Friends of Faison: MISSION
Friends of Faison (FoF): A Community Voice for the Future of Faison Road Development 38 acres.
Friends of Faison is a dedicated group of residents from Upper Mount Pleasant who are passionate about the future of the 38 acres on Faison Road, located near Park Bend. This valuable property has recently been acquired by the Town of Mount Pleasant and will eventually be sold or leased for development purposes.
We believe that the Upper Mount Pleasant community should play an active role in shaping what comes next. Many residents in this area feel that our needs are not fully addressed when it comes to achieving a healthy balance of recreation, entertainment, and gathering spaces for both adults and children. This is a unique opportunity to guide thoughtful and meaningful Faison Road development that enhances our quality of life.
Ideas Worth Exploring:
• Outdoor amphitheater:
- The Fraze Pavilion- Dayton, OH
- Mini Sphere- Maryland Harbor
- Ravinia- Highland Park, Illinois
- Cherokee Amphitheater, Woodstock, GA
- Darien Lake Amphitheater, NY
- The Sunset Amphitheater at McKinney, TX
- Joseph S. Daning Amphitheater, Goose Creek, SC
• Sports complex/YMCA
• Public park and green space
• Restaurants and gathering spaces
• Thoughtfully designed restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues
What we don’t want:
• Distribution warehouse facilities
• Auto dealerships
• Generic commercial spaces that do not reflect the character of our Upper Mount Pleasant community
Upper Mount Pleasant is one of the most affluent and rapidly growing areas in South Carolina. With that growth comes responsibility and opportunities. We deserve development that aligns with our values, enhances our properties, and fosters vibrant spaces for families and neighbors to come together. This isn’t about opposing growth; it’s about guiding it wisely.
No idea is a bad idea. Together, we will assess options and advocate for the best vision for this important 38-acre land on Faison Road.
Join Us!
Add your name, address, email, and comments to stay updated about upcoming meetings, planning discussions, and ways to engage with Friends of Faison.
Let’s ensure the Upper Mount Pleasant community has a voice in determining the future of the 38-acre property on Faison Road.
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Just Imagine
LOCATION OF 38 ACRES
ATTEND and Speak Up
Friends and Neighbors,
This Monday, October 5, at 9:45 a.m., the Economic Development Committee will hear from the YMCA about its interest in being part of the Town-owned 38 acres on Faison Road. The agenda is included above.
If you’re able to attend, please arrive before the meeting begins to sign up to speak during Public Comments. We had a great turnout at last month’s meeting, with more than 10 people speaking about the future of this property. The Town still needs to hear from us.
I recognize that some neighbors would prefer the land remain as it is, and preserving its natural character is an important part of this conversation. I also encourage everyone to consider what this property could become with thoughtful planning and community involvement.
The Town paid more than $6 million for this land and has previously attempted to sell it. If it is sold to a private developer, our opportunity to shape its future could be significantly reduced. The neighboring warehouse development is a reminder of why participating now matters.
Friends of Faison’s goal is to advocate for a family-friendly community destination that reflects residents’ priorities and preserves as much green space and natural character as possible.
I believe a YMCA could be an excellent anchor for that vision. Around it, we could explore complementary options such as trails, ponds, an amphitheater, restaurants, a pavilion, or an ice-skating rink. These are possibilities for discussion, and community input should help determine which combination makes sense.
We need a starting point, and the YMCA’s interest gives us a meaningful opportunity to move the conversation forward. No plan will satisfy everyone, but we can work together to influence what happens here. Whether you support a YMCA, want more green space, or have another idea, your voice matters.
Tom Biddie and I recently joined Bryan Crabtree for a podcast to discuss why we started this initiative and the issues surrounding the property. We are residents like you—not developers—and we want a place that improves our community and can be enjoyed by all.
You can watch the conversation here:
Watch the Friends of Faison podcast
Our next goal is to seek endorsements from surrounding HOAs, spread the word, and gather more survey responses. We now have more than 160 responses, giving us valuable insight into what residents want. Please share www.friendsoffaison.com with your neighbors and encourage them to complete the survey.
Finally, this effort has modest expenses, including website hosting and printed brochures. As a thank-you, we’re offering a Friends of Faison hat to anyone who contributes $35 or more. All contributions go toward supporting this initiative.
To contribute, visit the website www.friendsoffaison.com, scroll to the bottom, and click the donate button. It will open an email to me so we can coordinate your contribution and hat delivery. You’re also welcome to reply directly to this email.
I hope to see you Monday morning. Please sign up to speak and share your vision. Together, we can help shape something special for this rare piece of land in our neighborhood.
Help The Cause
For a $35 donation we’ll give you a Friends of Faison hat to wear proudly around town. When you make your payment be sure to fill out your address information and we’ll personally deliver your FoF hat. Additional shipping costs if outside area. You can donate without wanting a hat too just because you like the cause.
Other Options to Donate
All donations will be used for the efforts to ensure we get what we want, not what we're told we should get.