Around Charleston
Charleston ranked #8 Friendliest City
The readers of Conde Nast have voted Charleston the #8 Friendliest City in the U.S. with Greenville at #4. Who do you think was #1?
(via Conde Nast)
New Cocktail Bar on King Street
The owners of Félix Cocktails et Cuisine are hoping to transport you to Southern France with their new spot La Cave right next door where you can indulge in French wine and specialty cocktails.
(via Eater Carolinas)
North Charleston Events Venue
a 38,000-square-foot arts and events venue at Navy Yard Charleston. Set to launch Nov. 16 with the Kulture Klash festival.
(via Holy City Sinner)
Historic Home of the Week
Goodbye Yellowbrick 526
Strong Opposition Leads to Decisive Defeat
Opposition to the referendum was significant. Many residents displayed "No" signs, outnumbering those for presidential candidates.
Early voting results revealed that over 75% of voters rejected the tax increase. The referendum failed to win a single precinct on Johns Island, James Island, or Mount Pleasant among early voters.
Ultimately, less than 30% of voters supported the measure, leading to its defeat.
Uncertainty Surrounds the Future of the Mark Clark Extension
With the referendum defeated, the future of the Mark Clark Extension remains uncertain. Charleston County now lacks a clear path to raise the over $1 billion needed for their portion of the project.
County Council Chairman Herb Sass expressed surprise at the outcome. He stated that officials need to assess the situation before deciding on next steps.
Sass believes the project may not be abandoned due to the area's ongoing population growth. Similarly, Rob Tyson, a lawyer representing the state Transportation Infrastructure Bank, shared this cautious outlook.
Potential for a Revised Referendum
Despite the setback, the county could propose another referendum in two years. Councilman Larry Kobrovsky, who opposed the initial plan, hopes for a future referendum focused on transportation and green space preservation without including the Mark Clark Extension.
The Mark Clark Extension Project
The Mark Clark Extension aims to extend Interstate 526 by 9.5 miles. It will connect US Highway 17 in West Ashley to Johns Island and then to the James Island Connector.
Supporters argue the project would alleviate traffic congestion, shorten commutes, and enhance safety. However, opponents raise concerns about its high cost and potential environmental damage.
Community disruption and accelerated development on Johns Island are also major concerns. Johns Island has only two access points and a rapidly increasing population, worsening traffic conditions.
Funding Challenges
The project has faced significant funding challenges. Costs have escalated from an initial estimate of $420 million in 2008 (approximately $550 million today) to a current price tag of $1.78 billion.
While the state’s contribution remains capped at $420 million, Charleston County is responsible for covering the remaining expenses. The Mark Clark Extension has been under discussion for over 30 years.
The Federal Highways Administration approved an environmental impact statement for an earlier version of the project in 1999.
Looking Ahead
As Charleston County navigates the aftermath of the referendum, officials must explore alternative funding strategies. They also need to consider the community’s strong stance against the current proposal.
The ongoing population growth and infrastructure needs will continue to shape the conversation around the Mark Clark Extension and the county’s future development plans.
Having lived on Johns Island for over 7 years and seeing the traffic get worse and worse, something needs to be done not just for the rush hour traffic, but in the event of a natural disaster, there needs to be a safer, more efficient way off the island.
I don’t know what the future holds but I have a feeling that we won’t be hearing much about the project for quite some time. Even if funding is secured, there is still much opposition to the project as a whole, not just the ½ cent sales tax to fund it.
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1880 sqft
$515,000
Discover this lovely two-story home, tucked away in the peaceful community of The Retreat on Johns Island, with a beautiful public park just steps away. Offering three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, this home combines spaciousness and comfort with a prime location. Inside, enjoy an open kitchen and living room layout complemented by a separate dining area—ideal for gatherings and everyday living. The expansive primary suite provides a true escape, featuring a luxurious garden tub and a generous walk-in closet.
Natural light fills the home, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere, while the private backyard invites relaxation with its semi-enclosed privacy fence and tree-lined border for extra tranquility. Recent updates, including a new roof in 2022 and fresh gutters installed in 2021, ensure peace of mind and add lasting value to this charming retreat.
Question: How do I get my home featured in The ChuckTown Report?
Answer: Email Bill ([email protected]) and ask him how! It’s that easy!
These charts are real-time data. Click for more details.
This week in ChuckTown
Nov 10: 2nd Sunday King Street
Nov 10: Blues Traveler, Chas Music Hall
Nov 12: Morgan Wade, Chas Music Hall
Nov 13/14: Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run and Walk
Exciting things on the horizon!
Next week is super exciting and you don’t want to miss it! On Tuesday I get to sit down with Mayor Cogswell and discuss the future of Charleston and on Thursday I am getting a private hardhat tour of The Cooper, the new waterfront hotel. Be sure to share The Chucktown report with friends who you think will enjoy it so they don’t miss out!
And don’t forget to add your favorite holiday events and traditions here so we can share with all of our readers!
Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next week!
-Bill
