Traffic is the biggest issue facing new Mt. Pleasant mayor

The new mayor of South Carolina’s fourth largest city will face the task of alleviating traffic, while preserving the town’s charm.

Nearly every person you talk to, whether they live in the town or drive through it, says the same thing…“traffic in Mt. Pleasant is a nightmare”.

Ok, it’s not New York, but Highway 17 can be especially frustrating during peak times. Some say those peak times, are all the time.

According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, 42,000 cars travel Mount Pleasant’s stretch of Hwy 17 each day. In some cases an eight minute drive, can take as many as 30…for no other reason than congestion.

The plans for 17 are nearly complete, and one section is already widened to six lanes. That stretch in front of Town Center is the model for the work that is about to start. Town officials say they have about half of the $28 million needed to widen the five-mile stretch from the Isle of Palms Connector to Darrell Creek Trail.

The lingering question will be, what to do with Hwy 17 from I-526, south to the Ravenel Bridge. Flyovers, roundabouts, all once considered.

Another issue that dominated debates between the three candidates, Coleman Boulevard.

The town put together a committee to study the town’s original “Main Street”. The CRAB (Coleman Revitalization Advisory Board) recommended a design for the road, and council approved it.

There is the rub.

The CRAB plan calls for two lanes in each direction, raised landscaped medians, and on-street parking. Opponents of the plan say the on-street parking essentially shrinks Coleman Boulevard to just one lane each way. They also malign the medians, and consider them a detriment to businesses.

Supporters say, the on-street parking will only be allowed at night when Coleman boulevard is lightly traveled. They also argue that the ability to park on the street in front of businesses gives Coleman Blvd. a “destination feel”.

The CRAB plan also rezoned three areas to allow 75’ buildings. The Moultrie Plaza, the site of the old Family Dollar, and the Sea Island Shopping Center.

These issues are likely the reason for 19 people running for five available seats on town council as well.

Also on the list of issues, a lawsuit against the Mt. Pleasant Town Council.

Former planning commission member, Steve Brock claims council routinely violates the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) when members attend committee meetings. He says, a quorum of council at those meetings allows for discussion, and decisions outside of the public’s view.

The town does announce committee meetings, but Brock says the fact that they are held during the business day keeps citizens from monitoring their government’s actions.

Billy Swails, Joe Bustos, and Gary Santos are all sitting members of council and are running for mayor. Swails and Bustos back the town’s stance that there is no intent to subvert the law. Instead, Town Administrator Mac Burdette says council members attend those committee meetings to learn as much as possible about all issues.

Santos says he supports Brock’s efforts to keep committee meetings from becoming a quorum of council.