Readers speak out: Parking shortage will impact Waterfront usage

Readers of The Daniel Island News spoke out in volumes when asked their thoughts on parking availability on the island, and specifically the Waterfront. 

Developers East West Partners revealed the long-vacant graveled parcel that has been used for parking will be replaced by a 65-room boutique inn with residences above it, along with a possible restaurant, and riverfront bar. Though the project would eventually eliminate the temporary lot, Charleston City Councilman Boyd Gregg stressed that parking studies show enough spaces already exist nearby – residents may simply need to walk a little farther.  

But with 455 responses to the DI News survey, the readers overwhelmingly disagree with Gregg’s assessment. 

When asked if they felt there is adequate parking on the island, 75% said “No.” 

“Residents with little kids and babies in tow, senior citizens or anyone who does not have the ability to walk distances will be impacted,” commented a reader. “DI is too crowded already with people and cars and golf carts." The reader continued, "A boutique hotel sounds like fun for visitors and family members that visit but what about the residents who live here year round." 

Some respondents felt split, with 20% selecting “Other” as their answer. 

“It's fine now, but taking away the current gravel parking lot will create inadequate space,” wrote a reader. “Having to park in spaces on River Landing will take up spaces businesses along there need.” 

One respondent shared this observation: “The music event on Thursday afternoon should be taken as a benchmark. On a popular evening such as July 2nd, all spots were completely taken." The respondent continued, "The businesses that should be worried are Vinea, Sauer Grapes, and Kingstide -- their client demographic is park & play." 

Only 5% responded “Yes,” that they felt there was sufficient parking available. 

“There is way more accessible parking on DI than ION, IOP, Folly Beach etc.,” wrote one commenter. “Everywhere you go to eat at the above-mentioned areas you park quite a ways and walk. Walking is good for us.” 

The Waterfront has become a vibrant gathering place for the community, with restaurants, children’s park, boating, fishing, community events and more. But,76% said that battling for parking spots will impact their plans for visiting the area. 

“Often spaces are being used by workers in the area. Or the 10-minute parking area by Waterfront offices are occupied all day," noted a reader. "Herding a few kids, carrying towels, tubes, life jackets and coolers and walking several blocks will deter use." 

Another reader expressed concerns about those who are mobility challenged. “Absolutely, I am 81 years old and, like many of my friends, will not be able to walk blocks to the Waterfront restaurants.” 

For some respondents – 17% – they were more conflicted on the impact, choosing “Other” as their answer. 

“Generally, no,” was one response. “But for access to the Wando for recreational kayaking and SUPing, yes, lack of parking will greatly affect my ability to put in at the Waterfront.” 

Only 7% felt their decision to visit the area or frequent businesses weren’t impacted by parking concerns. 

“We don't need more space dedicated to parking spots that'll (be) empty 90% of the time, just so people don't have to walk a block,” wrote a reader. “There is more than enough parking behind the businesses currently.” 

When asked, “What would you like to see happen regarding parking,” readers shared a wide variety of suggestions. 

“I thought there were prior plans to build a multi-story parking lot near where the current condos are being built. I was told there would be a shuttle service to the restaurants in the evening,” cited one reader.  

“Perhaps the addition of formal parking under the Wando Bridge allowing access to the Waterfront via the trails,” suggested another reader.  

“Can we add a residential permit parking to existing spots for anyone living on DI?” asked a reader. 

MORE READER COMMENTS on parking availability, impact on visiting Waterfront businesses, events or amenities; and what should be done.

• There are a great many residents of Daniel Island and other areas who will not bother to come to the waterfront if they have to walk a further distance to eat or enjoy the activities. If the parking lot is taken away, there will not be adequate parking. 

• Residents with little kids and babies in tow , senior citizens or anyone who does not have the ability to walk distances will be impacted. DI is too crowded already with people and cars and golf carts. I’d love to know when and where there is parking availability during special events , everyday day activities , restaurant parking etc. A boutique hotel sounds like fun for visitors 

and family members that visit but what about the residents who live here year round.Parking anywhere on the Island has become more difficult so it’s hard to believe that the extra walking will do any good especially during peak hours. 

