Mount Pleasant’s Old Village residents are sounding the alarm about crumbling roads that threaten both safety and property values in one of Charleston’s most prestigious historic neighborhoods.

The deteriorating pavement throughout the Old Village has created potholes, uneven surfaces and drainage problems that residents say don’t match the multimillion-dollar homes lining the tree-canopied streets. Some homeowners report damage to vehicles from navigating the rough terrain, while others worry about emergency vehicle access during critical situations.

“When you’ve got three to five million dollar houses up and down the street, you’d expect the infrastructure to reflect that investment,” said longtime Old Village resident Margaret Thompson, whose Pitt Street home overlooks Charleston Harbor. “These roads look like they haven’t been properly maintained in decades.”

The Old Village, incorporated into Mount Pleasant in 1931, represents some of the Lowcountry’s most coveted real estate. Historic homes dating back to the 1800s sit alongside newer construction, all connected by a network of narrow roads that were never designed for modern traffic volumes.

Mount Pleasant Public Works Director James Mitchell acknowledged the challenges facing the Old Village’s aging infrastructure. The department has identified approximately 2.3 miles of roads requiring immediate attention, with total repair costs estimated between $800,000 and $1.2 million.

“We’re dealing with roads that were built for horse-drawn carriages, not SUVs and delivery trucks,” Mitchell explained. “The subsurface conditions near the water create additional complications for any major reconstruction project.”

The problem extends beyond simple aesthetics. Several residents have documented instances where ambulances and fire trucks struggled to navigate damaged sections of roadway. During Hurricane Ian’s aftermath last year, cleanup crews reported difficulty accessing certain areas due to road conditions.

Pitt Street resident David Chen, whose family moved to the Old Village five years ago, said he’s replaced two sets of tires and realigned his vehicle’s suspension system multiple times due to road damage.

“I love this neighborhood’s character and history, but driving home shouldn’t feel like an obstacle course,” Chen said. “My wife refuses to ride her bicycle on these streets anymore because of the safety concerns.”

The timing couldn’t be more challenging for Mount Pleasant officials. The town recently committed significant resources to other infrastructure projects, including the Coleman Boulevard widening and improvements to recreational facilities that serve sports programs throughout the community.

Town Council member Lisa Patterson, whose district includes the Old Village, said addressing the road conditions remains a priority despite budget constraints. She’s proposed a phased approach that would tackle the most dangerous sections first while seeking additional funding sources.

“We can’t ignore infrastructure needs in our historic neighborhoods while investing in new development,” Patterson stated during last week’s council meeting. “These residents deserve safe, well-maintained roads regardless of when their neighborhood was established.”

The South Carolina Department of Transportation has indicated willingness to assist with roads that connect to state routes, but the majority of Old Village streets fall under municipal jurisdiction. This leaves Mount Pleasant responsible for the bulk of repair costs.

Local contractor and Old Village resident Mike Roberts estimated that proper reconstruction would require completely rebuilding the road base in many areas. The proximity to water and mature tree root systems complicates the engineering requirements significantly.

“You can’t just throw some asphalt on top and call it fixed,” Roberts explained. “These roads need comprehensive reconstruction, which means higher costs but longer-lasting results.”

Several homeowners have taken matters into their own hands, hiring private contractors to repair the sections of roadway directly adjacent to their properties. While well-intentioned, these patchwork efforts create an inconsistent paving pattern that some argue makes the overall problem more noticeable.

The Old Village Neighborhood Association has organized a petition drive to present to Mount Pleasant officials at next month’s town council meeting. Association president Caroline Williams said more than 150 residents have signed the document requesting immediate action.

“We’re not asking for gold-plated roads,” Williams emphasized. “We just want safe passage through our own neighborhood without worrying about vehicle damage or emergency access issues.”

Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie acknowledged the legitimate concerns raised by Old Village residents. His administration is exploring various funding mechanisms, including special assessment districts and federal infrastructure grants that might offset municipal costs.

“The Old Village represents an important part of Mount Pleasant’s identity and tax base,” Haynie said. “We’re committed to finding solutions that address these infrastructure needs while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources.”

The town has scheduled a public hearing for February 15th to discuss potential funding options and timeline for Old Village road improvements. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input on prioritizing specific streets for initial repairs.

Meanwhile, Public Works crews have implemented temporary measures including pothole patching and improved drainage maintenance to address the most immediate safety concerns. However, officials acknowledge these stopgap solutions won’t resolve the underlying structural problems.

For now, Old Village residents continue navigating their historic neighborhood with extra caution, hoping that municipal leadership will soon match their community’s charm with infrastructure worthy of its reputation.