Charleston pushing annexation of West Ashley

[Spartan]

Agreed. Other cities are less willing to use the same methods that Charleston does. Charleston owns its water system, which it uses to annex, and to does so proactively.

[vicupstate]

The Water System is a tool that Charleston uses, but Greenville, Columbia and many other cities have the same tool.

The primary difference with Charleston is the Local Option Sales Tax which Greenville has not passed and Columbia only recently passed. Charleston has had the LOST in place since 1991, and has used it effectively to lower it's net property taxes to a level below that of the surrounding PSDs. Since passing the LOST Charleston's population has grown from 88,000 to around 116,000.

The other big difference is the opening of Daniel Island/Cainhoy through the construction of I-526. The city annexed those areas before developement started.

Lastly, the Mayor has placed a high priority on annexation from day one and has used every angle and opportunity to do so. Under his adminsistartion, the city has grown from 16 to about 110 sq. miles.

[Charleston native]

...The other big difference is the opening of Daniel Island/Cainhoy through the construction of I-526. The city annexed those areas before developement started.

Lastly, the Mayor has placed a high priority on annexation from day one and has used every angle and opportunity to do so. Under his adminsistartion, the city has grown from 16 to about 110 sq. miles.

Great point, vic. What many people do not realize is that the land area of the Cainhoy/Daniel Island section of the city is like adding the land area equivalent to 2 times the land in Florence. When these areas are completely built out, Chas will have practically gained another whole city.

There is still tons of growth potential West Ashley, and many future residents are considering this part of the city instead of Mt. P, since the town is on the verge of being filled up.