37 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com our town Editor’s Note: The following article is Part 1 of a series that will continue to be explored in our upcoming publications. For more information, visit mountpleasantmagazine.com. S lightly northeast of Charleston’s metro area, the city’s “final frontier” is in the early stages of major development. Once a quiet corridor connecting Daniel Island to rural Berkeley County, Clements Ferry Road has become a vital artery of opportunity, now anchored by the visionary Point Hope community. With its blend of Lowcountry charm, modern design and intentional planning, Point Hope isn’t just adding rooftops; it’s cultivating a new kind of lifestyle — one rooted in nature, connected living and the forwardthinking spirit that defines what will be the next chapter for Charleston’s final frontier. The idea of developing this corridor was planted a few decades ago, but it took time to wade through the planning and execution of this major undertaking and its related infrastructure. Phase 1, the widening of a southern portion of Clements Ferry Road, was completed in the late 2010s, relieving significant traffic congestion that had been steadily increasing since Daniel Island’s residential and commercial developments began around 2000. Phase 2, widening the rest of the roadway between Highway 41 and Jack Primus Road, was recently completed. “It’s been a game changer in a lot of ways. We have raised medians now, similar to how Highway 17 is in Mount Pleasant. What used to be an industrial two-lane highway is now a beautiful corridor that will get more and more developed in a positive way, in terms of aesthetics,” explained Josh Whitley, a former Berkeley County councilman who spent about 10 years spearheading efforts for the project to reach fruition. “Of course, we anticipate more traffic as the development of Clements Ferry corridor continues, so the widening improves public safety for the entire Cainhoy peninsula, especially in terms of EMS responses,” he said. That area of development is already in transition; straddling Clements Ferry Road is a 9,000-acre property known as Point Hope. Rather than simply adding more housing, the master plan has been meticulously considered to accommodate the growth. Final Frontier BY ANNE TOOLE Clements Ferry Road growth spurts continue
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