The Charleston Area Transportation Study (CHATS) Commits an Additional $14 Million to the Ashley River Crossing Project

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Regional Planning Organization Approves Funding Increase

NORTH CHARLESTON (April 18, 2022) – The Charleston Area Transportation Study (CHATS) policy committee today committed an additional $14 million in infrastructure funding to the City of Charleston’s Ashley River Crossing project. The planned bike-ped bridge will connect West Ashley and Downtown Charleston – and more than 100,000 residents – by establishing a safe route over the Ashley River for non-motorists where one currently does not exist.

City and Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government (BCDCOG) officials worked directly with SCDOT Secretary Christy Hall to secure the allocation, which will arrive through the regional “guideshare” funding program. BCDCOG, which administers the CHATS metropolitan planning organization, or MPO, leveraged federal and state money earmarked for Transportation Management Agencies.

“Our state-level partners recognized the regional significance of the Ashley River Crossing and the excellent plan in place for the project,” said CHATS Executive Director Ron Mitchum. “That was followed today by unanimous regional support from our board. The entire process is a textbook example of the collaboration and consensus we seek to build in these types of projects.” 

Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, “At a moment when our citizens are rightly demanding expanded transportation alternatives, Ashley River Crossing is a true game-changer for choice and mobility throughout the region. And on behalf of our city, I’d like to thank Secretary Christy Hall, Director Ron Mitchum and Charleston City Council for their ongoing and critical support of this vital project.”

Secretary Hall said the funding was intended, “to make things happen and get things done,” during Monday’s board meeting. The move comes as SCDOT plans to increase the resources available to COGs and MPOs across the state for projects that have been prioritized locally.

When combined with a variety of local and federal funding sources already in hand, this CHATS allocation brings the city within reach of the project’s estimated $41.2 million price tag, with just $1 million still needed. 

MPOs such as CHATS are responsible for carrying out urban transportation planning processes. CHATS is staffed by BCDCOG, which facilitates the MPO’s programs and initiatives across an 800-square-mile study area.

Also at Monday’s meeting, Charleston County Councilman Herb Sass was voted in as CHATS chairman, succeeding Dorchester County Councilman George Bailey. Hanahan Mayor Christie Rainwater was selected by the board to take over for Sass as vice chair.

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ABOUT CHATS

The Charleston Area Transportation Study (CHATS) is the region’s designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which is responsible for carrying out the area’s urban transportation planning process. CHATS is staffed by BCDCOG, which facilitates programs and initiatives across an 800-square-mile study area, and is governed by a Policy Committee Board representing governmental and transportation-related organizations from throughout its coverage area. Learn more about CHATS by visitingbcdcog.com/transportation.

The Folly Boat and Folly Community Support Ukraine

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By Mark A Leon

Folly Beach has always shown its commitment and support during times of need from loss to hurricane relief. This weekend, their love went international with a benefit to support the families of Ukraine held at The Washout on Saturday.

One of the most pronounced symbols of Folly and the Lowcountry since Hurricane Hugo continues to be our beloved Folly Boat.

Showcasing the beautiful gold and blue of Ukraine, the boat is now for the moment a symbol of our continued support for all those suffering in Ukraine.

Here are some images:

Short Film: “From Beyond” – Filmed entirely in Charleston, SC

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Professional actor Michael Easler performs a scene from H.P. Lovecraft’s, From Beyond. “From Beyond” is a short story in the horror genre.

Lovecraft is also known for his science fiction stories. Filmed on location in Charleston, South Carolina by local filmmaker Trevor Erickson.

The ancient cobblestone alleyways of Charleston, with its history of ghosts & possibly supernatural forces, are a fitting locale for the telling of one of Lovecraft’s tales.

New Navy destroyer departs Ingalls, headed for commissioning in Charleston, SC

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Guided missile destroyer Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) sailed away from its berth at Ingalls Shipbuilding recently, headed for Charleston, S.C., where it will be commissioned next month.

“Watching Frank E. Petersen Jr. sail away demonstrates what this shipyard is capable of, even in the face of a pandemic,” said Donny Dorsey, Ingalls vice president of operations and previously DDG 121 ship program manager. “The Ingalls Shipbuilding team, and all those that contribute to the mission, are the best.

