Editor,
The ongoing conversation about the proposed development and its potential impact on Old Colony Road has left many residents questioning why so much confusion exists—and why that confusion seems self-inflicted by those charged with representing all of us. After a detailed conversation with SCDOT, the gap between fact and public messaging has become unmistakably clear.
First, there is no traffic impact study (TIS) evaluating Old Colony Road. SCDOT confirmed that Old Colony has never been studied for traffic capacity, construction loads, safety, infrastructure resilience, or neighborhood impact. Their work focuses only on major intersections—SC-72, East and Northwest Corporate Center Drive, and the I-26 ramps. Yet City officials have implied otherwise, creating unnecessary misunderstanding.
Second, the push for a southern access point via Old Colony did not come from SCDOT or even from the developer to SCDOT. It originated with the Clinton Planning Commission, which appears to have aligned itself directly with the desires of an outside developer despite having no land-use authority whatsoever. By statute, the Planning Commission is advisory only. All actual decision-making rests solely with City Council.
Further, SCDOT said the TIS is being updated to assess operations without the school driveway or Old Colony access, directly addressing residents’ concerns and showing the development can function without burdening this small residential road.
SCDOT also warned that Old Colony—a narrow, tar-and-gravel neighborhood road—is not suitable for heavy construction traffic and would likely be damaged if used as a primary access route. Despite this, no assessment of infrastructure needs or cost responsibilities has been conducted by the City or the developer.
Given these facts, residents must ask: Why is our own government generating confusion instead of clarity?
We again urge City Council to eliminate the unnecessary southern access request and set the public record straight.
Clinton deserves leadership that clarifies—not complicates.
Rob Clapper,
Old Colony Road,
Clinton
