Hilton Head Island’s Gateway Corridor:
Important Decisions on a Complex Issue
Dear Island Neighbors,
On June 28, our Hilton Head Island Town Council approved its municipal consent for the Gateway Corridor plans to move forward. This means that we are in general agreement with the SC Department of Transportation and Beaufort County on the plans for new Highway 278 bridges and the corridor that continues east toward the Island. This vote was a culmination of decades of work and the vote was not one that came easy to me.There is still much work needed to finalize the detailed plans for construction, but it’s good to know that we and our partners are now on the same starting page.
The Stoney Neighborhood
Stoney is a living community, not just a historical marker. Over many decades, its longtime residents have repeatedly suffered the impacts of expanded access to the Island. That sacrifice is now being recognized in the evolving plans for the Gateway Corridor. Financial and planning resources are being deployed to honor Stoney’s history while also driving opportunities for the neighborhood’s future vitality. As a Gullah Islander, I’m really glad to be part of making that happen.
My Approach
It’s been a long, difficult and complex process to get to this point. I’m writing you today to talk about the ways I’ve approached this issue as your Ward 1 Town Council representative. It starts with the community values we’re trying to protect and enhance, including:
- Maintaining a strong quality of life for all our residents]
- Minimizing negative impacts and creating opportunities for the Stoney community and other north-Island neighborhoods
- Encouraging economic vitality based on attracting and retaining a strong workforce
With those values in mind, I’ve devoted a huge amount of time to meeting with community members, county and state officials, Town staff and committees, and project consultants. Others have devoted similar efforts – all that work has resulted in many significant positive changes to the original plan.
Plan Improvements
The earlier plans were deficient in many areas. Here are just some of the revisions that have helped to earn support from me and Town Council:
- Reduced right-of-way width through Stoney, requiring less land and smaller impact
- More careful, detailed study of intersections, resulting in safer, better traffic movement
- Creation of the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation
- Commitment to appropriate landscaping, signage, and more attractive road and bridge profiles
- Lower speed limits for safety and efficiency
- On-going commitment to the Stoney community needs and opportunities
- Armoring of the bridges for earthquake and hurricane protection
- Safe road crossing solutions for pedestrians and bikes
Making Hard Decisions
Nothing comes easy with a “once in a generation” project like this – there are so many competing priorities to balance. And I have not taken my decision lightly to support the Gateway Corridor – it has weighed heavily on me for several years. Given the future needs of our community and the great improvements that have been made to the plan, it is now the right thing to do. The work is not over – I’ll keep you posted as it progresses – and how you can remain involved.
As always, thanks for your support and please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
– Alex
Read my email on the Budget here
Read my email on Land Preservation here
Read my email on February 2024 Key Issues here
Read my email on the Affiliated Agency Process here
Read my email on the Corridor Update here
