Daniel Brownstein, Town Council

09/03/2026

RIFLE RANGE ROAD RESURFACING ... FINALLY!

It's one of the most common questions and complaints that I receive: Rifle Range Road is in desperate need of resurfacing. I have some good news to report.

SCDOT intends to resurface two sections of Rifle Range Road over the next two years.

Summer 2027: Rifle Range in between Appling Drive/Kinglet Street and the IOP Connector

2028: Rifle Range from Ben Sawyer to Appling Drive/Kinglet Street.

No word yet on any paving from the IOP Connector to Porcher's Bluff.

09/01/2026

As the council member who recommended a deep look into how the town's zoning handles data centers, Daniel Brownstein addressed the commitee during its Aug. 31 meeting. He argued that any new data center should be subject to public process versus the current scenario where certain zoning types allow for these structures to be built sans public vote by council or town body.

While data centers are becoming increasingly vital structures that fuel our digital needs, many Mount Pleasant residents are opposed to their growth based on massive consumption of water and energy, as well as elevated sound and air pollution.

08/28/2026

“After seeing some of the issues with data centers popping up in South Carolina, it really just started as an honest or simple question to the planning department of ‘Could a data center open in Mount Pleasant?’ And I was a bit surprised by the answer to that,” Councilman Daniel Brownstein said.

Mount Pleasant’s Planning Committee will discuss possible limits on future data center developments on Aug. 31.

08/27/2026

Public input session tonight for a new multi-use path along the Isle of Palms Connector. The 10-foot wide concrete path will run on the north side of the connector from Sweetgrass Basket to Rifle Range Road. The meeting is from 5:30-7:30 at Mount Pleasant Waterworks.

The Town of Mount Pleasant is seeking public input on a proposed trail extension that would connect the neighboring roads to the multi-use paths along the Isle of Palms Connector.

08/26/2026

Back by popular demand … Tiny Lawn Concerts. See you there!

🎶 Tiny Lawn Music Series returns Friday, September 18! 🌳 Join us at The Darby Building for a free evening of live music featuring Southbound 17 from 6–8pm.

🍔 Food trucks on site
📍 302 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant

🪑 Bring a chair, grab a bite, and enjoy a laid-back night of music on the lawn! 🩴

The Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina • Mount Pleasant Green • Mount Pleasant Culture, Arts & Pride Commission • Things to do in Charleston • Moultrie News • Charleston Moms

08/24/2026

CAROLINA PARK RESIDENT QUESTIONS

I’ve received some questions from residents of Carolina Park, where a lot of different things are currently in motion.

There was recently lot clearing (blue area of the first photo) on the same side of Carolina Park Blvd as Wando and the Library but across the traffic circle. That is for a daycare.

The large cleared property across from the library is Cape Landing, a mixture of as-to-be determined retail, restaurants and offices. I have heard some rumors about a great restaurant group interested in moving there.

The red portion, in between Cape Landing and the Jeep dealership, is in flux. Not sure what is going in there yet.

I wish I could be more definitive with specifics with you, but as a quick reminder, Carolina Park was created through a development agreement from decades ago that gives the town very little oversight.

08/20/2026

MOUNT PLEASANT BUSINESS NEWS

- The long-vacant Bed, Bath & Beyond at Towne Centre is set to be filled with Crate & Barrel and LL Bean. These will be the first two South Carolina stores for either brand.

- Culver’s is proposing to open on SC 41 near Planters Pointe. Previously, Come Back Shack had intended to go there.

08/19/2026

Seeking to avoid something like this ever happening in Mount Pleasant with stronger safeguards put in place for data centers. Currently in Mount Pleasant, they could open with little to no public scrutiny.

08/17/2026

Could a data center open in Mount Pleasant?

That was the question that I recently posed to our planning department.

It turns out that our zoning code allows data centers as a permitted use in light industrial, economic development and certain areawide business zonings. That means that data centers could theoretically open in those locations by right without additional scrutiny or a vote by any public body including Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals or Town Council.

I am grateful that our town’s Planning Committee will take up the issue at its meeting on August 31. We will explore several options, including:

- A temporary moratorium on data centers to study their impacts to surrounding neighborhoods, the electric grid and natural resources such as water.

- Restricting data centers by making them a special exception in certain zoning classifications, which would require additional scrutiny and a vote by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

- Requiring proposed data centers to submit a modified impact study, which would require a vote by Town Council if they were to try to setup shop in Mount Pleasant.

- Permanently banning data centers (unclear if this would be legal).

To be clear, I am aware of no current plans to open a data center in Mount Pleasant. It is probably unlikely given our high land costs, but this is a situation where it pays to be proactive, so that we aren't caught flat-footed.

The port will soon begin work to redirect truck traffic off of 526 directly into the Wando Terminal. After this is complete, there are likely to be changes to businesses along Long Point Road as there could be less focus on logistics businesses. I would hate for a data center to open in that area or in other light industrial, areawide business or economic development parcels throughout town, including along Faison Road.

I would like to thank Laura Hyatt, chair of the Planning Committee, for placing this item on the agenda. I hope that a proposal to restrict data centers advances to Town Council for a vote at our next meeting in September. You can send us your thoughts about data centers at [email protected].

Photo is of the Google data center in Moncks Corner (Post & Courier)

08/06/2026

Heads up, Brickyard: Changes to your left turn signal will soon go into effect.

🚦 Traffic Alert: Signal Changes

Effective Monday, August 10, traffic signals at the US 17 at Brickyard Parkway and Hamlin Road Intersection will change. Left turns will require a GREEN ARROW during the following designated hours:

Weekdays: 7 AM - 9 PM
Weekends: 8 AM - 8 PM

The flashing yellow arrow will be turned off, and left turns will only be allowed when the green arrow is displayed.

Pay close attention to the traffic signals to adjust to the new traffic pattern. Call the Town's Capital Projects & Transportation Division at (843) 856-3080 if you have questions.