David's Platform

David believes Isle of Palms needs a true master plan for roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. Today, the island has a bike path from 10th Avenue to Breach Inlet, a connector path, and another along Waterway—yet no plan exists to connect them. Likewise, the long-discussed upgrades to Palm Boulevard from 21st to 41st Avenue remain unresolved. David believes traffic will not improve by doing nothing; a locked-in, coordinated plan is critical.

As the city finishes drainage improvements along Waterway to address high-priority problem areas, David emphasizes the importance of looking ahead. The Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan funded by the city has already identified additional vulnerable areas. Rather than waiting for the next crisis, David believes the city should begin planning the next round of drainage upgrades now.

The island’s dune system is more than just a scenic backdrop—it is a natural barrier against storm surge. These dunes protect not only oceanfront properties but also any properties below their height across the island. Because no one can predict when the next major storm will strike, David believes dune maintenance must be constant. He supports a 5–10 year capital improvement plan, with identified funding, to ensure that this natural defense is always maintained and strengthened.

David strongly believes Isle of Palms is well served by its city departments—including Police, Fire, Public Works, and Recreation. These services are first-rate and essential to island life. He will continue to support them as vital to residents’ safety, well-being, and quality of life.

The composition of island properties has shifted. What was once an even split—about one-third full-time residents, one-third second homes, one-third rentals—is now closer to 40% full-time, 20% second homes, and 40% rentals. Second homes, which once had low occupancy, are increasingly used full-time. At the same time, rental homes are adding both occupancy and bedrooms, further driving traffic and congestion. Data reviewed by the Planning Commission also shows rising rental occupancy rates and larger unit sizes. On top of that, the city sees 150–250 rental license turnovers each year.

Because of these trends, David supports a cap on rental licenses as long as residents' interests are addressed through an exemption on family inheritances and properties assessed at 4% at the time of license application.