Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge reconsideration of 'Gateway to Liberty' slogan and question Battery Thompson mural
Summary
During public comment, residents told the council that the proposed 'Gateway to Liberty' slogan for a Ben Sawyer Boulevard welcome sign is inappropriate given Sullivan's Island's history, and one resident described a Battery Thompson mural as too fanciful for the historic subject; residents also asked for more information about a pond at Station 28.
Two residents addressed the Town Council during the public-comment portion of the July 15 meeting with concerns about proposed signage and public artwork.
Kimberly Brown of 2118 Pettigrew Street said she is concerned about adding the slogan "Gateway to Liberty" to the existing welcome sign on Ben Sawyer Boulevard as part of the SC250 celebration, saying the phrase is not appropriate given the Town's history and its historical links to the slave trade. Barbara Spell of 1702 Atlantic Avenue said the recently painted mural at Battery Thompson appeared "fanciful" and was not serious enough to represent the historic battle it depicts; she also requested more information about a pond that has formed at Station 28.
Why it matters: Public comments raise questions of historical interpretation, civic messaging and local stewardship of historic sites. The minutes record the concerns but do not show a formal council response or decision on sign text, mural treatment or additional pond information.
Next steps: The minutes show resident correspondence on the sign issue was received and that staff will continue to provide project information; no formal action or vote on signage or mural alterations was recorded at the July 15 meeting.
