During a recent government meeting, the Mount Pleasant Town Council discussed a proposal from the Historic District Preservation Commission (HDPC) to conduct an updated survey of the Old Village Historic District. The last survey was completed in 2010, and the HDPC emphasized the importance of maintaining an accurate property inventory as development in the area continues to rise.

The HDPC has formally requested funding from the town council to update the property inventory, which is crucial for identifying structures that may now qualify for historic designation due to the passage of time. According to the HDPC ordinance, properties become eligible for historic consideration once they reach 50 years of age. The commission noted that the previous survey identified 430 structures, and the new survey would assess which of these, along with any new additions, now meet the criteria.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the financial implications of the survey, suggesting that it should be included in the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The estimated cost of the previous survey was around $40,000, but officials acknowledged that the updated survey would likely exceed this amount.

Some council members proposed deferring the decision until the budget committee convenes, citing the need for further discussion among homeowners who may have reservations about the implications of being included in the historic inventory. The council ultimately agreed to postpone action on the request until the budget process for fiscal year 2026 begins, allowing for a more thorough examination of the potential costs and community impact.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing balancing act between preserving historical integrity and addressing the concerns of current property owners within the district.