• The problem continues to be that residents of the homes, condos, townhomes use the few available spaces for their parking also- so there are many fewer spaces than are being described

• We park at the lot for walking and going to Kingstide. Please do not build on this lot 

Are we serious here? No shot. There is only parking along the main road and even that is tough to find. Also families with kids don’t want or need to be walking that far. This is absolutely just a money grab. The boutique hotel would do well, but at the expense of the general ability of the public to park there and enjoy the rest of the area that is there. There is just no way the hotel is good for the greater amount of people on DI.

• It's fine now, but taking away current gravel parking lot will create inadequate space. Besides the residents, restaurants, consideration should be given to the walkers, children's park, occasional events, ferry and boat loading parking. Having to park in spaces on River Landing will take up spaces businesses along there need.

• It's fine now, but taking away the gravel lot for parking will definitely affect space for use of waterfront park, existing restaurants, both boat ramps, yacht club, other businesses nearby. I was there on a regular Saturday and the parking lot was full of cars. Does that tell you anything about available space being taken away?

• The lack of parking will kill kingstide, the ferry and maybe the dime. People don’t want to walk a half mile to go to dinner. Especially if dressed nice.

• Currently there is just enough parking. If the gravel lot is removed, there will not be enough parking unless additional options are added.

• NO! There is nowhere near enough parking for the restaurants and the marina and the walking paths. Literally not enough spots at all.

• The music event on Thursday afternoon should be taken as a benchmark. On a popular evening such as July 2nd, all spots were completely taken. While, currently, there may be enough parking for each resident or office worker in and around the new waterfront development, when we add in vehicles for service providers, employees at the new boutique inn, an event at the park and guests at the inn or Kings Tide, it will result in significant fight for space. The businesses that should be worried are Vinea, Sauer Grapes, and Kings Tide -- their client demographic is park & play. I read Boyd's article on the 1987 planning, zoning and approvals. It needs to be updated to adjust for larger vehicles and established population. The current ground reality simply does not support a 65 room inn.

• Been here 20 years, would love to see changes that have been made to the Development Agreement dated February 22, 1991 between City of Chas and Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation?

• Gregg is willingly mistaken. The available spaces are taken by local residents as they have 

more vehicles than parking at their buildings. It is insanity to think that adding more 

"amenities" at the Riverfront will have adequate parking for customers. The only possible way 

to put in that hotel is to have parking beneath it, but that still will not be adequate as the 

current lot is full with the current businesses. Berkeley County and Charleston refuse to admit 

that there is a limit to the development that can take place on this "island". 

• Likely not. You may need to park elsewhere and shuttle people. The property could be a great add.

• Please publish an aerial view of where the parking Mr Boyd Gregg says is close by. All nearby parking seems to be for residents and businesses. Will greatly affect the ability to visit the waterfront in a vehicle

• I think that walk will be much longer than most want to do most days, especially before going to dinner on a hot summer evening.

• I lived on 130 River Landing from 2007 to 2012, since I moved a few miles away and I use that gravel parking about twice per week. It’s an amazing parking lot that allows you to get a glimpse of the waterfront and be close enough to everything that’s around and the trail system. Honestly, I can stay with confidence that I would come less often if I had to travel farther.

• There is way more accessible parking on di then ion, iop, folly beach etc. everywhere you go to eat at the above mentioned areas you park quite aways and walk Walking is good for us

• I live in one of the condos next to Kingstide. I am out in this area 3-4 times a day. I have noticed frequently a completely full lot and all parking spaces around the condo complex. It will only be worse if they expand ferry services.

• What doesn’t exist is adequate parking for handicapped to access the Waterfront facilities. Walking a little farther is what the handicapped already have to do.

• The lot is always full. When there is an event they park on the grass. 

•Without the gravel lot there would definitely not be adequate parking.

