2019 New Year’s Resolutions for Charleston (Hoping)

New Year’s is a time of reflection, looking back, looking forward and for so many, a time for resolutions. 

What is a resolution? 

Official Definition:  the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict, problem, etc. : the act of resolving something. : an answer or solution to something.

Simply, it is an action, task or alteration in lifestyle to seek to improve on an existing thing or action (better job, improvement in health or wellness, achieving a goal or changing negative behavior to positive).

As we see 2018 setting in the distance and the rise of 2019 upon us, here are some resolutions we hope to see in 2019 for Charleston.

Resolutions We Hope to See in Charleston in 2019

• A ban across the Lowcountry in the use of plastic bags, straws and even steps to reduce the use of bags all-together in restaurants, grocery and retail.

• A stronger emphasis on recycling at the local levels.

• Introducing electric scooter system in downtown Charleston.  (Paid by app).
  

• Stronger local enforcement of blinker usage.

• Stronger and more aggressive state wide highway and local enforcement of drunk driving (all year long)

• A real effort toward correcting the flooding issue by our local government.  We have heard about studies, research and funding, but no action to drive a true resolution.

• Legislation to cap increases in rental costs and a reduction in taxation.  We need to see a stabilization and not a further expansion of greed.

• Provide tax incentives for using mass transit .

• Put a plan in place for a light rail from Berkeley and Dorchester to downtown Charleston

• Offer a Festival Pass option for local residents (EX:  5 Festival Package for one price).  With the prices increasing, it is harder for residents to take part in local traditions.

• Open a 24 hour coffee shop and/or diner – A place where the creative minds can work late and not be in a loud bar with drinking.  Also, it provides an avenue to sober up or spend time with someone you just met.
  

• A temporarily ban on new commercial development.

• Offer a shopping discount card for downtown retail and restaurants for Tri-County residents – Less and less local residents are going downtown due to tourism growth and it is driving local business owners to close.
  

What is on your Charleston New Year’s Resolution list?