Charleston · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Charleston public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Stop intersection at Bridge and Walnut Roads
Bill No. 8094 would make Bridge Road and Walnut Road a stop intersection, with the Bridge Road southerly approach holding the right-of-way — a change aimed at traffic safety.
Street and alley closure notice requirements
Bill No. 8099 would require more notice before anyone permanently closes or abandons a public street, alley or right-of-way — giving residents a bigger heads-up when public space is at stake.
Handicapped parking on Quarrier Street
Bill No. 8093 would create handicapped parking zones on the south side of Quarrier Street east of Ruffner Avenue.
Quarrier Street handicapped parking zone
Three parking changes were floated: new metered parking in the 700 block of Bigley Avenue and short-term meters on Capitol Street and Quarrier Street. No action is recorded from this meeting.
Neighborhood Traffic Safety Measures
Council passed a no-parking zone on Main Street to fix a truck parking problem blocking a business, and cut Cook Drive's speed limit to 20 mph to slow neighborhood speeders.
Lower speed limit on Cook Drive
Neighbors on Cook Drive wanted the 25 mph limit cut to 20 mph for safety. The committee approved the reduction from Cantley Drive to the end of the street.
No-parking zone on Main Street near Florida Street
A business owner on Main Street asked the city to ban parking in front of his shop because delivery trucks were tying up the curb. The committee approved the no-parking-anytime zone, which now goes to City Council.
Stop signs at Staunton Avenue SE and 44th Street SE
A four-block stretch of Staunton Avenue SE had no stop signs, raising safety concerns for kids walking to middle school. The bill removes the through-street designation and adds stops in both directions.
Street Department and citywide fleet replacements
Council bought a police van, two dump trucks, and seven trucks for street, parks, grounds and cemetery work — locking in prices before expected increases.
Edgewood Drive speeding and deer safety
Councilwoman Faegre flagged dangerous speeding on Edgewood Drive, hidden driveways, and deer being put down by police — whose gunshots frighten residents. She's requesting signage and relief.
2026 Infrastructure and Public Safety Investments
The Mayor's State of the City laid out 2026 plans: a $20 million Public Safety Center, $5 million in fire/EMS station renovations, the $25 million Capital Connector riverfront project, and $5 million for road repairs — a $2 million increase.