Letters to the editor
Following is a letter sent to the State Ports Authority by a group of concerned citizens.
Dear Chairman Stern,
The SC State Ports Authority plays a critical role in our state’s economy, and we are supportive of that general role as a public agency dedicated to the economic development of the State of South Carolina. As you are well aware, the SPA is proceeding with redevelopment plans for Union Pier to accommodate a substantial increase in the number of cruise visits. As members of the SPA’s Board, you are charged by the state legislature with duties to diminish “any negative effect port operations or expansion may have upon the environment, transportation infrastructure, and quality of life in residents” in neighborhoods nearby (Section 54-3-80). We would like to express our concerns about the expansion of the cruise industry in Charleston and propose measures that could mitigate the negative impacts.
Over the past few decades, Charleston has developed a unique position in the tourism market. It is widely acknowledged that visitors view Charleston as one of the most enjoyable, authentic and high-quality travel experiences available in U.S. The fundamental reason for this is the balance between tourism, business and residential life, successfully achieved and maintained over many years through associations, concerned individuals, business people, members of the tourism industry and the city government.
Proper balance is very complicated and delicate. Tourism has not overwhelmed or cheapened the historic fabric of this relatively small peninsular city and surrounding municipalities. For the most part, the visitors who spend time in Charleston appreciate the legitimacy of its history, its scale and its uniqueness. We are in the enviable position of having in tourism an economic force that also adds positively to the diversity and excitement of the city. Much of this success comes from historic preservation and architectural review regulations that govern the use and appearance of the homes and commercial buildings, the zoning of hotels and restaurants, and the limitations imposed on buses, horse carriages, and walking tours.
This is not the case in places with heavy cruise ship visitation. Key West, Nassau and St. Thomas, for example, have reputations for being overcrowded and unpleasant, where visitors come for a few hours, purchase inexpensive souvenirs and generally degrade the quality of life, retail experience and the economy in those locations. We cannot afford to allow that to happen here. Charleston’s “brand” is an immensely important asset that is threatened by uncontrolled and excessive cruise visitation. Constant vigilance and reasonable regulations help make Charleston the charming, user-friendly place that it is.
Until recently, cruise ships have been a minor part of port-related activities. In the last few years this situation has changed. The number, size and frequency of calls of cruise ships have all increased dramatically. Many in this community, including those who have signed this letter, are concerned that these dramatic increases threaten the delicate balance between the quality of life for those who live and work on the peninsula and surrounding municipalities and the pressures brought by the 4,000,000 tourists who visit here each year.
It is possible to manage cruise visitation so that it remains compatible with our city. There is little disagreement that there should be a limit on the number of cruise ships that visit Charleston. SPA staff has suggested that, given that Charleston is a “niche market,” there will be no more than two ships per week, or 104 per year.
We are not convinced that 104 per year will not create problems, but we are willing to support that number as long as the SPA will put this in writing with the city, as well as a limit on the size of the ships and the number of passengers. In conjunction with this number, we ask that the SPA agrees to develop a committee with the City that reviews the cruise ship calendar to ensure that ships to not add to congestion on high activity days, such as the Cooper River Bridge Run, Southeaster Wildlife Exposition, and Spoleto Festival. Also, we ask that the limit include only one ship on any one day, with no other ship anchored or waiting in the harbor to dock.
We have also asked that the cruise lines put their environmental standards, as members of the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA), in writing so that performance can be monitored and enforced. Specifically, we have asked that they sign an agreement with the city that they will not dump sewage, garbage or other waste closer than 12 miles from shore. Records of discharges and incineration mainted by cruise ships that visit the Port of Charleston will be posted on a publicly-accessible web site so the City and area residents can review logs to ensure compliance.
We have asked the SPA to agree to include shoreside power in the new terminal. This is particularly important because of the proximity of the terminal to neighborhoods and the toxicity of the ship exhaust when ships idle their engines at the berth.
Finally, we have asked that the SPA develop a waste management plan that maximizes recycling and composting of waste offloaded from cruise ships and is available to the public.
These are eminently reasonable suggestions, we feel, and ones that the cruise lines should be willing to accept. In fact, due to the interest nationwide in environmentally responsible tourism, adoption of these standards could only be seen as a benefit to the industry.
We would be grateful if the board would be willing to work with us to carry these forward. We would be more than willing to present these ideas for discussion at an upcoming board meeting.
Thank you for your attention to this issue and for your concern for the economy and reputation of the Charleston area and the state.
Sincerely,
Concerned business owners, citizens and community leaders in the Charleston area
