Charleston County committee set to vote on several greenbelt programs, including Mount Pleasant Way
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston County Greenbelt Committee is expected to request approval of several projects to the finance committee, during one of the two cycles it participates in per year.
One agenda item includes Mount Pleasant Way. Officials look to expand the multi-use path system from Ben Sawyer Boulevard to Venning Road on two miles of Rifle Range Road. Mount Pleasant is asking for over $1 million dollars in funds, which is already allocated to the town in the county's transportation sales tax.
'Greenbelt funds are only eligible to be used for the purchase of right of way or the purchase of easements,' James Aton, deputy director of capital projects and transportation, said. 'I think we as a town have seen a benefit to the pursuit of recreational easements, in particular in areas that already have utility easements as this section of Rifle Range already does.'
It is expected that the path will be similar to the existing trail, stretching from ten to 12 feet in width. However, Aton said they have had community meetings addressing concerns from residents including that nothing is set in stone. The deputy director added that this is an important application, critical to the pedestrian and bicyclist network.
'The project, again to recap, is incredibly important. It was outlined in our action safety plan; it was deemed appropriate and awarded USDOT grant funds,' Aton said. 'It connects to two major schools along the route as well as recreational facilities, and really builds on the previous efforts with the Ben Sawyer greenbelt allocation and the previous Rifle Range and Venning Road allocations.'
The project already has federal funds for its 'Safe Streets and Roads for All' grant for design and construction. County officials said overall it will bring connectivity to people in residential communities to green spaces.
'So, we operate on what we call a hub and spokes system. So, your hubs are going to be your residential areas, your residential areas, and of course those larger green space areas,' Eric Davis, director of housing and land management at Charleston County, said. 'The spokes are these types of pedestrian connections in between those to try and get people to green spaces and points of interests without having to get in their car and do that.'
Officials said about 16% of Mount Pleasant's residents live on Rifle Range Road, and this project will further ensure safety to its users while thinking ahead with the town's master plan.
'Rifle Range is one of the main spine routes outlined in the master plan that connects to a lot of existing and future recreation facilities, such as the Rifle Range park on sort of the north end or the existing park behind Mount Pleasant Waterworks that has some great views of the marsh,' Aton said.
The finance committee meeting is expected to begin at 5 p.m. on April 24.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Deal to sell Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina terminated
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A deal to sell a local waterfront resort and marina was terminated last week, owners said Tuesday. Agreements reached to sell Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, which sits next to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, to an unidentified buyer were killed on June 6. American Financial Group, an Ohio-based holding company, currently owns the property. Since acquiring in 2002, AFG has made improvements, including constructing The Beach Club, a luxury waterfront hotel with 92 guest rooms. American Financial was set to net $100 million after tax from the sale, which would have included two full-service hotels, a 459-slip marina, a full-service restaurant, a retail store, and additional amenities. The company said they are continuing 'to evaluate strategic alternatives for the property.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Krystal hosting in-person hiring event for new Walterboro location
WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCBD) – Krystal is looking for employees to work at the burger chain's soon-to-open Walterboro location. The Georgia-based fast food spot will host an in-person hiring event on Wednesday, June 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1222 Bells Highway, the site of the new location. Officials said the crew hopes to hire 40 new team members for all interested should bring a valid ID and their Social Security number. No prior experience is required. 'As we grow in South Carolina, our focus is on creating meaningful connections with our guests and our team,' said Amanda Hyde, Senior Vice President of Operations for Krystal. 'That means more than great food. It's about greeting guests by name, handing over every order with care, and creating an environment where team members feel empowered to deliver true hospitality.' The restaurant is expected to open officially in July, although an exact date has yet to be announced. Once open, the Walterboro site will be Krystal's fifth South Carolina location. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Charleston County received $9.4 million from an Airbnb settlement. Here's how they plan to use it
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — Charleston County leaders are developing a plan for how to spend millions of dollars received as part of a settlement with vacation rental giant Airbnb. The company agreed in February to pay $60 million to settle a lawsuit brought by more than a dozen South Carolina communities over unpaid accommodations taxes and business license fees. Charleston County recouped $9.4 million as part of that settlement, and members of the county's finance committee offered a first glimpse at how that money will be allocated at its June 5 meeting. The recommendations included roughly $1.4 million for housing initiatives, $1.6 million for financial system upgrades, $2.25 million for drainage projects, and $1.1 million for the visitors bureau. Officials also decided to put $2.5 million into a reserves fund that could be used for disaster relief in anticipation of possible cuts to FEMA. In addition, $500,000 will be allocated toward the City of Charleston's Rapid Housing program as a one-time startup cost, but a county spokesperson said the money would go back to the reserves if the city doesn't receive matching funds from other municipalities. The proposal is expected to go before the full council for a vote on Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
