Letter to the editor: Available waterfront parking? Wishful thinking

With regard to future waterfront parking, your article was a good start, but there is more to the story.  

The study seemed to imply that the 107 parking spaces that will be lost when this gravel lot is no longer available can somehow be replaced by a portion of the 332 publicly “available” spaces within a quarter-mile. 

What’s missing is the fact that those spaces are theoretically, but not exactly, “available.” What’s missing is that within that same quarter-mile area, there are 350-plus residential units (each with visitors: family, friends, deliveries, and service), three busy restaurants, a wine shop, numerous medical offices, fitness centers, and private businesses. Add in a popular children’s playground, water park, and amphitheater. Then there are two large docks, a yacht club, 80-plus boats docked/moored at the waterfront, along with the only Daniel Island access to downtown water taxi service.  

My point is that the loss of the 107-space gravel lot at the heart of the waterfront will in no way be easily offset by using a third of the current 332 “available” spaces. Wishful thinking! As [Daniel Island Neighborhood Association President] Nick Kalkas said, “We have more to do.” 

The good news is that everyone will be healthier for having to get more exercise walking!  

Bill Stephens, Daniel Island resident