Since May 2005 • Volume 20 • Issue 7 • mylolowcountry.com
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August 23, 2024
LOCAL NEWS
PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND ISLE OF PALMS GOAT ISLAND DEWEES ISLAND
POSTAL PATRON
THE SLAND EYE A Heartfelt Farewell: Isle of Palms Deputy Fire Chief Reflects on 36 Years of Service
Protecting Remaining Isle of Palms Garden Club Loggerhead Nests: A Look Adds Splash of Color to at the Final Weeks of the the Island Season
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Isle of Palms City Councilmember Elizabeth Campsen Resigns By Christian Senger For Island Eye News
Credit: iop.net
On Aug. 9, Isle of Palms City Councilmember Elizabeth Campsen submitted her resignation, effective immediately. In an email to fellow councilmembers, Campsen said she and her husband, Richard, are moving off the island after purchasing a new home they plan to make their primary residence in the new year. Campsen said she was resigning immediately to align the municipal election for her seat with the upcoming general election. The city will hold a special election on Nov. 5 to fill the seat. The filing period for anyone interested in running as a candidate opens at noon on Aug. 30 and closes at noon on Sept. 9.
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Referendum For I-526 Extension To Appear on November Ballots in Charleston County By Emily Shiffer For Island Eye News The Charleston County Council approved a transportation sales and use tax referendum to appear on ballots in Charleston County this November. The proposed referendum would provide $5.4 billion for road projects throughout the county. The Mark Clark Expressway extension from West Ashley through James Island and Johns Island is listed as the top priority project, expected to cost $1.8 billion, plus an additional $648 for financing, for a total of $2.4 billion. The County Council vote took place on Tuesday, July 23—the third and final vote. The outcome was 6-2 in favor of the half-cent Charleston County Council member Larry sales tax increase to fund the extension. Kobrovsky Charleston County Council member Larry Credit: charlestoncounty.org Kobrovsky, who represents District 2, voted against the referendum. “With this referendum vote, we have an awesome responsibility to address transportation needs now and for the next 25 years in Charleston County,” Kobrovsky said. A self-described financial conservative and conservationist, Kobrovsky explained that his decision to vote no was based on the referendum’s failure to address the transportation needs of all of Charleston County. “Half of the budget—approximately $2.5 billion—is going to one project: the 9 miles of road that make up the I-526 extension,” Kobrovsky said. He explained that the referendum includes 13 other smaller transportation projects throughout the county that also deserve priority. The main issue: there is no way to guarantee the other projects will get done in the case of cost overruns with the extension project. “The entire budget could go to that one project,” Kobrovsky said. “There are nine County Council districts, and projects should be divided equitably to address all needs.” He noted that interstates are typically built by the state, but this referendum is being financed by Charleston County. “It’s a huge distinction—the interstate is never built with county money,” Kobrovsky said. “The state has only earmarked $420 million for it, and any additional cost overruns will come out of county taxpayers' pockets. That should scare everybody.” Another issue Kobrovsky has with the referendum is its failure to deter land development, which negatively affects traffic in Charleston County. “I feel we need to look ahead and be responsible. This referendum calls for a tremendous reduction in funding for green space,” he said. (continued on page 4)