Mayoral hopefuls agree, disagree

MOUNT PLEASANT -- The three mayoral candidates found a lot of common ground during a special forum Wednesday evening, agreeing that the town needs new businesses, that Shem Creek is a jewel and that Coleman Boulevard is one of its most important streets.

But the three differed on some details, particularly when asked about the town's growth on its northern edge.

Councilman Billy Swails said he wouldn't do anything to promote growth in Mount Pleasant until it widens U.S. Highway 17 to six lanes from the Isle of Palms Connector to S.C. Highway 41. "If the development comes before that, then we're in serious trouble."

Councilman Gary Santos noted that he's the only mayoral candidate to live in this new part of town, and agreed that the widening needs to be done immediately.

"If I'm elected mayor, that's going to be one of my first priorities, to do that right away."

Councilman Joe Bustos said the town needs to slow the growth train and concentrate on infill development

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between the Cooper River and the Isle of Palms Connector. Even if the town were to do that, the growth of Awendaw, just north of Mount Pleasant, could throw in a wrench, he said.

"The biggest threat is Awendaw," Bustos said. "They've annexed and rezoned a large tract of land up there. This unplanned growth happening in Awendaw could easily overwhelm Mount Pleasant."

The three spoke at a forum organized by the East Cooper Regional Medical Center, which limited attendees to its staff, board members and the media for space reasons.

The three also differed when talking about the future of Coleman Boulevard. Santos said he objects to plans that would allow 75-foot-tall buildings and restrict traffic to two lanes.

He also said he was concerned that landscaped medians would force many motorists to make U-turns, potentially keeping them from patronizing businesses along the street.

Bustos said he favors changes that would make the boulevard more appealing to bicyclists and pedestrians. "Coleman Boulevard was built around the automobile, big parking lots in front," he said. "Walkability along Coleman Boulevard is going to be very important."

Swails noted that the town doesn't have a Main Street -- "It's not Pitt Street anymore" -- so the recommendations of a citizens group for improving Coleman should be considered.

Swails noted that it's just a plan, doubted there would be any 75-foot-tall buildings and said sections with new, on-street parking could be changed back if it doesn't work out.

"We owe it to (the citizens group) to give it a shot," he said.

Swails also said the town needs to identify money for maintaining any improvements to Shem Creek before building them. Santos said he hoped to put some of the surrounding marsh into a protective easement, but was shot down by Town Council.

Bustos said he was concerned that the town's plans for a 250-foot-long floating dock and a structure at the end is "just too much, too intense."

All three council members are seeking the job formerly held by Mayor Harry Hallman, who stepped down this year because of his battle with Alzheimer's disease. Acting Mayor Kruger Smith is not running.

The election is Nov. 3.

Upcoming

A candidate forum will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 in the town's municipal complex, 100 Ann Edwards Lane. It will include the three mayoral hopefuls and 19 council candidates.

Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.