cogswell-2022

Commentary: After 8 years of Tecklenburg, we need a mayor to actually lead Charleston

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:02:32 GMT

The Post & Courier

Commentary: After 8 years of Tecklenburg, we need a mayor to actually lead Charleston

by Marion Hawkins

October 24, 2023 I was perplexed after reading Steve Bailey’s Aug. 3 column regarding the so-called accomplishments of our mayor, John Tecklenburg . I don’t think I live in the same city as Steve.

The question many people are asking is, ”Is Charleston better off than it was eight years ago?”

Let’s review the ongoing issues of public safety, livability and city services our residents and businesses experience under the current mayor.

The riot in May 2020 on Upper King Street significantly impacted our city. Police didn’t keep up with the 911 calls that were coming in, and property was severely damaged by rioters. From that day forward, Upper King has evolved into a rowdy, unsafe place similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans where anything goes.

The current safety plan of one-way traffic, portable lights and no street parking on weekends has not changed the situation. Many residents and especially employees are extremely concerned for their safety and want to avoid the area altogether.

The shootings on Charleston’s East Side on Memorial Day 2022 could have been prevented if community policing was a priority. Several calls to the police by residents concerning the situation were made before the gunfire but were not heeded until events escalated.

Ongoing issues of homeless people sleeping in doorways and aggressive panhandlers are rarely if ever addressed despite numerous requests. The police department and its chief are directly under the mayor’s control and supervision.

The livability of Charleston — trash, garbage pickup, college parties, parking enforcement — has greatly declined.

Inconsistent garbage pickup results in bins being left out all week. Rental dump-outs on the street happen all year round instead of once a year. Residents repeatedly report and submit tickets to the livability department, but there is sporadic and uneven enforcement. The livability department also reports directly to the mayor.

Dealing with the city has become more difficult for businesses and residents. Simple requests for small projects can require up to eight weeks for approval from the Board of Architectural Review staff. If a revision is needed then your project is back in line for additional weeks.

This department and others are severely understaffed and have employees frequently leaving public service. Most of the construction projects on the peninsula must be approved by the BAR. The delays of these projects have a major impact on everyone — small house renovations to large builds — especially since they prevent completion that will result in increased revenue for the city in property taxes and business licenses. The department of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability (BAR, zoning and building inspections) reports directly to the mayor.

All the departments of the city appear to be struggling as well as lacking focus on clear priorities. I have met exceptional city staff at all levels who are striving to serve the citizens of Charleston. Unfortunately, there is a void of leadership in the mayor’s office that has created chaos and confusion.

Another example of his not engaging a significant issue before it becomes a problem is the Union Pier project. Remember that all of the city departments report directly to the mayor and are exclusively managed by John Tecklenburg. Charleston has a strong mayor form of government, not a ceremonial position. The mayor is being paid $214,394 a year to manage and lead the city. Are we getting our money’s worth?

Is Charleston better off than it was eight years ago? Unfortunately not, mainly due to the lack of focus, decisiveness, leadership and management by our mayor. Lots of talking, photo ops and piano playing but no action on real issues that affect residents and businesses.

John Tecklenburg is a pleasant person with good intentions, but now is the time for a real leader who can actually manage the city, ensure delivery of city services, be proactive with solutions and provide a steady hand for our beloved city of Charleston.

My vote will go to the only candidate who has the experience in business as a building preservationist and in government as a state legislator, William Cogswell.

Marion Hawkins is a Charleston resident, business owner and president of the Cannonborough-Elliottborough Neighborhood Association.

Charleston Mayoral Candidate William Cogswell Will Officially File His Candidacy

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:27:02 GMT

CHARLESTON MAYORAL CANDIDATE WILLIAM COGSWELL WILL OFFICIALLY FILE HIS CANDIDACY

AUGUST 14, 2023 (Charleston, SC) - Please join William Cogswell as he officially files his candidacy for Mayor of

Charleston. The filing will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15th and will be open for interviews outside of the courthouse at 10:30 a.m. before he files.

