility for his shortcomings but reassured citizens that their disapproval had been heard.
Residents upset claim the proposal completely bypassed the usual review process and went directly to the council for their approval.
Town of Mount Pleasant Councilman John Iacofano posted to Facebook saying, “While I appreciate and can support the vision behind this initiative, I am deeply concerned about the lack of transparency, the absence of stakeholder involvement, and the potential tax burden this project would place on our community. This project proposes taxing visitors and citizens of Mount Pleasant, creating one of the highest sales tax rates in the state while relinquishing control to the CVB.”
Haynie added that any ideas or discussions of a referendum are now out of the question.
“We cannot drag something as big as Patriots Point or the Medal of Honor into a local referendum because those things are controversial and get nasty, and there won’t be a referendum because there won’t be a tax,” he said.
Haynie said since the tax has been taken off the table, there are certain improvements that no longer have funding.
“The other things will find a way, and I’m sure some of the things, probably the conference center, will probably not happen,” Haynie said.
Some of the estimated revenue collected from the tax increase was going to be used for building the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, a project the town has already contributed $3 million towards.
The project features a 50,000-square-foot leadership facility, recreational park, renovations to Charleston Battery soccer stadium, a new 1,000-space parking garage, conference center, new public boardwalk, paved roads and signage enhancements.
Haynie said the state has given $5 million towards the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership Center.
Haynie said the council’s next step is to work backward, and their efforts to redevelop Patriots Point will proceed with better ideas.
The next town council meeting is on Dec. 10.
Haynie said since the retail tax idea is dropped, there’s no need for citizens to attend the meeting and blame the council.
“Citizens do not need to come Tuesday night and blame council. They don’t need to demand a referendum. There’ll be no 1% tax, and council is not responsible for this. I am. I’m the leader of Mount Pleasant,” he said.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Mount Pleasant wants to tack on a 1% retail sales fee ... err tax. What you need to know.
Megan Fernandeshttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/mount-pleasant-sc-sales-fee-tax-tourism/article_c9849ede-b19b-11ef-aacb-43d818a029f7.html
If Mount Pleasant's proposed tourism development fee moves forward, it would push the town's sales tax rate to the highest in South Carolina.Since the announcement of the 1 percent retail tax, residents have raised questions about what is and isn't included, along with lack of transparency and other concerns.Town officials plan to use the estimated $17 million to be collected the first year for several big projects at Patriots Point, including funding the ...
If Mount Pleasant's proposed tourism development fee moves forward, it would push the town's sales tax rate to the highest in South Carolina.
Since the announcement of the 1 percent retail tax, residents have raised questions about what is and isn't included, along with lack of transparency and other concerns.
Town officials plan to use the estimated $17 million to be collected the first year for several big projects at Patriots Point, including funding the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, plus a convention center and more than $100 million in public infrastructure improvements also at Patriots Point.
Those additions will include a new town-owned, 1,000-space parking garage, an expansion of the waterfront boardwalk, new turf for the town's soccer fields and improvements to the College of Charleston's soccer stadium.
A 1 percent retail sales tax was originally established by state law in 2008 in order to fund out-of-market advertising to bring in more tourists. At the time, Myrtle Beach was the only municipality that passed such a tax. Mount Pleasant could be the second.
What exactly would the fee apply to?
It applies to most retail sales within the town, excluding groceries and other specified categories. Examples of taxable purchases include clothing and accessories, electronics and appliances, furniture and general retail items sold in stores.
It does extend to restaurant and dining purchases, including meals, beverages and other food and drink items.
What kind of purchase categories would be excluded?
Exclusions include essential categories like groceries, prescription medications, medical supplies, utilities and large-ticket items with capped tax rates, like vehicles.
What can the money be spent on?
The revenue is earmarked specifically for promoting tourism and hospitality, funding infrastructure improvements tied to tourism and offering property tax rebates to residents.
Unlike a general sales tax, the funds cannot be used for unrelated town expenses.
What is the backstory?
It's unclear exactly when discussions on the tax started.
The town states the idea was proposed as a tool to capitalize on Mount Pleasant’s growing tourism economy. Mayor Will Haynie said during the Dec. 2 special town council meeting where the idea was revealed that it was a sustainable way to fund critical infrastructure improvements at Patriots Point, support projects like the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership, expand recreational facilities and improve waterfront access.
By law, the tax may only be imposed by a municipality located in a county where revenue from the state A​ccommodations Tax​ is at least $14 million in a fiscal year, according to state law.
Was there community input?
The Dec. 2 special meeting was the first public meeting where the fee had been discussed, followed by a press conference that detailed how the money could be spent.
It was somewhat of an unusual process for the town, with no advance public campaign on the matter, an unlinked ordinance on the agenda and a delay in a public news release.
Per state law, a second reading and vote are required to finalize the ordinance. The town expects it to be held in early January, at which time residents can speak during public comment.