Caption: Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) navigates in the Gulf of Mexico during bravo trials. (Lance Davis/Huntington Ingalls Industries)

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Introducing WePickle, Charleston’s First Youth Pickleball Summer Camp

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Charleston, South Carolina’s First Youth Pickleball Summer Camp hosted by WePickle.

Early Drop off at 8:00 AM

Cost: $30.00 a week

Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Half Day Sessions (9-12pm or 1-4pm) at $150 per week
Full Day Sessions (9–4pm) at $300 per week

Located at the North Charleston Athletic Center.

Go to https://wepicklechs.com/ for more information

About WePickle CHS

What We Do

We introduce and promote the sport of pickleball to all ages.  Our goal is to encourage physical and mental wellness among every generation.  We offer Pickleball Lessons, Family & Group Pickleball Training Classes and Youth Pickleball Clinics along with hosting tournaments and leagues in the Charleston SC area.       

Youth Mentorship

While we are committed to helping the youth of Charleston learn Pickleball, we are also mentoring them to have a more successful future. Blending Youth Pickleball Lessons with social-emotional learning provides crucial life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, healthier relationships and responsible decision-making skills. 

Our Winning Philosophy

In addition, our Youth Pickleball players have a sense of comradery and belonging among each other.  Through their pickleball lessons, they are eager to engage with different cultures, resulting in better communication and teamwork, which bridges Charleston communities together.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTzQEdxom1I

The Top 7 Reasons Why You Should Live in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina- New Video by Lively Charleston

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Charleston, South Carolina is the best city in the world and one of our country’s most desirable places to live. From the history & culture to the beaches & shopping, to the restaurants & real estate… Charleston has something for everyone!

Our mission at Lively Charleston is to tell the stories of the amazing people, places, and businesses in our city.

In this Lively Charleston episode, we’re breaking down the top 7 reasons to live in Mount Pleasant South Carolina.

Named an All-American city for the 2nd time in 2018, Mount Pleasant has quickly become one of the most desirable locations for people to call home in the Charleston area!

  • 1. Access to Beaches
  • 2. Historical Sites
  • 3. Shopping
  • 4. Restaurants
  • 5. Shem Creek
  • 6. Education
  • 7. Ravenel Bridge

Cabana Burgers & Shakes Opening Second Location in Mount Pleasant on April 13, 2022

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CHARLESTON, SC – April 12, 2022 – Johns Island favorite, Cabana Burgers & Shakes, will start serving up its gourmet, smash-style burgers and delightful shakes to Mount Pleasant guests starting Wednesday, April 13 at 4 p.m. at their second location at 2664 N Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant. 

With a menu offering delicious and carefully sourced burgers, inventive sandwiches and fun milkshakes, Cabana is a wonderful place to visit with family and friends. The new Brickyard location will welcome guests to its tropical, bright space with indoor seating as well as a full bar and seven TVs for watching major sporting events of all kinds. A relaxing, pet friendly patio with their signature Kid Zone is underway to open in the coming months. Cabana Burger Brickyard will also host weekly events such as trivia, bingo and live music. 

Not-to-be-missed burgers found only at their new location include the Brickyard Brisket Burger with mouthwatering slow cooked brisket and housemade horseradish cheddar cheese, the Hangover Burger with two juicy patties and an over-easy egg, The Moultrie with double patties topped with handcrafted green chile queso, turkey chili and fresh pico de gallo and haystack onions, and last but not least, The Boone Hall Black ‘N Bleu with chargrilled onions and applewood smoked bacon. Any of their specialty burgers are the perfect pair to one of their unique shakes with options to make it boozy for those 21+ by adding a liquor floater. 

“It’s been a joy to serve so many wonderful guests on Johns Island since 2019, and we couldn’t be more excited to get to know our new neighbors in Mount Pleasant,” says Owner and Chef Mike Petrillo. 

Petrillo was also chef and owner behind former Johns Island staples Lokal Seabar and Crave Smokehouse. With experience in dozens of restaurants both in the U.S. and internationally, Petrillo brings his passion for exceptional food and commitment to serving his local community to every concept – and the new Cabana Burger Brickyard will be no exception. He is thrilled to engrain himself in Mount Pleasant and have Cabana be the go-to family friendly spot with fresh, delicious food and a fun neighborhood vibe. 

Cabana Burger Brickyard will be open seven days a week for dinner from 4-10 p.m. with the bar closing at 11 p.m. They look forward to adding lunch service in the coming weeks. 

Photo Credit: Aleece Sophia