CARTA HAS FILED EMINENT DOMAIN!!!
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SAVE THE FAIR!!

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Protect Your Coastal Carolina Fair!


The CARTA Board of Directors has filed in court an eminent domain action and plans to condemn a portion of the fairgrounds so that they can take it away from The Exchange Club of Charleston.

We need your voice! Tell the CARTA Board and leadership how important the Coastal Carolina Fair is to our community.

Send a letter today urging them to explore other options for the proposed bus service. Together, we can protect this community cornerstone and ensure its legacy of giving continues.

Tell the CARTA Board and leadership to leave Fairground property alone!

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FACTS about CARTA's Land Grab

FACT:

The property CARTA plans to seize by eminent domain is private property owned by The Exchange Club Fair of Charleston, Inc.

FACT:

The Coastal Carolina Fair supports mass transit for the Tri-County community. We believe that there are other options available for CARTA to accomplish their mission of serving our community.

FACT:

CARTA has other options. There are other locations that are not part of the Fairgrounds property that address transportation needs without compromising the Coastal Carolina Fair's ability to fulfill its charitable mission.

FACT:

Losing a prime entrance gate and parking lot will eliminate massive revenue and it cannot be guaranteed that those using the park-and-ride facility will attend the Fair or that those who do attend using the facility will make up for the exponential harm done from losing the lot in the first place.

CARTA ridership rate has declined by 29% from 14.5 riders per hour in 2019 to 10.8 riders per hour in 2023. Fewer riders will not mean more Fair attendees.
Source: CARTA Board Meeting, August 2023

FACT:

The proposed CARTA map shows that the dedicated bus lane will end at University Blvd and I-26. Thus the buses will be on the same existing roads and in the same existing traffic on Hwy 78.
Source: CARTA

FACT:

A large portion of the 180 acres is within the gates and not available for parking. CARTA wants 6 acres of the primary 10 acre lot at the entrance to the fairgrounds which will make this gate unusable. That is 60% of the available parking in that lot. Additionally, CARTA has mentioned their intention to expand this facility in the future in their US Department of Transportation grant meaning more property could be at stake.
Source: US Dept of Transportation grant FAIN: SC-2023-030

FACT:

The Fair supports various local charitable organizations and nonprofits all across the Lowcountry aiding in crucial and even life saving initiatives. Over 11 million dollars have been donated back to the Lowcountry since 2003 and many charitable partners rely on the Fair’s support to be able to give back to thousands of those in need year round. The Fair also provides an opportunity for hundreds of small businesses and vendors to sell their goods and services, supporting the local economy and each vendor's individual livelihood.

FACT:

The current Fair Board of Directors was not made aware of this initiative until mid 2023 and no plans were ever finalized. CARTA has not made an offer to purchase any part of the fairgrounds but has vowed to seize private property owned by the Exchange Club Fair of Charleston by the power of Eminent Domain if it is not sold to them. CARTA also listed the property in the grant application without any agreement or approval from the Fair showing CARTA intended to take Fair property from the start.
Source: Dec 11, 2023 CARTA Press Release

Source: WCBD News 2, December 12, 2023 - Plans for park and ride facility on fairgrounds getting pushback

What's Happening & Why It Matters

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is moving forward with a plan to take ownership of portions of the Coastal Carolina Fair property to use as a mega bus stop. 

This proposed government land grab will hurt the Fair. It could result in the loss of a huge portion of Fair property and cause irreparable harm to the future success of the Fair and its ability to raise the revenue that is used to support local charities, first responders, military, and student scholarships.

The Fair and its partners support thousands of people in need and work to provide everyday necessities year round.The Fair also provides an opportunity for hundreds of small businesses and vendors to sell their goods and services, supporting the local economy and each vendor's individual livelihood.

If the Fair lost any bit of its property, it would negatively impact attendance and its ability to raise needed revenue for its Lowcountry charitable partners. 

The Coastal Carolina Fair’s Positive Impact Here In The Lowcountry:

  • Provided 2,000 Grants to Non-profits Since 2003

  • Provides Scholarships to Students Each Year

  • Donated Over $11 Million Back to the Community

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