A stretch of King Street will be changed to one-way traffic and police plan an increased presence this weekend in one of Charleston’s most popular districts for tourists and late-night revelers.
Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, members of Charleston City Council and Police Chief Luther Reynolds announced the series of public safety measures Tuesday during a press conference, with the bulk to be implemented along the street starting this weekend.
The increased police patrols comes after a fight involving roughly 100 people broke out in the area early Sunday, according to Reynolds. Several people suffered wounds related to stabbings and gunshots during the altercation, police incident reports have detailed.
Measures approved by Charleston officials include:
- Increased enforcement of all existing laws and regulations
- Converting vehicle traffic to one-way along King Street between Spring and Mary streets beginning at 9 p.m. each night, Thursday through Saturday. The northbound lane will be reserved for emergency vehicles only.
- Weekly prohibition of on-street parking and implementing tow-away zones between Spring and Mary streets 6 p.m.-3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays
- Additional lighting in some areas along King Street
- Overnight weekend street sweeping
- More frequent sidewalk and common area cleaning.
City police have reported least one arrest stemming from the Sunday night incident.
Stay cool. Support City Paper.
City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.