This election gives North Charleston and Charleston County residents a powerful opportunity to influence the region’s future by voting Yes on the Transportation Sales Tax (TST) Referendum. For residents of North Charleston, this is a special chance to make meaningful, long-term improvements that will benefit daily life. A Yes vote means a safer, more interconnected community and a brighter future for both North Charleston and the broader Charleston County area.
The TST Referendum: A Brief Overview
The Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Referendum provides a path to making roads safer, reducing traffic, enhancing public transit and protecting our beautiful greenspaces. If passed, it will fund vital infrastructure, transit and greenspace projects across the county.
A critical point to understand is that this referendum won’t increase taxes. It’s simply a way for us to direct resources toward completing crucial projects that will enhance the safety of our roads, including improvements to I-526 and other key infrastructure investments that will benefit everyone.
How Voting Yes Will Impact North Charleston
Passing the TST Referendum is a critical step for improving accessibility and safety across North Charleston, making neighborhoods more connected than ever before. With enhanced access to the Low Country Rapid Transit, residents will enjoy efficient, reliable public transportation options that link them seamlessly to the broader Charleston area. This investment not only brings ease to daily commutes but also promotes safer travel for everyone, whether driving, biking, walking or using public transit.
Supporting the referendum prioritizes our community’s needs, fostering a more connected, safe and accessible future for North Charleston.
Beyond North Charleston, the referendum supports projects across Charleston County, including the Mark Clark Expressway extension, which will reduce congestion. These upgrades mean less time in traffic, more time with family and safer roads with quicker emergency response times.
What’s at Stake if This Doesn’t Pass?
If funding through this referendum is not secured, there’s no alternative plan to support the Greenbelt and transit projects that our county desperately needs. Without this crucial investment, our roads will continue to be overwhelmed, our green spaces could be at risk of overdevelopment and we’ll lose the opportunity to create a more connected, sustainable future.
Major Projects That Will Improve North Charleston
Several high-impact projects are planned to benefit North Charleston directly:
- Rivers Avenue Mobility Improvements: Construct sidewalks and multi-use paths within 1/2 mile of the Low Country Rapid Transit stations along the Rivers Ave. corridor, improving accessibility for residents.
- Northbridge Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety: A new bridge will be built alongside the Northbridge to connect Sam Rittenberg Boulevard to Azalea Drive, improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Rivers Avenue Overpass at Durant: Construction of a new overpass above the rail line between Durant Ave. and Aragon St. to improve efficiency and safety.
- Mall Drive Improvements: Capacity enhancements along Mall Dr. between Lacross Rd and Rivers Avenue, including bike and pedestrian accommodations.
How You Can Help: Vote Yes
To ensure the success of these projects, it’s essential to vote Yes on Question 1 and Question 2. Question 1 secures the necessary funding for these projects and Question 2 allows work to start as soon as possible. Together, they are the key to unlocking a brighter future for North Charleston.
Be sure to view the entire ballot. These questions will be at the end under the Local Questions section and will look similar to the image below.
By voting Yes, you’ll help us create safer roads, reduce traffic and protect our natural spaces. Charleston County residents share this precious opportunity to make our region a better place to live, work and play.
For additional information on the TST Referendum, visit these resources:
Want to help with funding to ensure the TST Referendum gets passed? Contact Michael Mule at michael.mule@upstrategies.com to donate.
