News Summary
The Mount Pleasant Town Council voted 7-1 against the Southern Parkway construction, voicing concerns over environmental impacts and community needs. The decision is symbolic amidst ongoing discussions about widening Highway 41, which aims to ease traffic congestion. Environmental groups are alarmed by potential harm to Laurel Hill County Park, while supporters emphasize safety and traffic solutions. Future decisions will be critical for transportation infrastructure in the area.
Mount Pleasant Town Council Opposes Southern Parkway Amid Highway Expansion Controversy
Mount Pleasant, SC – On July 8, 2025, the Mount Pleasant Town Council voted 7-1 in favor of a resolution that opposes the construction of a new two-lane road, known as the Southern Parkway, through Laurel Hill County Park. The dissenting vote came from Councilman Howard Chapman, who expressed that the resolution’s language was excessively strong.
The council’s decision is largely symbolic and is not expected to have a significant impact on Charleston County’s ongoing plans to expand Highway 41. Council members voiced their frustration over persistent disagreements with county officials regarding this highway project.
Details of the Highway Expansion Project
The Southern Parkway is an integral part of Charleston County’s proposed project to widen sections of S.C. Highway 41. This initiative aims to ease traffic congestion and improve evacuation routes during hurricanes. The plan involves expanding the highway from two lanes to three or four lanes and connecting Park West Boulevard to Highway 41 via the new parkway.
Funding for the highway expansion was initially secured through a transportation sales tax initiative approved in 2016, which allocated approximately $180 million for its development. Since 2017, county officials have put forth 20 different proposals to address traffic issues related to Highway 41 and the surrounding areas.
Environmental Concerns and Community Reactions
The construction of the Southern Parkway necessitates clearing approximately 10 acres of the 745-acre Laurel Hill County Park, including around 2 acres of wetlands. This has raised alarm among various environmental and preservation groups, such as the Coastal Conservation League, the Preservation Society of Charleston, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. These organizations have been advocating for a compromise plan that is less detrimental to the park.
Supporters of the Southern Parkway, including members from the Phillips neighborhood, have emphasized the importance of addressing long-standing traffic and safety concerns in their community. On the other hand, numerous residents attended the council meeting wearing stickers to show their opposition to the parkway. Their concerns included the potential loss of green space, adverse environmental impacts, and disruption to wildlife and cultural heritage sites due to the proposed road construction.
Future Considerations and Maintenance Costs
Councilman Jake Rambo proposed that the council reconsider its stance on allowing municipal consent for the highway project as a way to gain more leverage over the planning process. In response, Charleston County project leaders have indicated that they do not foresee making significant modifications to the compromise alternative presented for the Highway 41 expansion.
Additionally, county officials plan to request that Mount Pleasant absorb the maintenance costs for the new road, highlighting that funding for these expenses cannot be derived from the original project financing.
Conclusion
As the discussion surrounding the Southern Parkway continues, the Mount Pleasant Town Council recognizes the complexity of balancing community needs, environmental considerations, and traffic management strategies. The upcoming decisions in this matter will play a critical role in shaping the future of transportation infrastructure in the area.
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