New Subdivision and Infrastructure Improvements Coming to Johns Island
The City of Charleston has reviewed extensive infrastructure improvements planned for Bear Swamp Road, pertaining to a new subdivision on Johns Island. The subdivision, known as Long Savannah, will see almost 4,000 homes being built, with supporting infrastructural developments facilitating this growth.
A Balance of New and Existing Residents
According to city officials, the design and permitting process for this project will span between six months to a year before construction can commence. Charleston City Council member, Stephen Bowden, highlighted the need to balance the development of new housing estates while preserving the livability for current citizens.
“Building new housing is incredibly important, but we have to balance that with livability for people who already reside here. And that’s been a huge focus,” said Bowden.
The Long Savannah Development
In addition to building new homes, the developers for the Long Savannah neighborhood are privately financing improvements to Bear Swamp Road as part of their project. These improvements encompass the installation of a sidewalk on the east side of Bear Swamp Road, extending from Bees Ferry Road into the new subdivision.
James Wallace, the City of Charleston’s transportation project manager, elaborated on the infrastructure enhancements, stating, “There’ll be an extension of Glenn McConnell called Long Savannah Parkway that’ll be the main entrance into the neighborhood, but there’ll also be side entrances on 61 and Bear Swamp. So, it’ll give people in the area more options on how to access those main roadways,”
Improvements Aimed at Traffic Flow
Apart from road extensions, a right-turn lane from Bees Ferry Road onto Bear Swamp Road and a left-turn lane approaching Bees Ferry Road from Bear Swamp Road will be added. This initiative will segregate lanes for left and right turns, thereby ameliorating traffic flow.
The developers also intend to donate a park off Bear Swamp Road in response to residents’ requests. Bowden expressed, “What residents have been asking for forever. You know, if they’re going to build all these houses, why don’t they contribute to some of the things we need, and that’s what I think people can see happening here.”
Ongoing Evaluation by the Technical Review Committee
The Technical Review Committee will continue to assess the project to ensure that it adheres to the city’s standards. The construction timeline is yet to be finalized, as it is contingent on the completion of the design and permitting process.
