Mount Pleasant, SC

Mount Pleasant Couple Takes Over CrossFit Charleston

August 3, 2018 by 0 Comments
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CHARLESTON, S.C. – One of the Charleston area’s longest-running CrossFit facilities has new owners. Mount Pleasant couple Clint and Holly Fisher have purchased CrossFit Charleston just off Clements Ferry Road.

They purchased CrossFit Charleston from Joshua Hartzell, who helped start the local affiliate almost 10 years ago. Hartzell is a former active duty military veteran, private security specialist, and police officer. He accepted a new job opportunity out of state, so was looking to sell the “box” as it’s known in the CrossFit world. 
 
With more than 80 members, CrossFit Charleston is located at 450 Deanna Lane off Clements Ferry Road in Wando. It offers a variety of group class times plus a detailed on-boarding process for those looking to try CrossFit for the first time. 
 
CrossFit is a fitness regimen developed by CEO and founder Greg Glassman over several decades. CrossFit is defined as constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. All the WODs (workout of the day) are easily scaled to accommodate all fitness levels or physical limitations. 
 
Clint Fisher is a cybersecurity contractor at Cambridge International Systems, supporting the U.S. Department of Defense. He became interested in CrossFit in 2010, earning his Level 1 certificate for coaching as well as certifications in CrossFit Mobility and CrossFit Endurance. 
 
“I grew up on a small farm in Arkansas, working long hours outside. When I left for college and then later joined the Air Force, I never found anything fitness related that I really enjoyed or felt was really making me fit,” Clint Fisher said. “When I found CrossFit, it was like a homecoming, and it not only became my workout, but my lifestyle. If you want lifelong fitness and longevity, you can’t go wrong with CrossFit.”
 
Holly Fisher is the CEO of Fisher Creative, a marketing and public relations firm in Mount Pleasant. She attended her first CrossFit class in 2010 and was immediately hooked. 
 
“I was never an athletic person who grew up playing sports, but when I found CrossFit, I became an athlete,” Holly Fisher said. “I love how CrossFit makes you better physically and mentally. And that’s largely thanks to the community of athletes at our local box. I’m excited to invite even more people into CrossFit Charleston where we can help them become the very best version of themselves.” 
 
For more information about CrossFit Charleston, visit www.crossfitcharleston.fitness or call 843-790-5811.

Charleston Parks Conservancy Unveils Plans for Improvements, Beautification at Hampton Park, Upper Peninsula

August 2, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Public invited to ice cream social to learn more about the Conservancy’s work
and upcoming park projects

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Parks Conservancy is inviting the public to an ice cream social to learn more about the nonprofit organization’s decade-long efforts to improve Charleston’s public parks, including forthcoming improvements at Hampton Park and Corrine Jones Park. Interested neighbors and park users can “get the scoop” at the event from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at the pavilion near the lagoon.

Community members can enjoy frozen treats from Pelican’s SnoBalls and The Ice Cream Team along with family friendly activities while reviewing plans for improvements to Hampton Park’s shuttered concession stand and the addition of a major new ornamental garden space around the facility, a new community vegetable garden at Corrine Jones Park, and new park programs such as the Conservancy’s Jazz Brunch series.

The Conservancy’s overall goal is to enliven and improve the experience at Hampton Park and other upper peninsula parks. Locals and visitors already spend a great deal of time in these parks, walking, jogging, attending events and more. These planned improvements will enhance already-beloved public spaces. The Conservancy previously renovated Allan Park, Corrine Jones Park, and McMahon Playground at Hampton Park. With the help of dedicated neighborhood volunteers, the Conservancy was able to replace outdated playground equipment, add extensive flower beds and create safer and more enjoyable spaces for children and families.

These next projects build on this previous work, furthering the Conservancy’s goal to create beautiful public spaces that encourage people to connect with their parks.

In the first phase, the Conservancy will revitalize the former concession stand and surrounding landscape at Hampton Park into a gathering space for community members as well as a place to host family and social gatherings, culinary pop-ups, plus neighborhood and cultural events.

In addition, the Conservancy will show conceptual plans for the restoration of the historic park cottage and new multi-use community center on the north side of the park as well as a proposed new community vegetable garden at Corrine Jones Park. All the proposed park improvements will be privately funded. Representatives from the Charleston Parks Conservancy will be on hand and available to answer questions about the projects and the Conservancy’s overall work in local parks.

