The Town of Mount Pleasant's proposed designs on creating a network of multi-use paths to connect key portions of the community were called into question at the Town Council's April 9 public meeting.
Leading off the public comment period was McKnight Road resident Lewis Jefferson, who expressed his skepticism about the public initiative — commonly known as Mount Pleasant Way— based on changes the undertaking may impose on existing farms in the 7 Mile settlement community.
"Some time ago, we requested sidewalks and now we're getting much more than that," commented Jefferson.
He went on to point out that the sidewalks due to be installed under Phase 2 of the plan are 10 to 12 feet wide, which, Jefferson speculated, may eventually be modified into multiple highways going through town.
Similarly, Gadsdenville Road resident Pearl Ascue acknowledged that community members have been asking the Town for sidewalks since 2016, but not 10 to 12 foot concrete pavements that could put pedestrians in danger.
Representing the African American Settlement Historic Commission led by John Wright was Freddy Jenkins. The Cainhoy native related the dangers wider sidewalks could present to pedestrians or fast-moving cyclists converging with golf carts swooping in from the opposite direction.
Carl Mittelstadt of Gaston Gate was of the same mind by stating: "The Mount Pleasant Way and the sidewalk projects are giving residents what they don't want. Yet when the residents speak up, it seems that you're not listening."
He went on to call the venture "a waste of money" that could be spent on other priorities.
What's more, Mittelstadt produced a petition signed by 280 Brickyard Plantation residents who oppose the Mount Pleasant Way.
"The great majority of Brickyard residents do not want the proposed sidewalk inside our community. If the Town does insist on installing one anyway, at least let us have input into the design," he reasoned.
The Town's purpose in building its network of local pathways linking parks, schools, commercial areas, etc. is to pave the way for "safe and efficient" modes of transportation for individuals to use recreationally and for their respective commutes.
Visit https://www.tompsc.com/1347/Mount-Pleasant-Way for more information.