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Growth management efforts should be redoubled on Johns Island in view of the
rapid development projected in a study on the likely effects of extending
Interstate 526 across the island. If growth is accelerated by as much as 40
percent with the completion of the interstate, as consultants expect, the
island's rural character will be in great jeopardy.
Consultants, in a draft report to Charleston County officials, concluded
that the completion of the interstate loop would be quickly followed by a
period of intense residential development. Improved highway access would
encourage home buying by those seeking a comparatively easy commute.
The completion of I-526 seems more likely than ever, with the recent support
of the State Infrastructure Bank. If the highway is to be built, it can't be
allowed to jeopardize recent gains in growth management on the island.
Consultants compared the island's economic prospects to the rapid
development of East Cooper, which was spurred by the extension of I-526 to
Mount Pleasant. "It would be feasible for the study area to develop in a
similar manner to that of East Cooper, with respect to employment growth -
with growth in sectors such as education, health, the professions and retail
trade."
Meanwhile, the report concludes that "economic forces accelerated by
improved highway access, such as escalating property values, are likely to
affect long-time residents, lower income of residents and heirs' property
owners in the community."
Ways to mitigate the rapid growth that an interstate extension would bring
include a strong urban growth boundary, utility restrictions and the
county's greenbelt initiative.
The city of Charleston has agreed to limit expansion to land within the
urban growth boundary, or about a quarter of the island. Friday's decision
to curtail Charleston Water System taps outside the urban growth boundary
also recognized the need to restrict growth
The St. John's Water Co. reluctantly agreed to reduce its expansion plans
last year when faced by the strong opposition of its customers. Consultants
make clear the extent to which the presence of utilities encourages growth.
Similarly, road construction on the island, in addition to I-526, will
determine how it develops.
Selective protection of farms and forests along the rural side of the urban
growth boundary will help maintain a definite limit to development. That can
be accomplished by zoning and, more certainly, through property acquisition
or the purchase of conservation easements under the county greenbelt
program.
If completed, I-526 will accelerate growth that the island otherwise would
see over the long term. Consultants conclude that the challenge posed by the
project provides "an excellent opportunity to guide the coming growth and to
make informed land use choices that protect the island's valued character
and identity."
Growth management efforts have been given the enthusiastic support of the
Johns Island community. Don't allow them to be undermined by the planned
interstate extension.
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