“We’re excited to share these plans with the community and demonstrate how we’ll be turning underused parts of these parks into more vibrant, beautiful spaces that will become hubs of community activity,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “These improvements will allow more residents to use and enjoy some of the city’s most beloved parks.”

Over the last decade, the Conservancy has been dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public spaces and a strong community. It has spearheaded park renovation and beautification projects all around the city, including Colonial Lake, Tiedemann Park and Nature Center, Chapel Street Fountain Park, Cannon Park, Wragg Square, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Allan Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Medway Park and Community Garden, the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway, and many more.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public places and a strong community. With the help of its volunteer Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

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Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media:
Twitter / Instagram @charlestonparks
Facebook www.facebook.com/CharlestonParksConservancy

Food & Bev

Balao: Rooftop Views & All the Seafood – Featuring Cookin’ With Booze

July 29, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Featured Charleston Food Blogger Cookin’ With Booze

Charlestonians are suckers for two things: seafood and rooftops. Balao is catering to these needs by serving their dynamic menu on a beautiful rooftop deck. Dynamic is almost an understatement, because they change their menu daily to ensure ultimate freshness. It’s so exciting that you could go back to Balao 3 days in a row and have a different experience every time. Now that the weather is warming up, Balao is going to be the new hotspot to enjoy fresh seafood paired with refreshing cocktails.

Must-try dishes

Ceviche

 

I’ve had many versions of ceviche in Charleston, and I have to say that Balao’s is one of my favorites. The fish was tender, the lime juice added a brightness, and the jalapeño was sliced so thin that it added the perfect amount of spice to each bite. It was served with chips that were seasoned with spices besides salt (why don’t more people do that?) and they were a crunchy vehicle to transport as much ceviche into my mouth as possible.

Ahi Tuna Nachos

As you can tell from the photo, these nachos are a show stopper. The earthy and spicy blackened tuna coated in the creamy poblano queso is a bite you won’t soon forget. Italians would not approve of this seafood and cheese mix, but I think if they tasted this dish with a blindfold on, they would be okay with it. Apart from the flavor of the nachos being amazing, there was a great distribution of toppings on each chip. The toppings to chip ratio is important because we all have that one friend who steals all the loaded chips.

Shrimp & Squid Ink Grits

I can already see people skipping over the Shrimp & Grits on the menu because “they’ve had it before,” but DON’T. This shrimp & grits has squid ink grits (to enhance the seafoodiness), duck & tasso ham gravy, sweet Yum Yum peppers (mini bell peppers), and ramps. The grits were creamy, the gravy was smoky and rich, and I wanted to shovel this whole dish into ma pie hole. Try it out, even if you’re a shrimp and grits non-believer.

Cocktails fit for rooftop-sippin’

The Summer Rose

I’m sure all of us have tried and failed to soak a watermelon in alcohol and make it taste good, but Balao figured it out for us. The Summer Rose features pureed, rosé-soaked watermelon, tequila, elderflower, mint, and topped with sparkling rosé. It sounds like it would be really sweet, but the tequila tamped down the sweetness of the watermelon for a refreshing result.

The Irie

Drinking The Irie makes you want to be on a beach in the Caribbean, but Folly will have to do for now. The ingredients practically hit you over the head with their tropicality. There’s spiced rum, coconut water, grilled pineapple, and Falernum. The grilled pineapple garnish is soaked in rum and our server said it was “basically a shot.” They might be making shots a little too delicious over at Balao…

If you’re looking for a switch up from your routine seafood restaurants, check out Balao. The Ahi Tuna nachos alone will convince you to keep coming back.

To learn more about great Charleston dining experiences, follow Cookin’ With Booze

Mccrae and Laney: A Charleston Love Story – From Proposal to Marriage for a Charleston Southern Couple

July 27, 2018 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

On June 16, 2018, in an intimate wedding ceremony in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Mccrae Paxton Carroll and Alyssa Ray Carroll pledged a lifetime together in front of family, friends and loved ones, but their journey started with a carriage ride, a song and a proposal in White Point Garden in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina.  Most often, it is the quiet stories, without fanfare, without mass media that truly define the Lowcountry spirit.

The story of these two young Charleston Southern lovers is one of those beautiful human interest stories of love and commitment and we were fortunate to play a small role.  One day, a close friend Hannah reached out to us from an article we wrote entitled, 11 Memorable Places to Propose in Charleston, South Carolina, and asked for our help developing an idea for the best proposal.

