Village, town or city?

Awendaw was established in 1992 with the aim of keeping the rural area from becoming part of suburban Mount Pleasant, as that town moved up U.S. 17 on its way to becoming a small city.

Development remains a contentious issue in Awendaw, and figures cited in its proposed comprehensive plan update probably ens that the debate will intensify.

According to the proposed update of the town's comprehensive plan, Awendaw could grow from 450 homes to 17,760 if its agricultural property were subdivided into quarter-acre lots. That ultimately could mean a population of more than 53,000, assuming no more annexation.

Fortunately, there's evidence that most town residents still oppose becoming an extension of Mount Pleasant. They should insist on a comprehensive zoning plan that will preclude that possibility. And they should elect leaders who recognize the need to restrain development in an area that includes a national forest and a national wildlife refuge.