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Residents urge traffic mitigation on Johns Island ahead of new elementary school opening
Summary
Multiple Johns Island residents during citizen participation asked council to complete traffic mitigation, sidewalks and safety measures on River Road and in Swaggert's Landing before the new Johns Island elementary school opens.
Dozens of residents raised safety and traffic concerns about River Road and the Swaggert's Landing neighborhood during the Feb. 25 citizen participation period, urging the city and Charleston County School District to complete traffic mitigation before a planned elementary school opens.
Britney Pittman, who identified herself as a resident of Johns Island, told the council by phone that “traffic mitigation measures [must] be completed before the new elementary school opens” and said current road conditions and the lack of sidewalks would put students at risk. “The main roadway in this neighborhood does not have sidewalks, and there are no traffic safety measures in place,” she said.
Michelle Ballinger, who said she lives in the Swaggert’s Landing community, and Christine Hansen, another Swaggert’s Landing resident, made similar appeals. Ballinger said the neighborhood has no sidewalks or speed mitigation and that two of the school’s three vehicle access points will be in the Swaggert’s Landing area. Hansen asked the council to provide the specific traffic studies and data that support the city’s conclusions about safety measures to be implemented.
Mayor William S. Cogswell responded to the comments, saying the city is “taking a deep dive” on the issue and that staff has been meeting closely with the Charleston County School District. “We are committed to making sure that all the required improvements are done, before the school opens,” Cogswell said, and he named Councilmember Jim McBride as an advocate working on the issue.
The clerk reported the city received 41 online comments related to traffic concerns on River Road and Swaggert’s Landing and two written comments from Anthony Bridal that were forwarded to council. City staff said they will continue to work with the county school district and the neighborhood on required improvements.
Ending: Residents asked for timelines, the underlying traffic studies and assurances that neighborhood safety improvements — including sidewalks and other mitigation — will be completed prior to school opening. Council and staff said they will continue coordination with the school district and neighborhood representatives and will report back through committee channels.