Mr. Cogswell is a former State House Representative (District 110) and real estate professional who specializes in restoring historic properties like the Cigar Factory, GARCO Mill, and the Navy Yard. Mr. Cogswell has received bipartisan support from

State Representative Wendell Gilliard (D)and Former U.S. District Attorney and former State House Representative Peter McCoy (R). His platform centers around Smart Growth, Safe Communities, and Sound Governance all while putting the residents of

Charleston FIRST.

Details of his qualifications, platform, and sign-up form for his mailing list can be found at www.cogswellformayor.com.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Deja Knight with Cogswell for Mayor at

media@cogswellformayor.com.

Media Contact:

Deja Knight McMillan

Cogswell For Mayor

843.412.0421

media@cogswellformayor.com

Commentary: West Ashley deserves the best solution for Sumar, not the quickest

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:55:49 GMT

Commentary: West Ashley deserves the best solution for Sumar, not the quickest

By William Cogswell

published in The Post & Courier

August 4, 2023

Click here to read article on The Post & Courier website

Much has been written about the proposed redevelopment of the old Piggly Wiggly site. With a city election right around the corner in which the residents of West Ashley will provide more than 40% of the vote, the urgency to do something — anything — to fulfill long-neglected promises to revitalize this critical part of the city has jumped into warp speed.

For almost seven years, the people of West Ashley have been promised a new gateway to their community. Today, the lack of leadership from the current administration has left residents with a hefty bill from a developer, a sharply divided City Council and a derelict lot with no clear path forward.

It doesn’t have to be this way: An iconic entrance to West Ashley can be done, but it requires creativity, pragmatism and experience. Mayor John Tecklenburg claims there is no other way to meet residents’ high expectations for this project than the options already presented. That lack of proactive and creative thinking is why I am running for mayor. There are better options for West Ashley.

This spring, I proposed a bold solution combining the expensive 3.3-acre city-owned Sumar Street parcel with the controversial high-density apartment project that’s being presented on the 30-plus acre Ashley Landing site to the south. With leadership, vision and a transparent agreement defining where and how future tax revenues could be allocated, a win-win scenario can be achieved that would be less expensive and far more impactful to the residents.

If the option to positively redevelop 35 acres versus 3.3 acres was presented, wouldn’t you want to consider it? It may take longer, but given the current boondoggle we are in, I doubt it. Plus, the city controls the process. A true iconic entrance to the oldest and most neglected part of the city can be done in a more fiscally responsible way — think Avondale coupled with Charles Towne Landing mixed with Windermere and even a touch of the Coburg Cow. It would be a positive and fully viable solution to what has become an increasingly toxic situation.

This is a world I know. I have spent the past 25 years redeveloping sites like this (Cigar Factory, GARCo Mill), and I have successfully completed several complicated projects that include workforce housing, green space, creative stormwater solutions and government offices. The scenario I am proposing would only require the city to provide money once the overall development is completed based on a mutually agreed-upon design with ample public input. This is important because digging into what few financial details there are of the mayor’s plan, it looks like the city may be required to commit at least half, if not all, of the proposed $45 million prior to completion, which is a massive risk to taxpayers.

I can also say with confidence and from a professional point of view that the mayor’s project, which is 60% publicly funded, will not inspire new investment in West Ashley. Quite the opposite, especially with today’s economic headwinds. What it will do is produce a lot more developers coming to the city with their hands out.

Finally, it is not clear that the city actually has the revenue in hand to fund the mayor’s plan without more private projects like the large apartment building at Ashley Landing being built (which is, at best, three years away and has a 1,100-signature petition opposing it).

We are told some portion is coming from parking fees and the balance from a tax increment financing district that has seen little to no activity. What are the details? What are the terms? It matters because when heavily subsidized projects like this fail, the burden will be on the city to pick up the pieces. Transparency is vital to building public trust, and it is clear from the past several City Council meetings that both are at historic lows.

