what we HEARD, part 2
In part 2, we continue to share findings from our first round of engagement that took place August-November 2020. During this time, over 3,000 residents participated directly in efforts to define existing conditions and establish a shared vision. While part 1 focuses on the quantitative results (responses to choice questions), part 2 focuses on qualitative findings, both from the survey and from virtual and in-person gatherings throughout the City.
The findings below reflect statements made by the public, not by staff.
There were many sentiments that we heard from residents of all areas of the city.
People feel a strong connection to the natural landscape. Residents want to see increased access citywide to clean and healthy green space and water.
Flooding is a persistent and worsening problem throughout the city. It is important to improve regular maintenance of existing drainage infrastructure and ditches in addition to pursuing projects to improve infrastructure.
The natural landscape can be a resource in both improving quality of life for residents and mitigating flooding. Residents would like to see our valuable ecosystems preserved and restored as our city faces increasing flooding challenges with sea level rise and worsening storms.
The Urban Growth Boundary is important and should be protected. Residents feel that establishing a type of buffer would help to better manage the edges and create a smoother transition between the rural and suburban areas.
The community deeply values the history and culture of the city, and there are concerns about the loss of the region’s Gullah-Geechee culture and history due to development and decreasing affordability. Residents would like to see efforts to protect these communities as valued assets to the city.
The street networks and drainage infrastructure span multiple jurisdictions, which makes it difficult to respond to issues and make improvements. Residents would like to see increased collaboration and coordination among the many jurisdictions to make the necessary investments and improvements in a timely and efficient manner.
There is a lot of interest in having more mom and pop local businesses in all areas of the city, and a recognition that the availability of affordable commercial space is a key criteria to make this possible.
Evidence of current investment and improvements is mostly seen around new development. Residents would like to see more investments and improvements directed toward older communities, where they are more likely to have out-dated infrastructure and fewer amenities.
Many people expressed a love for the diversity of their communities and concerns about the loss of that diversity as housing becomes increasingly unattainable for most. There was a resounding call for there to be a mixture of housing that meets the needs of all income levels, life stages and household size; and for more housing to be located close to where people work.
People want more options to get places without needing to drive. A more connected city - via safe walkable and bikeable streets and greenways; and a quality transit system - would reduce traffic, get people active, and improve overall quality of life.
Finally, people want to have more opportunities to engage beyond the comprehensive plan. Being invited to be part of the conversation and decision-making is important and people would like to see increased transparency and communication (and more Spanish-language materials) from all departments and on an ongoing basis.
The peninsula is loved by tourists and residents alike for its historic buildings and scenic views of the harbor. It also has a diversity of unique residential communities, a vibrant commercial center, and a rich arts, culture and food scene. It is a place for activity and connection.
Flooding is a problem as old as the peninsula and continues to make life challenging for residents and visitors. The plans for continued improvements to drainage and infrastructure, and other flooding solutions being considered, will be paramount to the future of the peninsula community and its ability to thrive.
The street network of the peninsula, aside from being regularly flooded, is also unsafe in many places for bikers and pedestrians. Improvements to streets should prioritize transit, pedestrians and cyclists and support increased connection.
Residents would like to see equal attention and services provided to all neighborhoods on the peninsula; and feel that there should be a better balance between quality of life for residents and accommodating tourists.
Residents would like to see the future of the peninsula have more grocery stores, local corner stores, quality public schools, free parking for residents, and public bathrooms.
West Ashley is prized for its community-oriented suburban neighborhoods, assortments of parks and recreation facilities, and the wealth of amenities and services available for its residents. Its diversity and affordability attract people from all backgrounds and lifestyles.
Even though it has everything, it is hard for many to get from one place to another, with the exception of more walkable neighborhoods like Avondale and Byrnes Downs. The roads are not only busy, but they lack sidewalks and safe crosswalks, and create a lot of noise for nearby residential areas.
The community recognizes that the old shopping centers that line the main thoroughfares provide great opportunities for redevelopment. Residents would like to see the future of West Ashley provide a mixture of housing for all income levels, have more places to connect with each other, have multiple transportation options (walking, biking, transit) to get to all West Ashley has to offer, and a thriving local business economy.
To improve existing parks and recreation options, West Ashley residents would also like to have access to a public pool and more free access to the shoreline.
Read more about the community’s vision for West Ashley in Plan West Ashley.
The most beloved qualities of Wando and Daniel Island are the country environment, connection with the land and nature, and sense of community.
This area is rich in cultural and natural resources: historic settlement communities, the Francis Marion National Forest, longleaf pine forests and wetlands. These are important to protect and reflect in future development.
With the increased development and Clements Ferry Rd expansion, attention to bike and pedestrian safety and connectivity between the various communities is paramount. Residents would like more connectivity through linear trails, safe pedestrian-friendly streets, and water taxis/ferries.
Daniel Island successfully achieved a connected community with ample access to parks, recreation and green space. These amenities are needed in the upper part of Cainhoy Peninsula, especially free access to water.
Residents of James Island celebrated the small town feel, made up of an eclectic mix of diverse and tight-knit communities. There was also a shared love of the connection with the natural landscape, especially the old trees, surrounding marshes and water.
Flooding that regularly enters homes and damages property plagues residents and is getting worse. It is critical to ensure that new development is done in a way that preserves open space, protects the natural ecosystem and improves flooding.
People love the proximity of James Island to both downtown and the beach, but getting to either can prove challenging - and unsafe - if you don’t have a car. This is also true for traveling around the island - especially to existing parks and recreation areas. Better transit service and safe pathways for bikes and pedestrian are needed and could help relieve the worsening traffic.
The complications of overlapping jurisdictional boundaries have made progress slow and some communities caught in between have felt neglected. It is important for the County, City and the Town of James Island to work together to make sure that all communities are well taken care of; as well as to implement the recommendations in the Rethink Folly Road plan.
Johns Island is a rural community. It’s important to residents to maintain their connection with both its rich history - where “every place has a story";” and beautiful nature - where “life can’t be stopped.” The island’s heritage and environment should be protected and preserved.
New development is straining out-dated infrastructure (roads and stormwater management). The lack of sidewalks and increase in traffic poses dangerous conditions for bikers and pedestrians. Investments in infrastructure are needed to support existing and future development and to increase safe connectivity.
To maintain the rural and agricultural character of the island, land conservation should be prioritized. Preserving and restoring ecosystems can also be used to protect against current and future flooding.
The new development along the main corridors has brought more amenities closer to residents. Residents want to live closer to grocery stores and restaurants. To maximize the benefits of these places, they should maintain a diversity of local businesses and prioritize affordability and connectivity.
There are few parks and places for recreation on Johns Island. Residents would like to have more athletic fields, a public pool, and more places for the community to gather — all that are safely accessible on foot or on bike.
Read more about previous planning with Johns Island residents in the Johns Island Community Plan.
To view and download all findings from the first round of engagement, click here.