Charleston County committee set to vote on several greenbelt programs, including Mount Pleasant Way

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston County Greenbelt Committee is expected to request approval of several projects to the finance committee, during one of the two cycles it participates in per year.

One agenda item includes Mount Pleasant Way. Officials look to expand the multi-use path system from Ben Sawyer Boulevard to Venning Road on two miles of Rifle Range Road. Mount Pleasant is asking for over $1 million dollars in funds, which is already allocated to the town in the county’s transportation sales tax.

“Greenbelt funds are only eligible to be used for the purchase of right of way or the purchase of easements,” James Aton, deputy director of capital projects and transportation, said. “I think we as a town have seen a benefit to the pursuit of recreational easements, in particular in areas that already have utility easements as this section of Rifle Range already does.”

It is expected that the path will be similar to the existing trail, stretching from ten to 12 feet in width. However, Aton said they have had community meetings addressing concerns from residents including that nothing is set in stone. The deputy director added that this is an important application, critical to the pedestrian and bicyclist network.

“The project, again to recap, is incredibly important. It was outlined in our action safety plan; it was deemed appropriate and awarded USDOT grant funds,” Aton said. “It connects to two major schools along the route as well as recreational facilities, and really builds on the previous efforts with the Ben Sawyer greenbelt allocation and the previous Rifle Range and Venning Road allocations.”

The project already has federal funds for its “Safe Streets and Roads for All” grant for design and construction. County officials said overall it will bring connectivity to people in residential communities to green spaces.

“So, we operate on what we call a hub and spokes system. So, your hubs are going to be your residential areas, your residential areas, and of course those larger green space areas,” Eric Davis, director of housing and land management at Charleston County, said. “The spokes are these types of pedestrian connections in between those to try and get people to green spaces and points of interests without having to get in their car and do that.”

Officials said about 16% of Mount Pleasant’s residents live on Rifle Range Road, and this project will further ensure safety to its users while thinking ahead with the town’s master plan.

“Rifle Range is one of the main spine routes outlined in the master plan that connects to a lot of existing and future recreation facilities, such as the Rifle Range park on sort of the north end or the existing park behind Mount Pleasant Waterworks that has some great views of the marsh,” Aton said.

The finance committee meeting is expected to begin at 5 p.m. on April 24.