We need your help! Our marketing team is looking for patrons of Eli’s to participate in a photoshoot for our social media platforms. What better way to spread the word about Eli’s than showcasing our regulars?
In exchange for your time and smiles, we will be offering some free food to all who participate. Couples, families, and friends are all invited to join. Let’s have some fun together!
If this interests you, please click the button below to fill out the form and get started.
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.
Looking for a rooftop experience to get great vibes, amazing sunsets and drinks with friends or loved ones? Here are a few suggestions in this new short video
5 Great Rooftop Bar experiences in Charleston, SC
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:
It is an exciting time of year for parents and children alike. It is time to rust off those brains that have been stored in beach and play mode for the last few months and sharpen your senses.
We have provided some online quiz links to see how well you know your home.
Are you ready?
Do you have a sharpened Samsung pen?
Did you do some Google prep?
Here we go
Charleston, SC Online Quizzes
The Ultimate Charleston, SC Quiz – How Stuff Works
How Charleston Are You – Charleston Magazine
Are You Smarter Than a South Carolina 3rd Grader?
How Charlestonian Are You? Charleston Daily Quiz
How Well Do You Know Your Charleston, SC Slang? Women.com
South Carolina State Quiz – Netstate.com
Good Luck!!!
By Mark A. Leon
In a day and age where all thoughts, emotions and testimonials can be summed up into a text or a social update, it becomes ever so important to express my deep and warm gratitude to those individuals with the imagination, admiration and love to give of themselves each and every day. To the people of of Charleston who welcome all, you are a blessing as strong as the power of all the churches, temples and sanctuaries.
To the amazing community of Charleston, through tolerance, patience and love, you have overcome adversity and trial to find hope in each sunrise.
As I reflect on events over the last several years, I’ve had nights of unanswered questions, lives lost well before their time and obstructions in the path of life.
From tears heard across another continent, to new lives being welcomed into the world, to parents watching their children laid to rest, to disaster ripping families from their homes; I have spent many a long quiet evening in a meditative state trying to piece this puzzle of life together.
Each time, I draw the same conclusion: It is in the outstretched arms of those that have continuously put others ahead of themselves, who have greeted every challenge with passion and hope and been that shoulder to lean on that I need to personally thank. You are the foundation of this wall that provides me shelter from the storm and fuels my drive.
The students at the College of Charleston, Citadel, Charleston Southern and Trident that are shaping our future, media that celebrates community, the small business owners that have created a culture of family and to the Southern allure that welcomes millions annually, we are indebted.
From Mother Emanuel to Hurricane Matthew to the rescue of sea turtles, the selfless acts of kindness and unconditional sense of community speak values.
I thank you
Sometimes, I lie out on the Folly Beach is the first sign of sunlight ordains the sky or an open field gazing upon the stars. Right at the moment it begins to sink in how small we are in the scheme of the universe and then fond memories rush through my head. Good refreshing memories that put a smile on my face. They are visual images of times I have spent with you; all of you. Each person that is important in my life has an equal piece of my heart and as you have and continue to shape who I am, I hope my actions and my words help you understand how you have given me all a man could ask for.
To our community, your love and devotion continues to give strength and energy. Thank you.
To the future, let us continue to unite, accept, love and grow.
Dear Casey,
I am here in Charleston, South Carolina, but feel so distanced from the home I once knew. From walking the streets of King and Morris less than 10 years ago, to the corporate takeover, Charleston has lost an identity that it has shaped for the last 350 years.
Ten years ago, Charleston breathes the air of a small town built on tradition, family values and a comforting feel of belonging. I took comfort walking the streets in a tee, shorts and flip flops saying hello to familiar faces and enjoying the comfort of my neighborhood downtown.
From Bob Ellis to Morris Sokol, generations of family owned businesses created a feeling of familiarity and comfort. All around, I witnessed the most majestic church steeples, while walking on sidewalks not yet crowded by nameless faceless people. It was a time when you could sit at a bar and get to know your bartender or get a beer and burger for $10.00. Parking was ample and the streets were safe of solicitation, loitering and petty crime.
Charleston was a home for those that lived the Lowcountry life with pride and simple small town appeal.
Something happened along the way. The people that maintained tradition, built relationships and make Charleston a home you loved every day got lost. Church steeples got replaced by cranes and multi-million dollar hotels. Rooftop bars became the new skyline. Prices went up, taxes increased, the streets become ambushed by tourism, streets fell apart, construction has been the only constant for five straight years and Lowcountry residents have turned away from the peninsula.
Once quaint boutique buildings, now parking garages, business districts or $600 a night hotels.
Then something even more devastating happened. Local family owned businesses began to close because long time patrons stopped fighting the invaders that the political engines welcomed with open arms. Construction and policies were designed for tourists leaving the locals in the dust.
We lost our identity in Charleston. We lost the home that was once ours. Yesterday, the Lowcountry spoke on Election Day and voted for change. They voted for affordable housing and a slow-down of the growth.
I don’t know what the future holds for Charleston, but I know it cannot continue in the direction it is moving.
I hope the leaders of today see that our children are growing up in a community with quality of education issues, water and health concerns, increased crime and driving fatalities, cost of living spiking faster than inflation, diminished infrastructure, long term flooding concerns and internal strife that is being ignored.
If we don’t take responsibility now, we may not have a tomorrow.
I pray for a return to innocence in Charleston. For a place that is safe and healthy and one that brings smiles to all its citizens.
Casey, can you please play “Come Back Song” by Darius Rucker to everyone that remembers a simpler and better Charleston.
By Mark A. Leon
Timelapse of the sunrise in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Filmed from Waterfront Park. March 26, 2022
Video by Trevor Erickson
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.
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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