While most of us are eagerly waiting for rain in our current drought, the opposite problem, flooding, is never far from mind. One of my top priorities is to get our ditches on a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule. While the City has done a great job on James Island, unfortunately so many of our major ditches, including on Folly Road and Grimball Ext., are controlled by the Department of Transportation. With a 30 percent employment vacancy in Charleston County, and only one ‘vac truck’ to clear pipes, DOT does not have the funding or capacity it requires to keep up with the many needs we have on the island, let alone the entire county.

The good news is we have been able to work with the City on a interim solution! Over the past few weeks, you may have seen trucks on Folly Road that are clearing ditches and pipes. With DOT providing traffic control, the City has kindly stepped in to address this immediate need. With more to come on Grimball Ext. and Old Military Road, this is an important short-term step.

I am committed to continue to work with all parties to update the maintenance on other ditches (including at Folly Rd. and Central Park where the MAA Apartment entrance floods, and the Battery Island Drive/Folly Rd. intersection). However, we must also work towards a long-term, sustainable solution where all ditches are on a regular maintenance schedule so we do not go decades without progress.

In addition to clearing ditches, we need to make larger, comprehensive resilience updates across James Island. I am grateful to Rep. Spencer Wetmore for helping secure funding to work with Robinson Design Engineers and The Sustainability Institute on nature-based solutions to help alleviate flooding on Battery Island Drive. Last week, three initial concepts were presented to the community for feedback. For me, it will be critical that any road updates also add pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and help reduce the speed of cars on this road.

At today’s City Council meeting, we will consider a draft ordinance to regulate the use of e-bikes. I absolutely believe we must put guardrails in place to stop the reckless behavior of young riders on ‘e-motos.’ At the same time, I do not want us to punish responsible users of pedal assist ‘e-bikes.’ (Check out this really helpful explainer on the differences.)

That’s why, I will again ask for an exemption for pedal assist bikes so responsible users can continue to exercise on places like the Greenway, Ashley River Pedestrian Bridge and other bike trails. (This of course also has the added benefit of getting more cars off the road and decreasing traffic.)

While some may cringe at the term ‘earmarks,’ this a vital tool to help fund important infrastructure and resilience projects across Charleston. This week, I joined my colleagues on City Council to talk to the Charleston Legislative Delegation in Columbia about the need for more funding for sidewalk and resilience projects on James Island.

Notice any improvements at the Stephen Washington Park off of Fort Johnson Road? This month, the City’s Parks Department cleared the brush and weeds around the park. Not only does this make it a more inviting and attractive place for recreation, but it also prepares the area for ‘Ground Penetrating Radar’ to determine if there are additional grave sites to commemorate and honor in the area.

Sidewalk Maintenance

DOT owns and maintains most of our sidewalks on James Island. Given the significant backlog of work orders, we were able to work with Charleston County to help make important safety improvements to the sidewalks on Fort Johnson Road for pedestrians. I’m grateful we were able to get this done this month, especially in the lead-up to the JIYSC spring soccer tournament last weekend!

Speed Bump Chevrons

I am thrilled to share that the speed bumps on Seaside Lane finally have markers painted! I first asked about this on December 1st. It may have taken four months, but with a combination of the County, City, Town and SCDOT, we finally got it done!

Trash Collection

I’ve heard from a lot of constituents about trash not being collected in early April – the City’s trucks were undergoing maintenance work and some routes were delayed. This issue should be resolved now, but please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any continued trash or yard debris removal delays: skardonl@charleston-sc.gov.

Fort Johnson and Secessionville Road Detour

Thank you to the City’s Traffic and Transportation team and Police Department for increasing enforcement throughout surrounding neighborhoods during the intersection closing.

Harbor View Rd and Mikell Dr. Stoplight

Thank you to the many people who reached out regarding the timing of the stoplight on Harbor View Road and Mikell Dr. The sensor equipment was damaged during the building of the new PSD Fire Station and has now been replaced. The light is working as intended.

Folly Road Steel Plate

It's finally gone y'all! Thank you DOT.

It was a pleasure to visit the Salthouse Commissary Kitchen with Lowcountry Local First off of Signal Point Rd! This is a $3.5 million small business that employs 20 people full time, and provides part-time jobs to 180 more in our community.

Salthouse Catering recently opened a ‘commissary kitchen’ that will support Charleston food entrepreneurs and help support our small business community. Go to salthousecommissary.com to learn more.



In the meantime, flooding improvements continue in the area to help alleviate pressure on businesses and enhance quality of life on James Island.

One of the great honors of serving as your Councilwoman is the ability to meet with stakeholders across James Island, the City and sometimes in Columbia. To see what I've been up to, check out my Facebook Page!

I hope you can join me at the following events:

• (Tonight) Thursday, April 23 at 5pm: City Council Meeting (City Hall)

• Wednesday, April 29 at 7pm: James Island Intergovernmental Meeting (James Island Town Hall)

• Thursday, April 30 at 9am: Skardon Office Hours (Jack of Cups Trading Post)

• Tuesday, May 12 at 5pm: City Council Meeting (City Hall)



• Wednesday, May 13 at 3pm: Rethink Folly Road Steering Committee Meeting (James Island Town Hall)