Just because something has been worked on for years doesn’t always mean it is the right or responsible thing to do. Timing is everything, and when an opportunity like responsibly redeveloping the entire site presents itself, the city needs to lead from the front, have vision and — with public input — give it a serious look. The current deal is not going away. The city owns the site, but the frantic attempt to make good on a long-overdue political promise a few months before an election is not putting our residents first and has resulted in the mess we are in today. I stand firm in my belief that the residents of West Ashley deserve more, both on Sumar Street and in the mayor’s office.

Cogswell’s Campaign for Mayor Leads in Q2 Fundraising Numbers

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 00:32:54 GMT

COGSWELL HAS OUTRAISED ALL OTHER CANDIDATES SINCE ENTERING THE RACE

JULY 11, 2023 (Charleston, SC) - In another showing of strong local support for the campaign,

Charleston Mayoral Candidate William Cogswell posted over $305,000 this quarter. Supporters of William Cogswell’s campaign for Charleston Mayor have contributed over $154,000 this quarter, with the candidate adding $150,000 of his own money to the campaign - proving his commitment to the race. Incumbent John Tecklenburg only raised $126,000, with other candidates lagging behind.

“These numbers prove my supporters and myself mean business. I have said since I entered this race our city’s future is at stake with this election. I’m overwhelmed by the support we have received,” said Cogswell.

At the time of his candidacy announcement in October 2022, Cogswell received bipartisan support through endorsements from State Representative Wendell Gilliard (D) and former U.S. District Attorney and former House Representative Peter McCoy (R). Cogswell has spent the last nine months on the campaign trail, meeting with hundreds of concerned citizens in all parts of the city.

The message from citizens has remained consistent and clear - change and leadership are needed at the city’s top office.

Details of his qualifications, platform, and sign-up form for his mailing list can be found at

www.cogswellformayor.com.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Deja Knight with Cogswell for Mayor at

media@cogswellformayor.com.

Media Contact:

Deja Knight McMillan

Cogswell For Mayor

843.412.0421

media@cogswellformayor.com

Response to Post & Courier Editorial on Ashley Landing

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 03:09:55 GMT

William's Response to Post & Courier Editorial: It's decision time in West Ashley. City Council should show its hand.

By William Cogswell

April 18, 2023

Click here to read The Post & Courier Editorial: "It's decision time in West Ashley. City Council should show its hand. "

April 18, 2023 - Recent articles and editorials about the proposed redevelopment of the Old Piggly Wiggly site in West Ashley have urged the City of Charleston to move forward with this long overdue project, despite the fact that the current budget requires the City to fund $45M for parking and public space. This equates to 60% of the total development cost, which crams a lot of density into a 3.5 acre triangular site at the intersection Sam Rittenberg and Old Towne Road.

While the plan is impressive for such a complicated parcel, the question remains as to whether this is a good investment - even curtailed as currently contemplated - or even a necessary investment for the City to make to achieve its goals for the revitalization of West Ashley.

The argument Mayor Tecklenburg makes is that it will be “a fulfillment of the kind of investment that the city should be making for the citizens of West Ashley,” and a recent editorial agreed, urging the City to act, because going back to the drawing board would “compound the delay” of the current six year design process, and that any alternative would have an “unknown impact on the city’s cost.” This perspective, however well-intended, is linear in nature and prioritizes political promises over meaningful progress for West Ashley’s revitalization.

Last week City Council voted to kick the can down the road another 60 days, requesting the developer start over on the design in an effort to get the costs down without sacrificing the quality, because, as one councilman put it, “you get what you pay for.” There is also the understandable concern that all the current special tax revenue from the Sam Rittenberg corridor will be funneled into just this one project, versus being more equitably distributed across the entire overlay district, which has seen little activity since it was established 6 years ago.

