Charleston County Community Divided Over Transportation Sales Tax Referendum
Charleston County, S.C. – On a sunny Monday, about 15 passionate community members gathered to discuss the future of the Transportation Sales Tax Referendum, a project that could have a significant impact on the county’s infrastructure. The group, known as Citizens for Safe Roads, took to the streets, holding signs urging locals to vote “no” on the upcoming referendum.
Understanding the Referendum
So, what’s this referendum all about? If it gets the green light on the ballot this November, it will introduce a one-half of one percent sales and use tax dedicated to funding a variety of transportation projects. The highlight? The Mark Clark Extension, more commonly referred to as I-526. But that’s not all; there are also plans for improvements on Rivers Avenue, enhancements for bicycles and pedestrians, and upgrades to parts of Highway 17 and the CARTA transportation system.
Voices Against the Referendum
Not everyone is convinced that this is the right way to go. David Quick, a local resident from Mount Pleasant, expressed his concerns about safety on I-526, stating, “Look at 526, the backups are an hour, hour and a half, in the morning, in the afternoon… Every day of our lives. I-526 has not been a fix for safety.” Quick and others lined the road with signs that clearly indicated their stance against the referendum, such as “Vote No.”
Glenda Miller, another vocal opponent, chimed in, “We’ve had two previous taxes, and the county has failed to use those in the ways the voters have prescribed. And we don’t need to continue this bad act.” It’s clear that for many locals, there’s frustration with how past funds have been allocated.
Supporters Share Their Thoughts
On the flip side of the debate, some community members are rallying for the project to move forward. Former North Charleston Mayor, Keith Summey, attended the meeting to voice his support, emphasizing the need for safe and reliable roads. “Our roads are not safe; we have to make sure we offer the best quality of life we can to the next generation.” He couldn’t help but wonder about the future timelines, stating his concern that by the time projects are completed, he may not even be around to see them.
If this referendum passes, the county will have a staggering $5.4 billion budget and a timeline of 25 years to complete the proposed projects. This is no small commitment, and it’s clear that different opinions are surfacing as the vote date approaches.
Beyond Traffic: Environmental Concerns
While traffic congestion is a primary issue, some community members brought up environmental concerns. Small-business owner John Griffiths argued that without proper investments now, the beloved green spaces in Charleston may change irreparably in the future. “The Charleston you see today will not be what you see in the future.”
Phillip Dustan, another resident against the referendum, voiced his fears about environmental dangers, stating, “That’s going to end up being a pollution generation for years. And you’re going to affect the runoff, so you’re going to affect the groundwater that comes into the organisms that live on it.” These statements reflect a deep concern for the area’s natural ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: Decision Day Approaches
Community members are gearing up for a crucial decision on November 5, when they will vote on this highly debated Transportation Sales Tax Referendum. Will the desire for improved infrastructure outweigh the concerns about safety, previous unfulfilled promises, and environmental implications? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – locals are ready to make their voices heard.
