Bridge walkers may lose free parkingBy Prentiss Findlay (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
MOUNT PLEASANT — The town is considering putting an end to free roadside parking on Patriots Point Boulevard near Coleman Boulevard, a popular spot with Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge walkers and runners. Town Administrator Mac Burdette suggested the change Monday. Instead of the Patriots Point Boulevard roadside, runners and walkers could park at the new Memorial Waterfront Park when it opens. An extension of Wingo Way will connect the park and the bridge. Burdette has suggested $1 per hour for the parking fee at the park, or an annual pass of about $20. A Town Council committee on Monday delayed a decision on the issue. "We don't have any parking meters in Mount Pleasant. I realize it's time to get into the 21st century," Councilman Billy Swails said. Councilman Paul Gawrych said he was open to exploring the idea of fee parking at the new $14 million facility next to the Ravenel Bridge. On Monday, some bridge walkers didn't think much of the possibility of losing roadside parking on Patriots Point Boulevard. Previous StoryVisit to Waterfront Park could nibble at wallet, published 10/03/08 "It might cause me to decide to walk on the beach instead," Eileen Dulany, 62, said of the proposal. "Money is tight for them. Money is tight for us, too." Twenty-three-year-old Alicia Humble said, "I come over here to park, especially in the evenings." She said that she doesn't like parking on the Charleston side of the bridge because she feels unsafe there. "I don't think that's fair to have to pay to walk the bridge," said Blaire Johnson, 25. Burdette said Monday that fee parking can raise about $400,000 annually for park operation and maintenance. Town revenue is down because of a sharp decline in building permit applications. Council voted recently to raise the utility franchise fee from 3 percent to 5 percent, a move that will increase the average annual electric bill by $48. It also has put a hiring freeze on 44 positions. Tax increment financing is being used to pay for the park construction. It is a widely used method that borrows against projected property value increases that happen because of improvements such as the park. Councilman Kruger Smith suggested that town staff research the parking fee issue. It would make sense for the town to hire a business with experience in parking management, he said. Shutting down parking on the shoulder of Patriots Point Boulevard near Coleman would affect about a dozen drivers at one time. The parking location is a popular one for those who run or walk the bridge, and drivers come and go at all hours of the day during good weather. More free parking is available farther along Patriots Point Boulevard at the College of Charleston athletics complex, but on Monday most people walking the bridge from Mount Pleasant appeared to be parking on the road shoulder near Coleman Boulevard. For large public events, the parking fee at the new 14-acre park — which may open as soon as Memorial Day weekend or as late as Fourth of July weekend — would be suspended. Short-term, 15-minute parking for pick-up and drop-off would be free, officials said. The park will have a Sweetgrass cultural arts center, visitors center, war memorial and 1,250-foot-long pier. |
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Comments
This article has 35 comment(s)
Posted by 803scdantes on October 7, 2008 at 2:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good time to squeeze a little more money out of the citizenry Mount Pleasant. Right when people have less to spend and the economy is in a slump, you propose more ways to take money. I love the reasoning too. The economy is down so we need to take more of your money. I bet they don't do away with the parking when the economy is booming again.
Posted by Slick50 on October 7, 2008 at 5:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Free parking? Isn't that another urban myth?
Hold onto your wallets and don't be surprised if your taxes go up too.
Posted by tues_nite on October 7, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
they will always find a way to get into your pockets. vote out all incumbents.
Posted by theronce on October 7, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Too cool to charge the public for what the public owns. I love it. Watch us vote these same people back in. They are so smart...and cool.
Posted by mrfullwm on October 7, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Since when are parking meters part of the 21st century?
Posted by bribetaker on October 7, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Walkers can still park for free in the projects under the bridge on the Charleston side off East Bay......
Posted by desspec on October 7, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
People have felt unsafe parking on the Charleston side since the bridge opened, and for good reason. So why hasn't something been done to improve THAT situation?
Posted by ms_lady2u on October 7, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bribetaker-Why don't you practice whst you preach!
Posted by aimpulsive on October 7, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This should not be a surprise.
Government is always looking for ways to increase taxes, and that is exactly what this is -- a "use tax". They are going to look at the most successful places to tax first, like the bridge.
And it's not like $1 is a big deal, but I was already frustrated that Mt Pleasant did not offer convenient parking for bridge walkers.
I hope that the City of Charleston takes note and provides a free, safe and easily accessible alternative to having to park in Mt Pleasant. And while on the Charleston side, do some shopping!
Oh, and I really can't believe Mt Pleasant feels that parking meters are "21st century".
