Nix 526

-Almost 40 (38.53) acres of wetlands destroyed.

-Almost 50 (46.75) acres of James Island County Park taken.

-92 parcel takings/direct impacts (22 relocations, of which 15 are residential)

-The route would run right through communities (many of which are historic black communities such as Ferguson Village and Cross-Cut on James Island)

-Impacts to the Fenwick Hall Historic District

-There were 39 alternatives analyzed and the one selected disproportionately impacts people of color.

-The 526 extension is the only priority project listed on the ordinance, taking up over 30% of allocated funding, with the inclusion of the debt services it’s close to 50% of the whole tax. As the only priority project, this means the other proposed projects will be considered only after the 526-extension funding is allocated and likely will not have funding leftover for other projects.

-The percentage of greenbelt funding has continued to be cut each tax referendum. From 17% in 2004, to 10% in 2016, to now 8%. We should be expanding our greenbelt funding, not lessening it. 

-We still have two half-cent sales taxes in place. The one from 2024 is set to run out in 2027. This tax we are voting on would not go into effect until then, so why are voting for it now? (The answer is to secure funding for 526)

-This tax would run for 25 years or until 5.4 billion is reached. What else could we do with that money that does not include an overpriced, outdated, and destructive road project? 

-The 526 extension would not fix the traffic problem on Johns Island, but rather inflame the current traffic issues. It would increase suburban sprawl on the rural island, adding more cars to our roads. 

The last two questions on the ballot in Charleston address this issue. Vote NO on questions 1 & 2.

Folks,
I hope everybody made it through this series of storms with no damage.  We’ve certainly been lucky in Charleston.
I wanted to provide some background information on one item we will be asked to vote on in November.  The Charleston County Council has placed a referendum question on the ballot to impose a 1/2 cent sales tax that would extend for 25 years.   This would be the third county sales tax over the past 20 years.  The first passed in 2004 and the second in 2016.  The first one will expire in 2027 or later.  The second continues until 2041.
These first two taxes have produced some important results for land conservation.  You can read about that in this opinion piece I wrote, and have attached below.   The results for transportation have been less impressive (to put it politely).  
I would urge you to consider voting against this third tax.  I hope the editorial below explains the logic of that position.  
The very short story is that the county has failed to deploy the 2016 funds for transportation responsibly and effectively.  We have time to correct the deficiencies in time for the 2026 election, if the council chooses to do that.  Funding for transit and greenspace, and roads, will continue uninterrupted even if the proposed referendum fails this year.
But it is most important that we reject the current proposal.  If you have questions or comments, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Dana