City of Charleston leaders move forward on plans for Clements Ferry Road fire station

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – City of Charleston leaders plan to move forward and begin the process of purchasing a site for fire station 20.

The plot of land they hope to purchase is at 2637 Clements Ferry Road, where a truck business currently sits. This comes officials identified four possible sites, and settled on this space as it is most preferrable for building, rather than the original.

“The Clements Ferry corridor looks a lot different than it did 20 years ago when this became a fire station,” said Boyd Gregg, city council member for district one, said.

Officials said the current station is outdated and in need of improvements. This includes updating the bay capacity, equipment storage, and accommodations.

“I mean it’s pretty simple, it’s beyond it’s useful life. It’s in pretty rough shape and it doesn’t fit the needs of a modern fire department. So, we need to replace it,” Gregg said.

In a public safety meeting, on Feb. 18, council members discussed how the new location would best serve the community as growth and development continues in the area. Leaders said this has been an ongoing issue since 2018.

“It’s literally kind of across the road from where we were originally looking at trying to make it work, but this would be a condemnation,” William Cogswell, mayor of the City of Charleston, said. “I think after assessing all the different options and just given how critical this is and for this area and how fast the Cainhoy Peninsula is growing.”

The development across the road will also prompt a new stoplight, creating a four-way stop at Beresford Run and Clements Ferry Road. Officials said that they believe this would not impact the new fire station.

“I think the most direct access to Clements Ferry Road is the best to get the response times down and help improve access,” Gregg said.

The proposed fire station is expected to have three bay and around 25 parking spaces. Officials continue to work on plans for another new station, Fire Station 22, further north of the peninsula.