Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I’m excited to share the significant progress we’ve made across the City of Charleston, along with upcoming initiatives that will continue to enhance our community. This past year was pivotal for West Ashley, with major investments and improvements shaping our future.
One of the biggest milestones is the $300 million private investment secured from EDENS to redevelop Ashley Landing into a vibrant mixed-use development. This project will bring new businesses, housing, and public spaces, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful growth. At the same time, we’ve launched a review of the Old Towne Road corridor to improve connectivity, safety, and aesthetics along this key roadway.
Infrastructure and Community Improvements
Infrastructure remains a top priority. The long-awaited Ashley River Crossing pedestrian and bike bridge is officially under construction, offering a safer and more accessible route between West Ashley and downtown Charleston.
I have also worked with City staff to advance flood mitigation projects in Ashleyville, Magnolia, Charlestowne Estates I, and Sandhurst, addressing long-standing flooding concerns and improving community resilience.
Notably, the City is working to acquire property for new City offices in the heart of West Ashley, bringing municipal services closer to residents for more accessible local government support.
Finally, to further support revitalization, City Council streamlined the design review process along Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. This change, along with an upcoming review focused on safety and beautification, will position the corridor for responsible development that benefits the entire community.
Public Safety Updates
Encouraging trends in public safety are emerging. In West Ashley, overall crime decreased 7.3% in 2024 compared to the past five-year average. Violent crime—excluding aggravated assault—was down a combined 12.6%.
As a member of City Council’s Public Safety Committee, I work closely with the Charleston Police Department to monitor these trends, and efforts were expanded to prevent property thefts through a new flexible patrol unit, which uses data-driven methods to target crime hotspots.
Don’t forget: you can always report non-emergency crimes online here. Your reports assist law enforcement in tracking and addressing crime trends effectively.
Looking Ahead
Several major Citywide projects are on the horizon:
Lowcountry Lowline – City Council committed to funding the linear park featuring green spaces, pedestrian and bike paths, and stormwater management improvements to promote recreation and mobility.
Union Pier Redevelopment – This significant redevelopment on the Peninsula is progressing with community engagement and design team selection, ensuring that future development aligns with Charleston’s vision and values.
Battery Extension – This project is moving ahead with an alignment study, a crucial step in strengthening Charleston’s flood protection against rising sea levels and severe weather.
I remain committed to enhancing West Ashley’s future and ensuring our district gets the attention and investment it deserves. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to working together to build an even stronger and more vibrant community.
Please forward this email to any District 9 neighbors who may find this information helpful. You can also visit https://www.williamtinkler.com, where you can sign up for district updates and find other helpful information. You can reach me simply by responding to this email.
Best regards,
William Tinkler
Charleston City Council, District 9
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