• What parking study is he referring too? Did anyone ever see the study or find out who was hired to actually do it

• Where is the dedicated zoning required parking spaces for Kings Tide? Dime? The parking on the street is public? Not dedicated spaces per zoning.

• There is no centralized parking location. Assuming the spots along Seven Farms Drive are included in this evaluation directly impacts those businesses.

• Of course, there will be a huge problem! Anyone could see that! Even if people would walk, where are they going to have to walk from? Clements Ferry? The Island is always full with Credit One Concerts(which is ruining the island!) And parking on Daniel’s Landing does not appreciate people parking in their few reserved places as it is !!! Greed is absolutely ruining a beautiful thing!

• There is adequate parking with the vacant lot and it is often full on weekends. I park and walk almost daily but I am 80 years old and would not be able to walk very far on cement and pavement just to get to the unpaved trail.

• Disappointed in Councilman Gregg's response to the parking study. Please publish the parking study. The current "lot" does not belong to those using it but a better accommodation to the public needs to be included in the plan.

• Has Councilman Boyd Gregg visited the Waterfront area? Anyone who does will notice all the building going on which will add many more cars to the area who will presumably use all the available extra spots that currently exist. The "temporary" parking lot will be the only place to park. If a hotel is built, there will be no extra places for visitors to park.

• When there is a concert, as one example, there are not enough spots for vehicles or gold carts in that lot nearby. With elderly and small children, besides there doubtfully being enough spaces elsewhere, a longer walk may prohibit attendance to fun events on the waterfront.

• I would love to have Councilman Boyd illustrate where all the adequate parking spaces are specifically.

• What about people who don’t live on the island? Is this then a private park, residents only because that’s what I am hearing in Boyd’s statement. So no more city and county funding should be allotted

• A parking garage should be built with the hotel for public use. There is definitely not enough parking at the waterfront. The area has been overdeveloped!!

• Gregg, you're supposed to be an experienced engineer and urban planner stop turning this island into Queens. This building was never the sales pitch we were given 20 years ago.

I live close to the Waterfront and I can assure you there are not enough spaces. During Guitar Series nights, cars and carts are parked along the pine straw regularly. There is no way the Waterfront residents will allow people to parking on those “streets” around their buildings consistently.

• Maybe at the moment there is enough? But I am able to walk there so I’m not sure how difficult it gets when the restaurants are full, a ferry is going out, and the lovely guitar series coincide.

• We live here, and with two little kids, if I can’t find safe parking, it’s a deal breaker for me.

Rarely can I find a parking spot when we go to dinner or drinks after 4 PM. We always must park on the gravel lot.

• Currently parking is ok. But I can definitely see it being an issue if the gravel lot was not there 

Might just have to walk a little more but the amenities the boutique hotel will bring increase the allure to visit the area.

• NO there is not adequate parking at the waterfront...There is already not enough parking for the restaurants, cars come down Longshore street looking to park on busy weekends

There is no extra parking in the area of Kingstide, the DIME and the Boat berths. Without the existing parking area, there is no place for anyone to park

• Not if you are handicapped. There isn’t enough handicapped parking and I have 2 people in the household that need handicapped parking.

• Parking is already maxed out on weekends. Patrons of restaurants and the waterfront will not want to walk and sweat to get to a nice dinner. Furthermore people will park more in unauthorized resident parking

• My husband and I live at the Waterfronts Condos and only have one garage spot. I need street parking on a daily basis. Taking away that parking spot is going to force us to move away if I can’t have street parking, and East West development group has not protected the street parking in front of our buildings for residents only. This presents a huge problem for Waterfront Resident Owners/tax payers that will be forced to move if we don’t have designated parking for residents.

• Simmons Park apartments now charges $100 per month for their parking which has made the residents park on the street. Your study is flawed.

• Don’t mind walking but most parking I see is for surrounding residents. Show us where the parking is. I can see it now, residents will be complaining about cars in their spots.

