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The extension of the Mark Clark Expressway would add between 2,500 and
5,000 people to the population of Johns and Wadmalaw islands by the year
2030.
But even if the Mark Clark's last leg isn't built, those islands can expect
to see their population increase from 18,177 in 2003 to 30,828 by 2030, an
increase of 70 percent.
That's according to a new study on the impact of Interstate 526 on James and
Johns islands. Chuck Flink of Greenways Inc. and Liz Drake of EDAW Inc.
presented the report Thursday to more than 100 residents, developers,
planners and public officials.
"Liz and I both know fully this is a very controversial project. That was
not lost on us," Flink said. "This is not a report that either promotes or
works against the project."
James Island would see relatively less population growth, perhaps zero, from
the Mark Clark. That island is expected to add almost 6,000 new residents by
2030, and the Mark Clark would increase that by no more than 700, the study
said.
Drake said the Mark Clark won't increase the region's population; it would
only shift growth within the Lowcountry. To the extent that James, Johns and
Wadmalaw islands gain population from the Mark Clark, the Mount Pleasant,
Goose Creek and North Charleston areas would see relatively less growth.
The population growth wouldn't be the only impact. The project itself would
erode some views and wetlands, and its roadway would increase noise and
light in nearby communities. Also, it would increase traffic congestion on
some secondary roads, though Drake and Flink emphasized their work did not
include a traffic study.
The James Island County Park might lose 64 acres, or it might not lose any,
depending on the ultimate route, which is still to be determined.
The development-related effects include more sprawl and the possible creep
outward of the urban growth boundary, plus new demand to widen Maybank
Highway and several intersections.
Social impacts include a possible loss of longtime residents who might move
when confronted with higher property values and property taxes. Drake said
many communities across the Lowcountry are affected by housing prices rising
faster than incomes.
Drake said the Mark Clark also could provide new jobs for residents. The
Johns and Wadmalaw area currently has an unemployment rate above the county
average.
Mark Clark supporters and opponents praised the study Thursday, and it's
unclear whether it will change many minds as the debate over building the
road heats up. Several asked questions about the highway's effects beyond
James or Johns islands and about its impact on the region's overall traffic
picture, though the study didn't tackle either.
Instead, the study presented less controversial recommendations that, given
the development expected even without the Mark Clark, might be a good idea
anyway.
"It is sprawl if it is not well designed," Drake said. "That growth is
coming anyway, and a decision has to be made about the physical form it will
take."
The study's recommendations include:
--Reinforce the current urban growth boundary on Johns Island by restricting
water and sewer extensions and by limiting city annexations to that
boundary. Both policies are in effect.
--Create three gathering places on Maybank Highway: at River Road, at Main
Road and half-way between River and Main that would reflect the island's
unique features and serve as hubs for commercial, office and higher density
residential development. Keep development limited to three stories with open
space and appropriate architecture.
--Study how to widen Maybank Highway to four lanes with a landscaped median,
pedestrian and bike paths and limits on new driveways off Maybank.
--Create a system of parks and trails that links historic and cultural sites
and water access points.
--Require that new residential projects set aside some land for below-market
units or require developments to contribute to an affordable housing fund.
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