Should We Settle For A Gas Station?

You’ve probably seen the commercials for the satellite TV provider with people living like Old West pioneers next to their modern-day neighbors. The tag line is “why settle for cable TV?”
In the economic development realm, West Ashley residents need to ask whether our community should settle for the proposed gas station and convenience store project at the site of the former Piggly Wiggly site at 43 Sumar St. The property is owned by Charlotte-based Faison Enterprises.
Faison, which also owns nearby Ashley Landing shopping center and South Windermere shopping center, has proposed locating a Sonoco station and convenience store with “food amenities” on the 2.5 acre triangle-shaped property. The design also includes landscaping and a pond.
This development issue was prominently featured in the public commentary period at the recent Charleston City Council meeting at Founder’s Hall in Charles Towne Landing. Most speakers opposed the Sonoco project. Councilman Peter Shahid, whose district includes the property, asked people to stand if they opposed the Sonoco project, and about 50-60 people responded by standing.
Shahid’s predecessors on City Council, Paul Tinkler and Aubry Alexander, both said that the proposed gas station is not in keeping with the Charleston Gateway concept envision by the Old Charles Towne Task Force. Founded in 1999 by Tinkler, Alexander, Hank Wilson and others, the Task Force has the objective of promoting economic development and higher quality of life in the 13 neighborhoods extending from the North Bridge to St. Andrews Blvd.
One of the crowning achievements of the Task Forces was the planning which led to the opening of North Bridge Park on the Ashley River. Going over the bridge coming from I-26 and North Charleston, the area used to by an eyesore. With the park in place, it now captures the natural beauty of West Ashley and is in use during most daylight hours.
The North Bridge Park was a major priority when Alexander was in office. He points out that it is the only West Ashley park with water access. Many people from all walks of life fish there, and it is a popular landing site for kayakers. Many people go there for picnic lunches or just to enjoy the pristine view of the Ashley River.
While some crepe myrtles have been planted along North Bridge Park, Alexander envisions enhanced landscaping going all the way to Wespanee, adding to the curb appeal of Old Towne neighborhoods. The Task Force also works to keep the Gateway To Charleston beautiful by organizing trash cleanups from the Scotish Rite Temple parking lot.
That brings us back to what type of development residents want to see on the Faison property. Sandhurst Civic Association President Hack Ezell commented at the City Council meeting, “A gas station with fancy landscaping is still a gas station.” He suggested some alternatives, including a hotel or a welcome center. Other residents noted that having a gas station at that site would promote loitering and potentially cause increased traffic accidents.
Mayor John Tecklenburg opined that he and City planners are not satisfied with the Sonoco project and are continuing to hold discussions with the Faison management about alternative development projects. West Ashley revitalization is among Techlenburg’s top priorities and he thinks better uses can be found for the property.
Faison purchased the property for $1.9 Million in 2014. There are other gas stations in the area and current zoning laws allow a gas station at the site. As a private property owner, Faison will have due process to get its desired project permitted. I hope that other potential investors to emerge and come up with a project which will improve the quality of life in our area. I personally like the idea of a quality restaurant at the site.
The exciting thing is that the City Council meeting at Charles Towne Landing was packed, mostly by West Ashley residents who were concerned about the Sonoco project. Our elected officials are most responsive when the public is actively engaged. I encourage people to contact your City Council member and let him or her know if you want to settle for a gas station!
John Steinberger is the former chairman of the Charleston County Republican Party, a leading Fair Tax advocate, and a West Ashley resident. He can be reached at John.steinberger@scfairtax.org.