• Saying that there are more spaces than required is beyond insulting. Luckily Gregg isn’t running again.

• In the 6 years I have lived here I have never found one parking space outside of the parking lot that will disappear. I am not inclined to drive around to look for spaces that just are not available.

• When you want a quick drink from the dime, or a walk down the waterfront, not finding an easy parking spot will definitely impact resident use of waterfront amenities and retail. Not many people want to drive around blocks away looking for a parking spot when we’ve always had the 

convenient gravel lot. 

• We bring our kayaks to the parking lot and kayak on the river. If the lot was removed we would not be able to bring our kayaks close to the river.

• We don't need more space dedicated to parking spots that'll empty 90% of the time, just so people don't have to walk a block. There is more than enough parking behind the businesses currently.

• Recently had to park about 10 minutes away. In the heat, I was sweaty, wet when I arrived at the restaurant. Not fun. If it gets worse I’d just avoid the area altogether. Too many other nice choices in the surrounding areas.

• First consideration when choosing a dining venue is parking. Once the lot is eliminated those eating places are off my radar.

• Yes, it will limit me sometimes. Mostly weather dependent. 

• I live at the waterfront so walking to a restaurant or boat club is not an issue. However while spaces are available on streets surrounding the waterfront condos and townhomes or lined areas on river landing, they are few and far between. Often spaces are being used by workers in the area. Or the 10-minute parking area by waterfront offices are occupied all day. Parking further away from the boat club dock makes it difficult to access the boat club. Herding a few kids, carrying towels, tubes, life jackets and coolers and walking several blocks will deter use. Of course, maybe the intent is to keep people away. It’ll hurt business.

• Not only will they have to walk far they may not find any spots. That may lead to parking in reserved residents parking spots. 

• I do walk and ride my bike there quite a bit, but when we have our grandchildren and we bring our cart if I did not have parking, I would definitely not use the Dime and other businesses.

• I already don’t go down there because it’s difficult to park. 

• While I can walk the half mile from my home, people we are meeting at restaurants or for the ferry are not always able to do so, so a lack of parking close by becomes a deterrent for sure!

• We are mobility challenged and need close parking. 

• Yes. I won’t park and walk far to a restaurant on DI. If I want to go through searching for parking, I’ll go to a downtown restaurant instead. The reason I eat at Kingstide and the Dime is the ease of getting there.

• Without parking, it will make stopping at Starbucks more appealing than The Dime. I definitely would not go to Kingstide or any other restaurant that I have to search for parking then trek from far away to get to – especially if dressed up.

• Absolutely I just won't go down there. I am elderly and I don't want to walk blocks. 

• I did two loops to grab a coffee from the Dime and decided to go to Starbucks instead. And I don’t even like Starbucks but I was in a time crunch.

• Absolutely, I am 81 years old and, like many of my friends, will not be able to walk blocks to the waterfront restaurants.

• Depends, in colder months or when it’s raining I’d be less inclined to go if I have to walk a few blocks to my destination. I don’t mind walking when it’s nice and I’m fortunate to live a mile away so a lot of times I use the trails to walk to the Waterfront.

• We will never go there now. Hundreds of people use the temporary lot on a daily basis. Saying to walk more won't help handicapped people, families with small children, or the elderly. It's a ridiculous suggestion. Not everyone who uses the Waterfront lives on Daniel Island. A dedicated parking lot, like the one that is temporary, is needed far more than a building. To get rid of it is a really short-sighted idea.

• Keep in mind that the yacht club now also runs an event space which has added no parking.

• The nail salon and barber often have no parking spaces close to them and now we are expected to find the available parking the developers believe exist.

• The gravel lot has always been part of the development plan by East West. A hotel would be a fantastic addition to the community. Residents will have new options for dining and for friends and family to stay at a beautiful waterfront hotel. The developers will do right by the community to ensure there is ample parking.