Posted by ms_lady2u on October 7, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excuse me, i do mean....."what"
Posted by tigerrecord on October 7, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
People, we are talking about $1.00.
That's ten dimes, 4 quarters, 100 pennies, 20 nickels and a whole heck of nothing to park for 1 hour.
Let's be realistic, it somehow has to be paid for, and I for one don't mind having those who use the facilities help pay for it. It's like a toll road, not to mention the mass of cars in the afternoons on Patriot's Point road looks trashy and destroys the landscaping there.
Be realistic, if you can afford to drive there, take your time to walk the bridge for an hour or two, you can certainly afford the single DOLLAR to park your car.
Posted by a_set_love on October 7, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You think thats bad, wait till Mr. Riley unveils his new City of Charleston Income Tax. Its about time all those pouring in from Summerville and Mt. Pleasnt pay their fair share to the City of Charleston.
Posted by 2cents on October 7, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
PLUS the increase in the franchise utility fee. And why would they put a freeze on 44 positions because of a lack of money then PAY a parking management firm? Nothing they do makes much sense. Time for fresh faces.
Posted by RTC on October 7, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
aimpulsive said,
"Oh, and I really can't believe Mt Pleasant feels that parking meters are "21st century"."
That is Ronnie Swails opinion not everyone else's.
There is no need for parking meters in Mt. Pleasant anyway. Vote all of these morons out next election.
Posted by lcsaint03 on October 7, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just like government! Give you something for nothing, then get you nice and use to having it, and then start charging you for it.
Posted by SCGirl0901 on October 7, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Mac.. How forward thinking of you!! Idiot.
Posted by mlittle212 on October 7, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
South Carolina is the most overweight state in the nation. So yeah - let's start charging for parking, so people stay home rather than get a little exercise. Brilliant!
Posted by lcsaint03 on October 7, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
tigerrecord, the point is not that it will cost ONE DOLLAR to park for an hour, its that this could have been done from the beginning. The area could have been paved, lined, and metered before the bridge opened, and then people would have known what to expect. This is stuff that the Town should have thought about long before now!
Posted by RTC on October 7, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That should have have been Billy Swails, not Ronnie. He doesn't even live in Mt. Pleasant anymore.
My apologies.
Posted by palmettotree on October 7, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early, earlier this year the Charleston county property taxes did go up. I had heard on the news that the taxes had not gone up in years so they are playing catch up. The way they explained it was that they needed the money for our fire and police departments. Nice time for them to be worried about them having the proper equipment. I believe that was the reason. Anyway they said it was too much of a hike. I don't think it was 20% though. Must be for the school board.
Posted by palmettotree on October 7, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Never mind. I know believe it was the taxes for the city of Charleston. I am trying to find it online.
Posted by LocalTruth on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you can't afford to run it, then you really have no business building it. I cannot believe in this economy the town of Mt Pleasant is building a park. Perhaps if they did not spend the towns money so carelessly they would be in a better position to keep the city going during these times. They should cancel the project immediately and wait for better economical times. Not fair for the tax payers to have this uneccessary burden placed on them. They should go over to Goose Creek and take city management 101 from our Mayor he does a fine job because he doesn't spend it if he doesn't have it. We may have too many traffic lights, but my taxes don't go up.
Posted by Rebel_Yell on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A poster does not feel safe parking next to public housing to walk the bridge and wants to know what is being done to correct that situtaion. Hmmmmmmm . . . what did you have in mind? Mace or a taser, or perhaps just pay the troll to protect you.
The city side of the new bridge is no longer a joyous park with a beutiful swimming pool like it was with the old bridges.
Posted by summerville_guy on October 7, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't like parking meters because I usually don't carry cash. Put a debit card scanner on them, and I'll have no problem using them! And yes, this can be done - there are vending machines out now with card scanners on them.
Posted by JF on October 7, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Charleston County gave 900,000 to renourish the beach at Wild Dunes, where the general public is not welcome, at the request of the IOP mayor.
Certainly the County could give Mt Pleasant a similar amount, as the park will attract tourists, have employees, and even be open to all taxpayers. This could defray any parking costs.
problem solved.
Posted by burton on October 7, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
summerville_guy,
If they install those, you will be paying more like $4 or $5 dollars vs. $1! Be careful what you ask for!
Posted by Kerry on October 7, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is time for Mount Pleasant to move into the 21st century alright - and the first step should be ridding the Town of the Court Jester (Hallman) and his band of fools (Council) who have been making one ridiculous decision after another as their self-extended reign continues.
Blaming the current economic downturn for a legacy of hastily approved and poorly planned projects the Town cannot afford to pay for is simply pompous and arrogant - the two words that best describe Mac Burdette by the way.
