Some want North Charleston to expand, others worry about potential traffic woes
Marty Swain doesn't see any difference between North Charleston's expansionist aims west of the Ashley River and Charleston's leap across the Cooper River onto Daniel Island 15 years ago.
"If Charleston can do it, why can't North Charleston?" the James Island resident said over lunch at Santi's Restaurante Mexicano in Charleston.
The marine contractor said North Charleston should be able to annex the 6,600-acre Watson Hill tract in Dorchester County via an 86-acre span of land between the Ashley River and S.C. Highway 61. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley announced Monday plans to annex a strip up Highway 61 to the Dorchester County line while Summerville annexed a strip southward to the Charleston County line to keep North Charleston east of the Ashley River. Summerville also hopes to first annex 22 tracts near Mateeba Gardens and northward that form a link between the town and S.C. 61.
"I have issues with the city of Charleston trying to prevent that from happening," said Swain, who has watched his own little annexation war unfold between the city of Charleston and the legally defunct town of James Island.
He said part of the problem is the perception of North Charleston.
"There has always been a perception it is somewhat sub-par to Charleston, but people won't say it out loud," he said. Christie Calvin of Summerville sees it that way, too.
"I think Charleston is trying to keep the more elite people on their side of the river so it can stay the perfect, happy city while North Charleston deals with the rest of (the urban problems)," the bookkeeper said over lunch at Aunt Bea's Restaurant in North Charleston.
Brian Sanborn, a telecommunications foreman from Summerville, supports Mayor Joe Riley and his attempt to contain North Charleston and dense development east of the Ashley River.
"The golf course is enticing since I play golf, but unless they can do something with the traffic situation, I totally disagree with (Watson Hill being developed)," he said.
Scott Gysel of Ladson agrees.
"Why would North Charleston want that?" the lawn and garden company supervisor said while eating lunch at Ming's Chinese Restaurant in North Charleston. "I think North Charleston has enough problems of its own. They need to take care of North Charleston as it is before trying to expand any more."
Others disagree. Nathan Watson of North Charleston stands with his city.
"Everyone thinks North Charles-ton is nothing but drug-dealing and killing up here," the carpenter said while taking a break from a carpentry and plumbing job in Pink Diamonds Hair Salon on Montague Avenue in North Charleston. Riley can't have it all. We need room to expand, too."
Felicia Gregg of Summerville agreed with Watson.
"I don't see any real reason why North Charleston should not be able to annex that property if they want to," the state Department of Health and Human Services worker said. "If Charleston isn't that interested in annexing it, I don't know why they want to block North Charleston from getting it."
Warren Wise can be reached at wwise@postandcourier.com or 745-5850.
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