It is a lot of money for something that doesn’t have guaranteed results. This is disappointing to me, especially when there is a better alternative that is more fiscally responsible.

I have proposed the idea of designing and redeveloping the city’s property with the entire 30 plus acre Ashley Landing site. For some background, this is a world I know - I have spent the past 25 years redeveloping sites like this (Cigar Factory, GARCo Mill), and I have successfully completed several complicated public private partnerships that include Workforce Housing, public green space, and government offices. Given the headwinds of the macro- economy, my plan offers a far more realistic option that is fiscally responsible, better for the neighborhood, and better for the site. The simple fact is that redeveloping a combined 35-acre site versus a triangular 3.5 acre stand-alone parcel will multiply the positive impact the city is so desperately trying to achieve for West Ashley, and it will do it in a far more financially responsible way.

Maybe it will take longer - but it doesn’t have to. Let’s not forget that the City controls the process. Since it is now back at square one trying to redesign its own site, it should also request an alternative plan and budget from the Ashley Landing owners and/or a joint development plan from the Landmark team. The City can draft a simple Development Agreement that lays out the conditions required to move forward on the joint redevelopment. This should include an affordability component and lower scale apartments across the two parcels, public meeting space and green space that would meet or exceed what is currently proposed in the current plan (and be better and more safely placed), a wholistic stormwater plan for the entire site, pedestrian connections to the neighborhoods to the South, safer ingress and egress, public transportation improvements, and a timeline by which it all needs to be done.

Just because something has been worked on for years doesn’t mean it is the right or the responsible thing to do. Timing is everything, and when a golden opportunity like responsibly redeveloping the entire site presents itself, the City needs to have the leadership, vision, and resolve to - at minimum - give it a very serious look. The current plan isn’t going away - the City controls it - but given there is a very real opportunity to redevelop 35 acres versus 3.5 acres that 1) won’t cost the City a dime, 2) will generate far more tax revenue that can be used for other initiatives outlined in the West Ashley Revitalization Plan, and 3) will deliver a much larger and better designed catalyst project for this long neglected part of Charleston, the choice should be clear. All the City has to do is not let politics get in the way and allow the opportunity. I stand firm in my belief that it is the right and the responsible thing to do.

Endorsement from Charles Steinert, West Ashley Resident and Former Board of Architectural Review Chairman

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 03:41:38 GMT

"William opened the door for conversation and closed the door on confrontation." - Charles Steinert

Commentary: There’s a better way forward for this West Ashley gateway

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:42:06 GMT

Commentary: There’s a better way forward for this West Ashley gateway

By William Cogswell

published in The Post & Courier

April 6, 2023

Click here to read article on The Post & Courier website.

April 6, 2023 - The city of Charleston has an incredible opportunity to create an iconic gathering place at the intersection of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road, but it will require leadership and vision to create the catalyst for this area’s long overdue revitalization.

Located at the intersection of two of West Ashley’s main arteries, the site consists of two tracts that together comprise more than 35 acres: the much smaller Sumar Street site owned by the city (3.5 acres of vacant land commonly referred to as the old Piggly Wiggly site) and the much larger privately owned Ashley Landing property (home to the current Publix shopping center). For years, the highly visible Sumar Street site has been an eyesore that has come to symbolize West Ashley’s neglect on behalf of the city.

This week, the city’s long-delayed updated plans for the redevelopment of the Sumar Street tract were presented in executive session of City Council, and the public price tag has exploded to a reported $45 million — a number that is well beyond the realm of reality. This is due to cost overruns, expensive underground parking and interest rates nearly tripling in the six years since the city took ownership.

At the same time, the owners of Ashley Landing have been under fire for proposing the relocation of Publix, in part to accommodate a high-density market-rate apartment complex. This has resulted in a standstill that has neighbors extremely frustrated with no leadership charting a productive course forward.

