Mount Pleasant has changed considerably over the years, with growing neighborhoods, busy commercial areas and more people relying on major roads like U.S. 17, Johnnie Dodds Boulevard and Long Point Road.

The communities farther north along the coast have their own needs, from intersection improvements in Awendaw and McClellanville to better connections between neighborhoods.

Several proposed school and transportation investments address these areas of Charleston County.

On November 3, voters will consider three measures related to funding improvements across the county. Early voting begins Monday, October 19 and continues through Saturday, October 31.

The measures include continuing the existing school and transportation sales taxes and authorizing a separate bond that would allow approved transportation projects to move forward sooner.

The Charleston Metro Chamber supports all three measures through YES for CHS. For more background, we’ve explained what each ballot question means and how the measures are connected.

Investments in Local Schools

The Charleston County School District’s proposed 2029–2034 capital program identifies four projects in Mount Pleasant.

• Lucy Beckham High School: Additional classrooms, an annex and stadium improvements.
• Belle Hall Elementary: A new multipurpose room.
• East Cooper Montessori: A new multipurpose room.
• Laurel Hill Primary: Additional early education classrooms.

The proposed improvements address different needs across local schools. At Lucy Beckham High School, the plans involve additional academic space and athletic facilities. Other projects would provide more space for early education and school programs.

Improvements to Roads and Connections

The proposed Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Program includes projects throughout Mount Pleasant and East Cooper.

• Johnnie Dodds Boulevard at Houston Northcutt Boulevard: Intersection reconstruction involving Wingo Way and Mathis Ferry Road.
• Long Point Road at Boone Hall Creek: Road elevation improvements designed to address flooding.
• Whipple Road at Mathis Ferry Road: Intersection improvements near Lucy Beckham High School.
• U.S. 17: Traffic signal coordination intended to improve traffic movement.
• Mount Pleasant Way: Continued expansion of the walking and biking path network.
• Steed Creek Road at U.S. 17 in Awendaw: Crossing safety improvements.
• S.C. 45 at U.S. 17 in McClellanville: Intersection safety improvements.

These projects address several different transportation concerns.

Along U.S. 17, the proposals include intersection reconstruction and traffic signal improvements. The Long Point Road project would focus on raising a section near Boone Hall Creek to address flooding.

The continued expansion of Mount Pleasant Way would also provide additional walking and biking connections throughout the community.

Looking Ahead

The school and transportation sales taxes have supported projects across Charleston County for decades. The proposed continuations would establish funding for another period of investments, while the separate transportation bond would allow borrowing against future revenue to advance approved work.

If the extensions are not approved, the proposed programs would not receive funding through those renewed tax periods. The transportation and school facility needs identified in the plans would remain, with future funding and project schedules requiring further decisions.

Residents can explore the proposed projects, review the public financial information and learn more about the three questions before voting.

Explore the Plans and Resources

• Understanding the Three Ballot Measures
• CCSD’s Proposed 2029–2034 School Projects
• Charleston County Transportation Project Plans
• YES for CHS Campaign and Resources
• Early Voting Information

Explore What’s Proposed in Other Communities

• Downtown Charleston
• James Island & Folly Beach
• Johns Island
• North Charleston
• West Ashley