• Definitely need a parking solution for the waterfront. I don’t care what the powers that be say, we are not downtown and no one is going to park and walk many blocks to go to dinner or load boat stuff. I wanted to grab a quick breakfast at The Dime the other day and couldn’t find a spot, so I left.

• I would like dedicated parking for the area. Between the play ground, water fountain area, walking paths, restaurants and other businesses, and the yacht club, there are a lot of people who come from all over the Charleston area who have to drive to use our beautiful facilities. Plus that space used to be used a lot for community events that would be much less frequent if there was no parking.

• Our building is currently under renovation. There is little parking available at this time.The surface parking nearby is restricted so we can’t use it.

• More dedicated lots or parking garages. Will the boutique inn have public parking? That would be a good option.

• Given that the City Council knew that space was going to be developed one day, why hasn’t something been prepared for alternative parking.

• Implementing infrastructure without thinking about the logistics of being able to utilize said infrastructure is the same elementary mistake the CHS metro area continues to repeat. Unless the broader vision is to restrict Daniel Island attractions to only DI residents, this is the same elementary mistake we’ve seen repeated over and over again.

• Tourists and residents who use the Ferry and disabled tourists/residents require nearby parking. With additional apartments and/or condominiums being built near the waterfront, a dedicated parking lot is essential.

• On Daniel Island overall, I think using business lots after hours could alleviate a lot of the parking issues. As it is today, I think the shuttles/lots for events at Credit One are excellent. I would love to see that as more of an option for everyday use. However, I think this is far enough from the Waterfront that people would still be deterred from walking there.

• I think it’s nuts that an elected official’s response is that people just need to walk further. I will take his suggestion and ensure that I walk to the poll next election.

• An ugly concrete parking lot structure will change the landscape. DI is not downtown Charleston with stories high parking lots, nor should it be! 

• #1Leave the parking lot as is. #2 Do not suggest a parking garage is the answer!! The residents don’t want to turn DI into downtown Charleston. #3 Councilman Boyd, how dare you suggest we walk 5 blocks as if we were in downtown Charleston!! You obviously have no connection to or care to have any connection to the residents of Daniel Island!! #4 The residents deserve better, city of Charleston.

• Ensure East West provides significant public parking options as part of their project. 

• The city and the Daniel Island Community Fund should pay to have at least 100 spaces added by supplementing the parking that East West Partners creates for their next phase.

• A free parking garage would be ideal and a dedicated lot. Removing the waterfront parking is understandable based on the value of the real estate there but it's nonsensical not to replace AND add additional parking. The existing businesses in that area, as well as the new ones potentially being added, shouldn't suffer because a developer doesn't see the value in increasing parking.

• The addition of a boutique hotel and/or restaurant will add to the character and desirability of the waterfront area. While the current use as a parking lot will be impacted, on balance, the development will be positive for the waterfront and DI overall.

• There already is plenty of parking. Parking followed by a short walk is part of life in any town and good for you - look at Downtown Charleston, our beach towns or any other town. People park and walk… it’s what we do and exercise is a good thing.

• I think a significant amount of parking space is completely wasted by residents of nearby apartment complexes. Simmon’s Park apartments, for example, have a perfectly good parking garage that is nearly empty because they charge a ridiculous amount for residents to use it ($100 per month. Are we serious???) Most residents don’t pay this fee, so they street park. That means they take up spots from other members of the community that want to access the waterfront area when all they’re doing is getting home. I’ve had to park all the way by the true waterfront area because concerts took our typical street parking and we had to then take parking away from residents enjoying the waterfront. All that could be avoided by pushing apartment communities into using the resources they already have without making people pay a ridiculous amount. It would make River Landing Drive and Pier View Street actually functional.

• No new parking spots. It's a pedestrian area. Walk there. 

• They allowed the businesses to be built there. If there wasn't adequate parking designed at the time then shame on the original architects and the city. If I owned a business on the waterfront I would be very upset.

