Newly-elected Mayor William Cogswell on his top priorities for West Ashley
by Jenny Peterson | Staff Writer
New Charleston Mayor William Cogswell has officially taken the helm at City Hall and is getting to work on West Ashley initiatives that he outlined on the campaign trail.
Cogswell, a former member of the SC House of Representatives and developer who has worked on many historic renovations, ran his campaign on a platform on smart growth, ensuring that new development fits within the quality and scale of the city and includes the appropriate infrastructure.
We asked Mayor Cogswell his top priorities for West Ashley and what he thinks will be key for revitalizing Charleston’s storied suburb—which also happens to be the city’s largest constituent group with upwards of 55,000 voters across 37 precincts.
Cogswell points to development potential at high-visibility West Ashley sites like the Citadel Mall and the former Piggly Wiggly site at Sumar Street as top priorities for his administration.
The Sumar Street site, which the council bought in 2017, has sat vacant while the city’s previous administration worked with stakeholders to come up with a plan for the site that included a civic center and gathering space. It was ultimately voted down by a divided council last summer due to the ballooning cost for adding an underground parking garage to the plan.
“I intend to present a fresh and compelling option (for Sumar Street) to residents by early summer (2024),” Cogswell states.
Cogswell said another priority for West Ashley is to take a more preventative approach in areas prone to flooding that includes more regular ditch and drainage system maintenance.
What are your top three priorities for West Ashley?
William Cogswell:
1.) Giving West Ashley the attention it deserves.
2.) Executing important projects like Sumar Street and the Citadel Mall. These are two key opportunities that could revitalize areas of the city’s largest borough that has been long ignored.
3.) Prioritizing and executing a holistic flooding approach that will address vulnerable areas in West Ashley. We need to get backhoes moving for preventative maintenance.
Do you plan to add any additional city staff or personnel to address West Ashley issues (i.e. drainage) or expand any other department for West Ashley?
WC: We are currently allocating a significant number of our staff to focus on initiatives in West Ashley. My vision is to not only recognize the dedication of our existing team but also to enhance their capabilities and provide the necessary resources for turning their innovative ideas into actionable plans. This involves elevating and empowering our current staff, ensuring that they have the tools and support required to seamlessly transition from the planning phase to successful execution.
WOFP: How can the city help West Ashley reach its full potential in terms of commercial development?
WC: In order to foster sustainable growth and prosperity in West Ashley, our administration will use strategic and forward-thinking planning, encompassing not only commercial development but also thoughtful infrastructure. The key to unlocking the full potential of West Ashley lies in ensuring that our infrastructure is not only adequate but also capable of accommodating the evolving needs of our city’s largest borough. We can create an environment conducive to attracting high-quality commercial developments that will, in turn, contribute significantly to the well-being of West Ashley’s residents and business owners.
Two areas that hold a lot of promise for transformative development are the site of the Citadel Mall and Sumar Street. These locations present unique opportunities for revitalization and innovation. By strategically leveraging these spaces, we can create vibrant hubs that cater to diverse needs, including retail, entertainment, and community services.
With leadership and creative thinking, we can unlock the potential of West Ashley to foster a dynamic and thriving community.
WOFP: Is there a timeline on the next steps for the Sumar Street site?
WC: From the very beginning, our administration has been actively engaged in developing plans for Sumar Street with sleeves rolled up and a commitment to progress. My aim is to introduce forward-thinking and imaginative concepts that will finally provide residents with the gateway they’ve long deserved to the largest part of our city. Working alongside city council, I intend to present a fresh and compelling option to residents by early summer.
How will you address crime in West Ashley, especially crime that involves juvenile offenders (car break-ins, crimes involving guns)?
WC: Our administration intends to support our law enforcement and allow them to enforce the basic rule of law. It also involves an allocation of resources and making sure West Ashley is being properly protected. I am very excited to work with Police Chief Chito Walker on the future of our police department and our city. He is a born leader and I have no doubt he and I will work together to lead our city in the right direction.
What is your favorite area of West Ashley?
WC: The Coburg Cow. It represents tradition and community. Plus, it serves as a pseudo meteorologist, that’s almost always right!