I believe there is a solution to this compounding problem: The city needs to insist that these two parcels be designed, engineered and redeveloped together. It is the right thing to do in that it would allow the relocation of Publix (replacing a Big Lots and a Dollar Tree) and the building of a residential and retail product that would be more in scale with the neighborhood (think Avondale). My proposed course of action would include 20% affordable units, more public green space and amenities than currently contemplated in the Sumar plan, a more comprehensive stormwater design to mitigate flooding, better access to public transportation and an exciting opportunity for public art to welcome residents and visitors to an integral part of our city that has been neglected for far too long.

To be clear: I have no vested interest in either property, except that I see an opportunity for a win-win. I have met with many of the concerned neighbors, along with the owners of the Ashley Landing property. All are ready and willing to flush out the details that work for all parties and to adhere to the principles and guidelines outlined in the West Ashley Revitalization Plan, which to date has seen little to no activity.

But the city alone holds the cards as to which way this will go: It owns the Sumar Street site and more importantly can dictate, through a development agreement, where future tax-increment financing funds will go. The city’s current plan is, in my mind, a highly irresponsible use of public dollars in that whatever limited TIF funding is produced would all be needed to subsidize an over-market project that doesn’t come close to working financially. It is yet another example of a ham-fisted government solution that is well beyond a day late and well over a dollar short.

By comparison, what I have outlined will provide far more revenue (about $3 million annually) that could be used to ensure a lower height and scale residential-retail product complete with a real component of affordability and more public space and amenities than the city’s Sumar plan. It also could provide street, sidewalk, public transportation and drainage improvements, as well as an awesome opportunity for public art at the “suicide merge” that slows traffic and welcomes people to West Ashley. Thirty-five acres versus 3.5 acres transformed in a fiscally responsible way that adds to and enhances our city’s character is hard to argue with.

The question is: Will city leadership continue to stand back and let the higher-density option with no affordability component move forward, which the owner can do by right, while the city continues to fumble its own redevelopment next door, which it has been planning for more than six years with nothing to show except a blown budget?

Or will the city take off its blinders and recognize the incredible leverage it has to make a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial plan happen?

We need leadership and vision — this is a world I know — and, to me, the answer is crystal clear.

William Cogswell, a developer and former S.C. House member, is a candidate for mayor of Charleston.

Statement on Union Pier by William Cogswell, Charleston Mayoral Candidate

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:21:40 GMT

Statement on Union Pier by William Cogswell, Charleston Mayoral Candidate

March 2, 2023 (Charleston, SC) - Now, more than ever, our city needs strong, proactive leadership, and Union Pier is but one recent example of this.

To date, our city’s leadership has played a passive, reactive role when it comes to the handling of this once in a lifetime redevelopment opportunity.

Nearly three years ago, the South Carolina Ports Authority hired Lowe to get the permitting and zoning in place to sell Union Pier. Since then, they have tried to incorporate community feedback while balancing their financial objectives prior to submitting their proposed PUD to the city.

This PUD, likely to go before the city’s Planning Commission in the coming months, understandably has citizens incredibly anxious about its high density, limited public space and the economic uncertainty of its infrastructure costs.

To me, it is clear that this anxiety is the fault of our city leadership’s negligence over the past three years.

During the time that the Ports Authority and Lowe were fastidiously working on their plan, the city was not working on its own plan and objectives , nor were they running any sort of models as to how the expensive infrastructure required would be funded.

In failing to craft its own vision, guiding principles, and economic analysis over a nearly three year period, city leadership has allowed itself and its citizens to be backed into a corner.

Now, the city is on its heels trying to give a rushed response to meet an arbitrary timeline that it has full control over. From my experience as a developer of historic properties, this tactic will, at best, produce only marginally better results for the city. Our citizens deserve better.

A strong, proactive leader would have led with vision , anticipating this potential outcome years before this inevitable juncture at which we now find ourselves. The city must slow down this process to ensure it has time to responsibly address the density and mass issues at hand and conduct independent financial analysis on the infrastructure requirements.