• I haven’t really given it much thought, as the waterfront has changed vastly since the early 2000s. But with each new “development” general public access to the area has declined. When my college aged daughter returned home for the summer, she was surprised that “secret beach” was now private property and access posted as trespassing. So much has been added that is wonderful – bandstand, playground, water fountains – but overall, the area seems more restricted.

• Parking garage, valet 

• The near-by alternative parking spaces are no longer available. The owner has begun towing anyone who parks there over two hours.

• I thought there were prior plans to build a multi-story parking lot near where the current condos are being built. I was told there would be a shuttle service to the restaurants in the evening. Heat and weather problems would be mitigated by this service. One other idea would be to place a strategic Valet stand close to the restaurants. Great way for a young person to make money.

• Stop doing what you’re doing. I play golf with scores of guys from DI, none understand reducing parking down there. When is the last time a developer (lived) on DI or up Clement's Ferry.

• This gravel lot is often full from patrons visiting nearby restaurants and trails. They like to show a picture of a nearly empty lot which is not reality. No one is going to park and walk a great distance to support the waterfront restaurants, trails and Carefree boat club. I recognize it’s not practical for such a valuable piece of waterfront land to be used solely for parking. However, building a hotel isn’t the answer either. They need to reevaluate this plan and consider the residents that pay to live on DI. The hotel will only bring more cars (where will they park?) and tourists that will not care for our waterfront in the way we residents do. More car and pedestrian traffic, more garbage, more wear and tear on a very small stretch of waterfront. I think they need to go back to the drawing board and conduct more research to see what actually works for our sweet community along with the parking issue and find a better solution. 

• I would like to see a map of the parking spaces we are supposed to use with this change. How many spots are there and how heavily are they used now? Someone should show us exactly where UNUSED alternative parking spots are located.

• We have more than enough land on DI, we just happen to live in a car-centric area. Propose to the restaurants that they golf-cart/shuttle people from other parking areas.

• There needs to be more dedicated parking. People with small children can’t walk blocks to the waterfront park, and many older people can’t either. And no one wants to walk 20 minutes to a restaurant in the summer heat.

• We need a parking area or garage within close proximity to the Waterfront. Otherwise the Waterfront will be limited to those who live in the condos there. If no designated parking areas are created, businesses and condos in the area (ex. Pier View) will not have enough parking for clients and guests.

• Daniel Island Company should have never sold to East West Partners. After the fortune that the DI Company has made here, they should buy the property back and donate it to the City or County for free parking to atone for this error and greed.

• An article in the Daniel Island newspaper showing where available parking is near the waterfront that Charleston City Councilman Boyd Gregg is mentioning would be helpful. I’m not aware of the parking he’s talking about. More parking, not less, will be needed if we add 65 boutique hotel parking spaces and a possible new restaurant and a riverfront bar, plus losing the graveled parking area. If it becomes hard to park less residents will use the area. I would certainly hesitate to use the area.

• Existing and newly constructed parking under the bridges would help. The waterfront can be accessed via the riverfront trail from the bridge area.

• Perhaps the addition of formal parking under the Wando Bridge allowing access to the Waterfront via the trails. Though a parking garage closer to the waterfront would be ideal.

• We need angled parking spots on the streets to create more of a town feel and street speed bumps where those angled parking spots are to slow traffic. We need this style parking for golf cart parking, too. Sad to say this has been the plan for a long time at this spot. DI Dev Co. shouldn’t have overdeveloped the neighborhood.They should have made East West use one of their smaller interior areas for a small parking garage for the Waterfront shops and restaurants. They should have planned more parking for residents around the street scape, too.

• Parking available is the reason we go to that area. We have elderly parents and can’t walk far in the heat. They love the park enjoy it now.

• I love the idea of a bar and more restaurants but parking in that area also needs to be planned accordingly. The additions will bring more people to the area making the parking situation worse.

• I understand the economics but neither my wife nor I will be willing to walk substantial distances to frequent businesses nearby if the lot disappears and parking is problematic.