To be adopted, the ordinance needs a supermajority of council or a referendum.
How does the tax work?
Estimations are based on the town's gross taxable sales in 2023, which amounted to $3.18 billion with net taxable sales totaling $1.808 billion, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. In the first year, more than $17 million is expected to be collected through the tax.
The 1 percent fee, if approved, would be added to consumer's retail bill. The retailer collects the tax and remits the total to the S.C. Department of Revenue. The state distributes the funds to Explore Charleston, which allocates funds to the town and designated organizations.
What kind of tax break do residents get?
A portion of what is collected would be set aside for property tax rebates for Mount Pleasant homeowners in the first year. A resident with a $500,000 home could expect a $38 rebate in the first year. In years 2-10, only owner-occupied homes will see an estimated $45 credit, for example.
While the property tax rebate is a direct way to target a portion of Mount Pleasant residents for relief to offset the burden of the additional tax, there is no framework in the state law to provide relief for other residents, like renters.
Further discussion of a development project in Midtown Mount Pleasant
Carlie Bakerhttps://www.live5news.com/2024/12/05/further-discussion-development-project-midtown-mount-pleasant/
Published: Dec. 4, 2024 at 7:45 PM PST|MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - The Town of Mount Pleasant’s commercial design review board met on Wednesday night and discussed the designs of a potential new office building.This building is proposed to be located on Midtown Avenue across from MUSC Midtown in Mount Pleasant and off Hungryneck Boulevard. It is planned to sit between two developments that got final approval by the board back in October called ...
Published: Dec. 4, 2024 at 7:45 PM PST|
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - The Town of Mount Pleasant’s commercial design review board met on Wednesday night and discussed the designs of a potential new office building.
This building is proposed to be located on Midtown Avenue across from MUSC Midtown in Mount Pleasant and off Hungryneck Boulevard. It is planned to sit between two developments that got final approval by the board back in October called Gather Mount Pleasant and Crooked Hammock.
Gather Mount Pleasant will be a food, entertainment and public gathering space and Crooked Hammock will be a brewery.
One of the co-developers, Mack Cross, said that this 10,000-square-foot, 2-story office building would be the third component of their Midtown project. He said they would bring the final designs back to the commercial design review board in January.
“We don’t know who the end user is going to be now, but it’s going to be a really cool place to work, so we’re optimistic that there will be some interest there,” Cross said.
Developers say, although each project has a different ownership structure, they are all working together to develop the Midtown project.
Located directly behind where the projects are expected to be built is a residential community called Midtown Townhomes.
When Gather Mount Pleasant and Crooked Hammock got final approval at the commercial design review board meeting in October many residents of the townhomes came out to voice concerns about an entrance and exit point for vehicles located on Fortier Drive which many said is essentially a driveway for them. They expressed concerns about safety and congestion with the access point being on that road.
One resident said he believed the community would support this development if they found an alternative access point. However, town officials assured residents they examined various places to put this access point but that this was the best spot.
On Monday, Midtown Townhomes HPR Owners Association filed an appeal petition as a result of the final design review of the Gather Mount Pleasant and Crooked Hammock projects getting approved.
The Gather Mount Pleasant property is owned by Gather Mtp, LLC, and the Crooked Hammock and proposed office building properties are owned by Live Oaks Mtp, LLC.
Legal documents state the development plans for the brewery on the Live Oaks property have two access points, one on Hungryneck Boulevard and the other from the Gather Mount Pleasant property on Fortier Drive.
The documents state pedestrian and vehicle traffic would travel Hancock Street and Fortier Drive, the association’s private driveways, before crossing the Gather Mount Pleasant property onto the Live Oaks property.
Legal documents also state that the Gather Mount Pleasant property has easement rights over Fortier Drive and Hancock Street for ingress and egress as well as parking in designated spots, but the Live Oaks property does not have these easement rights. Documents also state the planned access to the Live Oaks property from Fortier Drive and Hancock Street is in violation of the terms of the easement agreement and prohibited.
Legal documents state the overburdening use of Fortier Drive and Hancock Street raises safety and traffic concerns.
They also state that the Midtown Townhomes HPR Owners Association is requesting that the decision made by the commercial design review board on final designs reverse their decision on the Gather Mount Pleasant and Live Oaks properties.
Mack Cross responded to the concerns of residents.
“We’re going to be a sensitive neighbor and there is a lot that we can control in how the business operates that will keep their concerns and their interests in mind and so we’re going to do all that we can to mitigate the impact of our commercial project on their properties and their community,” Cross said.
Live 5 reached out to the attorney for the Midtown Townhomes HPR Owners Association and they said they do not comment on ongoing litigation matters.
Live 5 also reached out to the Town of Mount Pleasant and they said they would not be providing a comment at this time since this involves an active appeal.
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