Terminal fencing will get makeover

  • David Slade
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  • Posted: Monday, January 23, 2012 12:01 a.m.
    UPDATED: Friday, March 23, 2012 7:05 p.m.
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The State Ports Authority plans to replace a barbed-wire-topped chain-link fence at Columbus Street Terminal (right), along Charlotte Street near the South Carolina Aquarium, with a fence similar to one at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in North Charleston.
/FileThe State Ports Authority plans to replace a barbed-wire-topped chain-link fence at Columbus Street Terminal (right), along Charlotte Street near the South Carolina Aquarium, with a fence similar to one at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in North Charleston.

A fence that protects the south end of the State Ports Authority's Columbus Street Terminal in Charleston needs to be secure, but with some prompting from city officials, the SPA has agreed that it doesn't need to look awful.

The rusting chain-link and barbed-wire fence that protects the port -- where new BMW vehicles are often parked awaiting shipment overseas -- also lines one side of a planned $2.4 million city park at the foot of Charlotte Street, near the South Carolina Aquarium.

"The original chain-link and barbed wire fencing needed replacing due to condition," said Allison Skipper, the SPA's public relations manager. "The new, more decorative fence will help improve the pedestrian experience and way-finding for cruise passengers traveling through the area."

The new fencing, while more visually appealing, is built for security, with cable-reinforced metal and sharp outward-curving tips. It's the same type of fencing used to secure the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center on the old Navy base in North Charleston, Skipper said.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said the city had discussed the fence with SPA officials while planning for construction of the Charlotte Street Park.

"The fence -- and the park -- will be very nice," Riley said Friday. "There was a pre-construction conference today, and construction will get under way very soon."

The 1,920 feet of new fencing should be complete in April, and the park should be finished in about a year. The city awarded the $2.39 million park contract to AOS Specialty Contractors Inc. last year.

The park will be part of the city's effort to improve access to the waterfront, as well as a monument to Charleston's early Irish settlers. The local Irish community raised $400,000 to help finance the park.

A memorial planned there will feature a raised granite map of Ireland, surrounded by bluestone, with plaques commemorating the high points of Irish contributions to the city. The park also will have brick walkways that lead down to a concrete pier extending about 75 feet over the water.

And, of course, there will be a new fence.

Reach David Slade at 937-5552.