5 Ways the Charleston Government can make the Lowcountry liveable again

Yesterday’s flooding was not a wake up call for most that live in the Lowcountry, but the harsh reality of life on the coast in the heart of a targeted hurricane area.  Not only did the flooding cripple drivers throughout the area, but it has created concern on the health of our waters and the unsafe bacteria that can cause harm to children and adults enjoying basic recreational activities.

Mayor Tecklenburg and his staff made promises of “Better Liveability” in the Lowcountry if elected.  That is a subjective term and has room for multiple interpretations.  At its core, it is defined as:

• Stronger zoning restrictions and higher zoning fees – Hotels, condominiums, housing, apartments and massive retail complexes are the new norm in Charleston.  When you leave the downtown Charleston area in any direction, cranes are a part of the scenery in all directions.  Construction seems to be running amuck with no signs of slowing down.  One Solution:  Add more zoning restrictions and higher zoning fees to raise more revenue and curtail the speed of expansion.

• More in-depth land surveys on the long term effects of construction on specific plots of land – There is a growing concern of development in areas that have long term concerns around structural safety, flooding and destruction of wildlife homes and preserves.  With development going up on marshes and traditional flooding areas, there seems to be a lack of ethics and an abundance of greed.  We need to put safety and long term sustainability first.  When will this start to happen?

• Non-resident tolls for Lowcountry beach entrance – Charge a tool for the entrance to Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Edisto Beach for non-residents.  If tourism is our bread and butter, we should gain additional revenue to fund projects that will help our residents and justify the 5 million plus tourists we have to see flood our area each year.

• Higher property tax for a period of 3 – 5 years for all new construction – For all new commercial and hospitality construction, we should levy additional property tax for the first 3 to 5 years and then stagger back to the current rates.  Charleston is a commodity and there is a lot of profit to be had here.  We need to acknowledge that.

• Increase luxury tax on high end items – Some argue Charleston has two classes, rich and poor with a very limited, almost non-visible middle class.  With some hotels charging up to $600 plus a night and high end retail throughout the city, we have an opportunity to levy increased luxury taxes to help fund our local projects.

There are our proposals.  We welcome all comments as well.