By John Iacofano
Over the July 4th weekend, more than 300 residents completed my community pulse survey on traffic, growth, and transportation priorities. No campaign, no robo-calls—just a straightforward ask for honest input. The results were both confirming and eye-opening.
This isn’t a scientific poll, and it’s not affiliated with the Town. It’s me, your councilmember, checking in and listening.
The Top Line: Fix the Lights
When asked what one transportation improvement Mount Pleasant should prioritize next year, the overwhelming winner was clear: fix the traffic lights.
More than half of respondents chose “Fix signal timing and install smart lights.” It beat out widening roads, building bypasses, or adding pedestrian infrastructure. And that says a lot. It’s a call for practical, measurable solutions that make everyday life better—without altering the entire landscape of the town.
Second place went to “Widening major corridors” like Highway 17. That option attracted support from those frustrated by bottlenecks during peak hours, school drop-off, or beach traffic. Others prioritized safer bike paths and better sidewalks. A smaller segment advocated for neighborhood bypasses and emergency evacuation upgrades.
Hwy 41 & Laurel Hill: Tension Between Growth and Preservation
When asked what matters most in deciding the future of Hwy 41 and the proposed Road to Compromise through Laurel Hill Park, residents were thoughtful—and divided.
Some strongly support preserving green space and protecting historic settlement communities. Others emphasized the need to reduce long-term congestion, especially as new developments continue to stretch capacity.
This feedback reinforces something we’ve all sensed: people aren’t “anti-growth,” but they want growth to be smarter and more respectful of the character and heritage of Mount Pleasant.
Traffic Is Worse. That’s the Consensus.
About 80% of residents said traffic has gotten worse over the past five years. Not surprising, but seeing it confirmed at this scale underscores the urgency.
A few newcomers said they hadn’t lived here long enough to know the difference. And yes, 14 brave souls believe traffic has improved—thank you for your optimism, and I’d love to hear more about your route.
What Are the Worst Intersections?
The usual suspects dominated:
- Hwy 41 & Hwy 17
- Ben Sawyer Blvd near Sullivan’s Island
- Mathis Ferry, Venning Road, Long Point
Several write-ins noted that Port-related truck traffic backing up 526 spills over onto 17, turning it into a “parking lot.” One person simply put: “Too many cars. Not enough road.”
How We Move—and What We’d Try
Mount Pleasant is still a car-first community. Virtually every respondent said they drive most places.
But there’s real interest in alternatives, if they’re convenient:
- Local circulator shuttles to the beaches, shopping centers, and parks
- A ferry to downtown Charleston
- Safe bike routes and an e-bike sharing program
- Expanded CARTA routes, especially east of 17
These aren’t fantasy proposals. They’re opportunities to ease congestion without pouring more concrete.
The Comment Section: Frustrated but Civil
Residents had the chance to share their biggest concerns about transportation or growth. Most were constructive, thoughtful, and detailed. A few were passionate—some bordering on poetic.
And yes, one commenter wrote:
“That idiots like you are on Council.”
Another said:
“Stop wasting tax dollars on PR.”
Fair enough. I said I wanted honesty, and I meant it. But these types of responses made up less than 3% of the total feedback. That’s notable—not because they hurt feelings, but because they’re decreasing.
The vast majority of comments were issue-focused, not personal. Residents are concerned about growth outpacing infrastructure, neighborhoods becoming cut-through corridors, and the loss of what makes Mount Pleasant feel like home. They’re worried—but they’re still engaged. And that’s a good thing.
Here’s a sampling:
“I’ve lived in Mt. P for 32 years. The growth has outpaced everything.”
“We’re losing the charm. It’s overbuilt and underplanned.”
“Please don’t let our town become just another suburb with a Target.”
What I’m Taking From This
This survey confirmed that residents are ready for more than complaints—they want solutions. They understand trade-offs. And they’re willing to support the right mix of preservation and progress.
Your feedback is already shaping how I show up in meetings, advocate for project funding, and push for transparency around development. This is the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one.
Thanks to everyone who participated. If you want to stay in the loop on how this data turns into action—or offer additional thoughts—you’re always welcome to reach out.