•This strikes me as an odd question!! Time/money was spent to enjoy the waterfront by families, by visitors to DI, by trail-walkers, by children on the playground, The Concerts, at The Dime, on The Deck and in the Dining room at Kings Tide, sailers, power boaters , etc, etc,etc. Most of these folks cannot walk to the waterfront for obvious reasons but need to arrive by car and not all would/will have a golf cart. And this is all in good weather. What about when it’s pouring rain and folks have a reservation at one or two of the waterfront restaurants? Who in the group gets to drop off the others while the search is on for a parking space only to walk back to meet the group in the pouring and then to repeat the drill at the end of dinner??? More dedicated parking should be determined way in advance of bldg permits!! This should not be a consideration After the Fact!!

• More dedicated lots, parking stickers for DI residents to prioritize available spaces to those who live on DI.

• Create and enforce rules that require developers to allow for more realistic parking and not just use the excuse that people need to walk farther. We don’t live in downtown Charleston. We live on Daniel Island and many of us chose this location because it didn’t have some of the disadvantages of downtown Charleston like lack of parking and long distances between your cars and the venue you want to visit. This is simply shortsighted and additional greed that the island has allowed to continue and will continue until there’s not a green space left.

• There is no need to build additioning parking. People will need to grow up, stop complaining and walk a couple blocks occasionally. The idea that we need to keep a gravel lot forever is one of the dumbest ideas.

• Build the hotel. There’s enough existing parking. Don’t add garages. Don’t add additional lots. • To Whom It May Concern, I am frankly astonished that there is still debate surrounding the obvious lack of parking in the Waterfront area and throughout Daniel Island. This is not a new issue, nor is it one that should be dismissed or minimized. The current parking situation is inadequate and has been for quite some time. Approving a 10,000-seat stadium without sufficient parking infrastructure raises serious concerns. It is difficult to understand how a project of that scale could move forward without a comprehensive and realistic plan to accommodate the thousands of vehicles it will attract. At the same time, continued residential development, including apartments, condominiums, and other housing, has only intensified the problem. Many of these developments do not provide adequate parking for residents, guests, or service providers, placing even greater strain on an already overwhelmed system. The question should not be whether parking is a problem. It clearly is. The real question is what meaningful steps will be taken to address it.

• Parking as part of development planning is usually in the later stages and often inadequate. That appears to be the case here. The high concentration of residences at the waterfront has not adequately planned for multi-vehicle households let alone visitors and local business patrons.

• Parking permits issued to Daniel Island property owners. 

• Need more dedicated parking nearby. Having to absorb the lost spaces is not fair for the businesses already established on River Landing Dr. Do we need to reserve spaces for them first?

• Locals can ride their bikes. We have a very bikeable community. It’s good exercise and good for the environment. People in Europe don’t need to drive their car within 10 feet of every building they visit.

• Unfortunately, it's too late for a solution. This should have been resolved well before now. I don't know any woman who would be happy to "walk a little further" in July just to go to Kingstide… If I owned a business at the Waterfront I'd be very worried. Time will tell.

• Either a parking garage or leave the lot as it is. There is already limited/not enough parking (including that lot) on weekends or even mornings during popular run/walk times for access to the trail and Dime. If the lot is gone I will rarely ever try to go to that part of DI again because it will be futile if I can't even find parking (TRUE parking - not golf cart nonsense). My parents live on DI and I often bring my dogs to walk the river-side trail before going to their house, or just for a different place to walk than my neighborhood without safe roads or sidewalks, and when I'm there I almost always get a smoothie or snack from the Dime or somewhere on DI. Without the free parking, many of us who don't live on DI and/or have a tiny car or golf cart will be forced to find alternate places to go and enjoy the Lowcountry and spend our money. And I realize there are probably some people who have that exact endgame in mind - keep us poor people off their precious "private" island...but it's not a private park or private island for them to limit public access, or try to limit it by removing the already limited parking.

• I’d like to see a dedicated parking lot for residents only. Many apartments in condos in the area only have one deed spot yet two people with cars living there. There is no overflow except for that one lot right now. Never mind all the businesses.

