CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The city of North Charleston is recruiting the help of its residents in October. Officials want the public’s help to see what they want from their city in its comprehensive plan.
Titled PRIME North Charleston, the plan provides framework for staff that can help them implement policies that align with what residents want. It addresses nine elements such as population change, economics, land use, transportation and housing.
North Charleston is the third largest city in the state with a population of more than 108,000 people.
That number continues to climb.
As the populations changes, so does the city, and that’s why they want to hear from the public.
The 10-year plan will focused on nine key elements that include population changes, economics, cultural resources, natural resources, land uses, community facilities, transportation, housing, and priority investments.
“First and foremost, PRIME North Charleston will be a roadmap for the future of the city that is developed by the community as a whole,” North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey said. “The planning process invites meaningful dialogue to develop a shared community vision for all of North Charleston. The community also has multiple opportunities to come together and participate in this conversation about all of the elements that will make PRIME North Charleston.”
North Charleston resident Florence Accardi moved to the area about two years ago.
“We came from Cleveland Ohio and our grandchildren live down here and we wanted better weather than snow,” Accardi said.
She says she would like to see road improvements and for the area to be more pedestrian-friendly.
“It’s a nice town I just wish it was more walkable than it is,” Accardi said. “I know we have walking trails on Dorchester Road but the way people drive I don’t feel safe walking up and down them or even running.”
North Charleston resident John Hill also has some concerns.
“We’re having so much growth in the area, so many people moving in, so many houses being built and my biggest concern as a taxpayer and as an average citizen is where is all the money being spent?” Hill said.
Mayor Summey says recent improvements include creating more park space, two new senior centers, new fire stations and a new public works facility. He also highlighted some top priorities of his for the future.
“Making sure that we still have workforce housing in the area, that we don’t price ourselves out of the folks who want to live here and work here,” Summey said. “How do we deal with making sure that the quality of life of each of those individuals are there and then how do we move forward in getting the quality of jobs that we need to substantiate quality growth and life for the folks that live here.”
Infrastructure remains a top concern among residents.
“Some of the roads here in North Charleston are not too great, especially down Dorchester road, we had to repair the suspension system already," Accardi said.
Hill has lived in the area all his life and has seen the changes.
“I hear people saying that they going downtown it might take them an hour to get down there whereas it used to take 30 minutes so we need to look at a new plan," Hill said.
There will be plenty of opportunities to provide input including a website that can be found here. The first public open house is Monday night at the Senior Center at 6255 Dorchester Road from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Other open house dates and locations can be found below.
- Oct. 16: Wescott Park, 9600 Dorchester Road, 4:30-7 p.m.
- Oct. 22: Gussie Greene Community Center, 2012 Success Street, 4:30-7 p.m.
- Oct. 23: Senior Center at Northwood, 8708 Antler Drive, 4:30-7 p.m.
- Oct. 25: Felix Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Circle, 4:30-7 p.m.
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