A simple and effective solution to the Town's money problems would be to collect a dollar every time one of the buffoons on Council says or does something stupid. A bountiful surplus could then be enjoyed by all.
Posted by lowcountrydawg on October 7, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LMAO at stand828...
Posted by a_set_love on October 7, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is something worth viewing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs
Warning: This is not for Liberal Democrats.
Posted by DixieTiger on October 7, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Every single one of those idiots on Mt. P town council need to be voted out of office. I can't believe this but then again when is the last time the government did anything that made sense.
Posted by jk on October 7, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It isn't fair to the people who live here and pay taxes to have to pay again to park. We have to pay to park at the Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and now the bridge? Fees are getting out of hand.
Posted by grainofsalt on October 7, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Frankly, I don't see what the big deal is. Have any of you gripers ever tried to get down Patriots Point Blvd in the afternoon? Try taking your kid to soccer practice (which I paid significantly more than $1 for) while all the walkers vie for position on the sidewalks and the roadside becomes strewn with parked cars.
People drive from other areas (including downtown), park all over the boulevard, then walk the bridge. They're welcome to do so, but why is it so outlandish to have them pay a measly dollar for the safe parking that MP is offering. I have to pay more than that when I visit downtown and park.
"It might cause me to decide to walk on the beach instead..." Alright. Enjoy it out there. Don't let the Ben Sawyer bridge hit you in the -ss on the way over.
Jeez.
Posted by MILLIE53 on October 7, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a shame that Mt. Pleasant town officials feel a need to start charging a parking fee for people who wish to walk the bridge. I realize that the loss of revenue from building permits has had a negative impact on the revenue the town takes in. I'm glad that building permits have slowed down because I believe Mt. Pleasant has grown enough. Instead of starting to charge parking fees at Patriots Point the town administration should be more conscientious on the way they spend the money they have. However, they can always count on their Revenue Enhancement Officers to bring in money by writing more traffic tickets. The REOs are fantastic at that. Hopefully, some of the REOs have enough initiative to develop more investigative skills than it takes to write out a traffic ticket. Who knows with a little experience they may even start solving crimes that aren't related to traffic. The towns next step will probably be installing parking meters at the town administration building where you have to go to pay traffic tickets.
Posted by wucherer on October 7, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This applies to this subject and any decisions. As long as we citizens of the area don't use our voting power, it will be used on behalf of those who don't speak. Some may say it's only a dollar, well very true small amount but some of us can barely scape enough for gas. With the list of excuses that can be used, "We don't have any parking meters in Mount Pleasant. I realize it's time to get into the 21st century," Councilman Billy Swails said.
Well Councilman Swails and those who agree maybe should solve the immediate problems instead of shoving another reason to not visit charleston. Crime among other reasons are enough to deal with the terrible traffic that keeps me away from enjoying a nice drive into downtown. It seems that anything in life is becoming less and less free without government putting restrictions or taxing. Just because the town revenue is down due to the sharp decline in building permit applications is not another reason so let's really get into serious reasons. If the charleston area like most of the other cities of south carolina will get off the back of the tax payers for some of the most outlandish projects. One given example is the police and fire department communications being on 800 MHz trunk, what's wrong with VHF and UHF? What's wrong is citizens aren't speaking up, they just sit there complaining about things and not doing ANYTHING which is the real problem to any situation of the problems of the world. Most people would rather complain and grip verses acting getting involved with their local area. My biggest gripe is memorials on any terrible act, example that charleston 9 group putting up memorials with the politicians kissing up and putting their self-centered actions on terrible events. The area is continuing to look more and more like a cemetery and less like people live here. Keep passing a cross on a cross road from a stupid kid speeding too fast to forget the road curved left or right. We're making this friendly city into an unfriendly place to visit which means the potential tax money will be creating a void. Maybe we should replace those people in elected office where the void between their ears be replaced. Stand up people, vote instead of whining.
Posted by NativeSC on October 7, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think people should be allowed to park on the side of the road. It isn't safe and these are the same F-ing idiots who drive 20mph because they are too stoooopid to talk on their cell phones and drive at the same time. Charging to park in a public park is ridiculous. What do we pay taxes for. But IF the town decides to hire a company that manages parking facilities, please don't hire the idiots who run the ones downtown. Nothing pisses me off more than having to wait for Pookie or Junebug to put down their cellphone from their personal phone call, act annoyed as I try to pay, take 5 mins to scrape together the change with their 5 inch long press on nails, and to top it all off, they don't take credit/debit cards or anything larger than a $20. Way to be in the 21st century, morons.