• Parking built in lower level of any new build for residents. 

• At the absolute least, a parking garage that’s open to the public should be housed on the first floor of any new buildings in that space. And parking there should be free. It is already difficult to find parking anywhere in the Waterfront area *except* for the spillover parking in the gravel lot. Barring that, there should be shuttles to and from a dedicated for patrons of Waterfront businesses. The best solution is to leave at least some small area of Waterfront as natural as possible with the existing lot intact.

• Valet parking service may be required for restaurants. 

• Would the developer agree to create additional parking in the project they are building in the site? There is no doubt that they are the rightful owner and have the legal right to use it in accordance with the Master Plan, so any concession would be by their grace. Without more parking for the public, the beautiful waterfront park and trails and docks funded by the city effectively become semi-private amenities of the East-West Partners Development. The City should be taking a lead role in negotiating a resolution here, and by that, I mean the Mayor's office, and not our representative on City Council, who has been ineffective on this issue.

• Everything seems too little, too late at this point. Thoughtful development and infrastructure, which includes parking, hasn't been a thing in the area for a long time.

• An island trolley route for local transit between the center of town and the Waterfront could be another option, as used in other cities or beach towns for local transport, but even areas in the center of DI lack sufficient parking to accommodate the growth of residents.

• This island has become a microcosm of the poor infrastructure planning that plagues all of Charleston. Quit adding people without FIRST building out the supportive infrastructure (I.e. parking garages, roads, bridges etc.) With parking already being inadequate to meet the fluctuating needs of local businesses, concerts, and events, especially where the waterfront is concerned, it seems only reasonable that a parking garage or two would be constructed in an unobtrusive way. This should be implemented BEFORE any further development can occur to ensure the enjoyment and character of our island can be preserved.

• The beautiful and tranquil Waterfront was one of the reasons I fell in love with Daniel Island when I visited and ultimately moved here. While I do believe that loss of this lot is going to absolutely cause a problem with parking, (have you attempted to park anywhere near the Waterfront on our beloved acoustic music series afternoons/evenings?) — I also believe it is yet again capitalizing on financial opportunity rather than prioritizing our incredible trails, nature and wildlife. So many of us who are fortunate to call Daniel Island home do NOT want to see every inch of tranquil space gobbled up by developers. I do believe the vast majority of residents want the lot to stay as is for parking and accessibility to the trails, docks, boating, play & dining that already make Waterfront a community gem.

• Allow extra parking as a plan when developing future plans. The older residents and moms with small children and strollers should not be expected to walk a mile from a parking spot to attend community events and enjoy the Waterfront or go out on the DI Ferry.

• More dedicated golf cart parking. The space beside Kingstide only holds about 5-6 carts. 

• Not sure where you’d put a parking lot or another garage. Every inch of space over here has been taken over for building. Just today I was talking with someone at a nearby business who was complaining about the apartments going up that have such a large footprint horizontally and vertically. I really wonder who approves this building. I will never not believe a few people are getting very rich trading money and favors under the table. How is there no height requirement or rule to aesthetically coordinate with the current buildings in the area? They dwarf the businesses off River Landing St. There is not enough parking even for these apartments. And if they want to park in the garage they have to pay for it. The garage parking is NOT free like it is near Town Center apartments and other apartment complexes on DI. I believe this will be the first pay lot on DI. I’m sorry but East-West is getting very rich by building on every inch until we are living in a concrete jungle and the beauty of DI is gone. 

• Stop the high density building frenzy and leave some access to the waterfront and parking to the benefit of the DI residents. The POA should be fighting this! Lack of parking impacts quality of life on this beautiful island and we need to stand up and say enough is enough. It ultimately devalues our homes and businesses and we are losing what is unique to our island. Not every resident is able bodied and handicapped accessibility is getting below par here.

• Charleston amend zoning to allow 1 additional story for the hotel and the addition of a 100 space lot in the hotel structure.