John Iacofano
voteiacofano.com
John
Thank you for taking the time to listen. I was encouraged by the data you presented as it reflects how I feel. I love the community especially its beauty. I like how the businesses must keep some trees and fit into our community. I know we need roads, but new roads won’t entirely fix traffic. Our priority should be beautiful, livable space with clean air and innovative ways to manage traffic. I would be willing to sit in traffic a little if it would save green space.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message. I’m glad the data resonated with how you feel—preserving the beauty and character of our community is something I deeply value as well. You’re absolutely right: roads alone won’t solve everything. Balancing livability, clean air, and smart traffic solutions while protecting green space is the kind of forward-thinking approach we need. I truly appreciate your perspective.
We need more koyaks friendly landings with comfortable parking lots. Mount Pleasant just about motor boats, but we have so many koyakers and nothing, where we can peddling safe and easy landing our boats.
Yes, have you seen the improved kayak launch at Pitt Street—it’s a great step in the right direction. I completely agree: for a town surrounded by water, we need far more public access points like this for kayakers, families, and nature lovers. It’s something I’ll continue to support and advocate for.
What happens mostly is infrastructure is ignored and overdeveloped continues without a plan. I am a strong believer in saving our environment, but I also don’t think shoving a 4 lane highway down the throats of Phillips community is right either. They were there in the middle of the woods since 1875. Highway 41 arrived 75 years after that settlement. No one cares about all forest that was ripped down to create Park West, Dunes West and the other neighborhoods, but they care about a few trees in Laurel Park more than the Phillips community. The traffic problem is our problem and not Phillips community. It should be fixed through our neighborhoods and not their neighborhood. A non stop 4 lane highway should be built from 17, through Laurel Park, connecting to the new 4 land Park West Blvd and continue as a 4 lane through Dunes West back to 41 with exits to get to merge onto Park West Blvd to head toward the circle with the tower and to get off to access Rivertowne and 41 going back toward 17. That will keep the 4 lanes continuously flowing from 17 to Clements Ferry Rd. I still like the idea of a fly over at 41 and 17. The Billy Swails road needs to be completed. Also, where possible, Rifle Range Road should be improved and widened wherever it can be. I have always been in favor of a passenger train system that could take people from the north end of Mount Pleasant down 17 and from Clements Ferry Road down 17 both taking passengers to Charleston with select important designated stops along the way. Others should be built for North Charleston, West Ashley and James Island to connect all the furthest points together. And let’s talk about traffic lights. The worst idea ever is a blinking yellow arrow. Giving cars at least 8 to 10 seconds to turn on a green arrow would help with traffic backups in every area where cars need to make a left turn. After a few seconds, then let it be a blinking yellow arrow. Lastly, thank you for all of your input and everything you are doing to help our community.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful input—I really appreciate it. I agree that infrastructure should be addressed before continued development. Just to clarify, we are not proposing a 4-lane highway through the Phillips community. I also support a flyover or a smart solution at 17 and 41 to ease the bottleneck. As for Billy Swails, I agree it needs to be completed—it’s currently held up in permitting. Improving Rifle Range where possible and exploring ideas like a passenger rail system are conversations worth continuing. Thanks again for engaging and caring so deeply about our community.
Why don’t you come out from that survey texted to everyone. Everyone knows it was done on the behalf of you
If you’re referring to the most recent poll, I received it as well. Just to clarify, I had nothing to do with it and it wasn’t sent on my behalf. I’m always happy to connect directly if you have questions or concerns.
Although I missed the survey, I really appreciate that you reached out to the community in that way. I would really love for this to continue from all of the council members. We can’t all make the meetings to have our voices heard. This is my hometown. I have lived here since 1964. I moved away for a decade when I left for college. Other than the traffic, my concern is with the continued residential development. It needs to stop for a while so y’all can deal with the traffic issues.
I will remember you when it’s time to vote again. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your long connection to our town and your feedback. I’ll continue to listen, and I agree—we need to address traffic before adding more housing. Your voice matters, and I’m grateful you took the time to speak up.
I agree with the previous comment about the survey. Everyone knows the biased survey that was pushed out in the form of a text message was from you. Might as well be honest…you must think we are stupid
I want to be clear: I did not run a paid survey, and if I had, I would absolutely disclose it.
I understand tensions can run high, but making assumptions without facts doesn’t help anyone. I’m committed to transparency and respectful dialogue, and I hope we can stay focused on facts and the future of our community.