(North Charleston-AP) January 27, 2006 - It was supposed to be a hearing on the location of a road to a proposed shipping terminal, but State Senator Robert Ford did not like the location of the hearing itself.

The Charleston Democrat said officials had attendees packed in like sardines and compared the conditions to "slaves in the belly of a ship."

The meeting was the first chance residents had to comment on a proposed access road to a $545 million State Ports Authority terminal planned for the old Charleston Naval Base.

The meeting was held at a local community center. A new terminal will mean 11,000 additional vehicle trips a day through the area.

Ford and other elected officials have urged residents to contact lawmakers before making any deals to sell their land.

Posted 10:12am by Bryce Mursch