From my time in the Legislature and experience in business, I know that there are alternatives that can both support the Port and enhance the public realm and character of Charleston. This is a world I know, and how we respond to this opportunity to redevelop our waterfront in a meaningful way will impact our city for centuries to come.

If elected as your next mayor on this and all similar development and revitalization issues across our city - from West Ashley to Daniel Island - I will be the proactive, visionary leader Charleston desperately needs.

Cogswell’s Campaign for Mayor Posts Explosive Numbers in Fourth Quarter

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 04:52:08 GMT

THE FORMER STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE OUTRAISES INCUMBENT MAYOR TECKLENBURG BY $85,000

JANUARY 11, 2023 (Charleston, SC) - Supporters of William Cogswell’s campaign for Charleston Mayor have contributed over $129,000 in just the last quarter after he announced his candidacy in mid-October - considerably outpacing other candidates by a large margin. In Q4, Incumbent Mayor Tecklenburg raised only $44,000, Clay Middleton raised just $29,000, and Peter Shahid raised just over $27,000. Cogswell’s fundraising numbers show strong, local support for the former State House Representative in the 2023 race.

“These strong numbers are an indicator of the vast support William has across Charleston,” said Deja Knight McMillan, Director of Communications for Cogswell’s campaign. “William Cogswell’s plan for Charleston is strongly resonating with the people who live here.”

Cogswell has already received bipartisan support through endorsements from State Representative Wendell Gilliard (D) and former U.S. District Attorney and former House Representative Peter McCoy (R).

“I am overwhelmed by the financial support our campaign has received in such a short time,” said William Cogswell. “These resources allow us to get out and earn the votes of citizens all across our great city. I’m honored to be leading the field and excited to get out and talk to voters about what they care about most.”

Details of his qualifications, platform, and sign-up form for his mailing list can be found at www.cogswellformayor.com .

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Deja Knight with Pearl Public Relations at deja@pearlprfirm.com.

Media Contact:

Deja Knight McMillan

Pearl Public Relations

843.412.0421

Deja@pearlprfirm.com

cogswell-2022

Commentary: After 8 years of Tecklenburg, we need a mayor to actually lead Charleston

The Post & Courier

Commentary: After 8 years of Tecklenburg, we need a mayor to actually lead Charleston

by Marion Hawkins

﻿

Charleston Mayoral Candidate William Cogswell Will Officially File His Candidacy

CHARLESTON MAYORAL CANDIDATE WILLIAM COGSWELL WILL OFFICIALLY FILE HIS CANDIDACY

Commentary: West Ashley deserves the best solution for Sumar, not the quickest

Commentary: West Ashley deserves the best solution for Sumar, not the quickest

Cogswell’s Campaign for Mayor Leads in Q2 Fundraising Numbers

COGSWELL HAS OUTRAISED ALL OTHER CANDIDATES SINCE ENTERING THE RACE

Response to Post & Courier Editorial on Ashley Landing

William's Response to Post & Courier Editorial: It's decision time in West Ashley. City Council should show its hand.

By William Cogswell

April 18, 2023

Endorsement from Charles Steinert, West Ashley Resident and Former Board of Architectural Review Chairman

"William opened the door for conversation and closed the door on confrontation." - Charles Steinert

Commentary: There’s a better way forward for this West Ashley gateway

Commentary: There’s a better way forward for this West Ashley gateway

By William Cogswell

published in The Post & Courier

April 6, 2023

Statement on Union Pier by William Cogswell, Charleston Mayoral Candidate

Statement on Union Pier by William Cogswell, Charleston Mayoral Candidate

Cogswell’s Campaign for Mayor Posts Explosive Numbers in Fourth Quarter

THE FORMER STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE OUTRAISES INCUMBENT MAYOR TECKLENBURG BY $85,000