34 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com to treatment services. “What we are building now didn’t exist before – and we were thinking it would just benefit Mount Pleasant,” Steadman-Shipman said. “But now it is a national concern, and we are trying to be part of the solution with all the partners we can get.” In addition to local partnerships, TOMP was also recognized for its commitment to excellence, as six departments and divisions have maintained their accreditations. NO. 3: SIX MILE TRANSFER FACILITY EXPANSION This $35 million operations center has completed its first phase and begun the next stage of development to replace the current 30+-year-old facility. The center’s main purpose is to enable the Public Services Department to provide an environmentally-compliant yard debris transfer area, expand fleet maintenance capabilities and offer additional office space for town staff in a stillgrowing community. With a projected population increase of nearly 30,000 residents and 6,000 new single-family residences over the next 20 years, updating this facility was critical to maintaining Mount Pleasant’s current level of service to citizens. “This facility serves 100,000 people and provides more environmental protection with reduced noise and dust for the nearby homes,” Haynie said. “And while it still has some noise and dust, it is much better and far more efficient than our previous facility.” NO. 2: RECREATION IMPROVEMENTS While the Lowcountry has long been a haven for fishing, boating, kayaking and outdoor water sports, residents and visitors wishing to enjoy more competitive sports can find an array of options at the Carolina Park Recreation Complex, a $7.84 million facility situated on 77-dual acres, which has now reached its final phase. Its wide-ranging amenities include baseball and softball fields, batting cages, pickleball and basketball courts, a dog park and a picturesque pond and nature trails, providing the community with another premier recreation destination. The Memorial Waterfront Park Phase III project is also nearing completion. Located on 14 acres under the Ravenel Bridge, the park offers a nautical-themed playground, basketball and pickleball courts, beautiful areas for picnics and views of Charleston Harbor and a 1,250-foot-long pier. But it is also intended to serve what its name implies: as a memorial to veterans such as Capt. Richard Cliff Jr., who were killed in action; fallen police officers killed in the line of duty, such as Vaughn Kee; and a host of first responders. NO. 1: TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS AND CAPITAL PROJECTS (PATRIOTS POINT) As the Town of Mount Pleasant continues to progress in many ways, one item that has become increasingly significant is how to handle, limit or control future growth. “Mount Pleasant growth is part of a three-pronged issue – traffic, attainable housing and growth management,” said Town Councilman Howard Chapman in 2023 after being decisively re-elected to a second term. “And in the coming year, all the members of council are going to play a major role in solving this issue.” Solutions in the past 12 months have included: • Patriots Point Gateway — The scope of this justcompleted $9.67 million project utilizes intersection improvements by adding turn lanes on Coleman Boulevard, Magrath Darby Boulevard and Patriots Point Road. • All American Boulevard — This 3,200-foot-long addition is expected to not only relieve Mount Pleasant’s growing traffic issues on Highway 17, but also to better connect area neighborhoods, businesses and services. • Maritime Port District Intersection — Long serving as a cornerstone of the area’s economic development, this project is expected to improve the mobility and safety of Long Point Road at its intersection with Wando Park Boulevard and Hobcaw Bluff Drive. • Hungryneck Boulevard Corridor Safety — This 10-foot-wide concrete multiuse path is part of a larger corridor safety improvement project from the IOP Connector to Carolina Towne Court. Other recently completed projects include the Hamlin Trail shared-use path; the first bridge along Mount Pleasant Way; improvements to Alhambra Hall; renovation and rebuilding of the Shem Creek Shrimp Docks; Sharrow bike facilities on Park Avenue Boulevard in partnership with Charleston County; and the Sweetgrass Basket Parkway portion of the Mount Pleasant Way with a CARTA bus shelter. Altogether, these accomplishments are a lot to reflect upon – especially as they provide a much clearer roadmap for what lies ahead. “I think we are in a phase now where each year is better than the last year,” Haynie said. “We are doing things strategically, putting an emphasis on resiliency and growth management practices to keep the right balance between our conservation efforts and our desire to retain Mount Pleasant as a place for attracting and keeping business.” our town
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