December 16, 2020

Main Road Corridor – Segment C – Public Comment Deadline December 16

On Monday (December 14), Town Council held a workshop to discuss the five alternatives being considered by Charleston County regarding Main Road Corridor, Segment C: Bohicket Road from Maybank Highway to Betsy Kerrison Parkway. 
Town Council believes more information is needed to determine a preferred alternative that will be most effective in relieving traffic along the corridor. The makeup of traffic, the utility of the corridor, and travel patterns entering and exiting Johns Island are critical metrics in making any decision. Previous data metrics have demonstrated that a limited access cross-island concept by creating a new road will be most effective and least impactful to the area. 

It is important that the County provides more data such as Level of Service, estimated costs, the number of parcels impacted, including acreage and potential displacements, heirs’ property affected, number of grand trees affected, and tree canopy loss from each of the alternatives being considered. The County should prioritize preserving the existing character of Bohicket Road and its cultural and historical significance to the area.
Town Council has submitted a letter to the County stating their comments and concerns on the project provided here. The public comment deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday, December 16. The Town encourages all residents to send their comments to the County to make their positions known. Provided below is sample language that residents may use to incorporate in their comments.  

Comments should be submitted through the online form here. 

After collecting and analyzing public input, Charleston County will refine the proposed alternatives and present a preferred option in the third quarter of 2021. As previously announced, Charleston County hosted an online meeting on December 10 to address questions on the Main Road Corridor Segment C project. Residents who were unable to participate can watch the meeting here. 

Sample language: 
As a resident of Kiawah Island, we believe additional data metrics are necessary to determine a Preferred Alternative most effective in relieving traffic along the Main Road and Bohicket Road corridor. The County must provide more data metrics such as Level of Service, estimated costs, the number of parcels impacted, including acreage and potential displacements, heirs’ property affected, number of grand trees affected, and tree canopy loss from each of the alternatives being considered. The utility of the Main Road and Bohicket Road corridor and their travel patterns entering and exiting Johns Island are critical metrics in making any decision. Charleston County should prioritize preserving the natural character and historical significance of Bohicket Road. Significant disruption to the canopy and removing many grand trees along Bohicket Road would destroy the scenic highway that provides an important experience to Islanders.
Additionally, the potential displacement of long-standing residents and businesses along Bohicket Road would negatively impact the cultural dynamic of Bohicket Road to Johns Island. A new cross-island road would be built primarily along undeveloped lands, saving a significant number of trees, limiting disruptions to existing development, and could be completed in less time than other alternatives. The Preferred Alternative should provide the least disruption in the construction of any road enhancements and the least impact on daily traffic patterns for Johns Islanders.