We provided some ideas, and then Team Mccrae and Laney put together a beautiful proposal idea that consisted of a carriage ride through historic downtown Charleston, a song and a pledge of eternal love.  With Mccrea’s background in music, it was clear that was an important part of their lives together and had to be a part of the proposal.

As true with some many memorable moments we witness, one lose sight of the rest of the story.  We were able to acquire pictures from their wedding last month in Maggie Valley, North Carolina and wanted to share their story from proposal to marriage with our readers

Today, the Carroll’s live in a small apartment in Charleston, while they finish their academic studies at Charleston Southern, his in Psychiatry and her in Nursing.  They are so excited to start their lives together as husband and wife with plans to raise a family here in the Lowcountry.

To Maccrae and Laney, we wish you a life of happiness and wonder.  Thank you for letting us play a small role in your happiness.

Charleston, South Carolina Among Top 10 Fastest Growing Mid-Sized Metro Economies in the Nation

July 26, 2018 by 1 Comment
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Recently released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show which mid-sized metros have the fastest growing economies for 2017. Growth is measured by the percentage change in employment between the annual average of 2016 and 2017. Headlight Data ranks employment growth for 55 mid-sized metros (500,000 up to 1 million people) in the U.S.

In 2017, U.S. employment grew 1.4%. Among mid-sized metros, the highest growth is found in Provo (4.8%), Boise City (3.7%), and Stockton (3.7%. Ogden, Palm Bay, and Colorado Springs follow.

Coming in at #9 is Charleston, South Carolina with a growth rate 2.34%, almost 1% ahead of the United States growth rate.

The lowest employment growth is found in Youngstown (-1.7%), Bridgeport (-0.9%), and Wichita (-0.8%). Toledo, Baton Rouge, and Syracuse follow.

Complete report and analysis

Data Provided by headlightdata.com

 

Straight Talk from Mayor John Tecklenburg – A Message from Our Mayor

July 26, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Many of you may have received a letter today from the Mayor.  For those that have not seen, here is the transcript from the Mayor where he discusses flooding, affordable living, traffic, government and community.

Letter from the Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina

Good morning.

I hope you’re having a good week, but I know that last week’s excessive flooding has caused major inconveniences for too many of our citizens, and real damage to others. I can assure you that flooding and the impact of higher tides, which not only put immediate pressure on storm water systems but also pose a more long-term challenge, are a top priority for me — one that I think about when I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night.  More on this later.

As I hope you know, Sandy and I have in the past two and a half years attended every function, neighborhood association meeting and public event humanly possible, and we will continue on this track.  (Some of our events in just last week included reading to children at our city’s first continuing Freedom School, attending the 200th anniversary service at Mother Emanuel AME and working with our friends and colleagues at the 2018 SC Municipal Association Conference.) Fortunately this has given me the opportunity to listen and talk with many citizens, but I know given the size of our City, I have not done as well as I would like communicating and sharing with more of you what we know about our special city’s challenges and opportunities.

Accordingly, this is the first of my weekly updates, so you will better understand what your Mayor does, what we accomplish and some of the outstanding challenges and opportunities we are addressing every day.

Extreme Rain Bomb and Flash Flooding in Charleston

I regret that many in the City were affected by the deluge of rain that fell upon us on Friday, and I feel your frustration and pain.  I happened to be attending the annual SC Municipal Association Meeting (ironically, working on additional funding sources for drainage projects) and fortunately when we returned to town early Friday evening the waters had mostly receded.  The worst impact was the closure of the Septima Clark Parkway, or Crosstown.  The City is currently in Phase 3 of a 5-phase project that is expensive (approximately $ 160,000,000) under a multi year plan with the projected completion to be in 2022.  The immense project includes a massive pump station between the Ashley River Bridges that will essentially evacuate storm water from a nearly 600-acre section of our City, including all of the Septima Clark Parkway.  According to the best engineers money can buy, we are told that upon completion, the kind of event that occurred Friday will be a thing of the past.  I know this has been taking longer than any of us would like and it is not currently mitigating the effects of very heavy rains, but the construction necessitates a sequence of projects, all of which have timelines.  The good news is that the funding is in place and it’s under construction, so real relief is in sight.

In the meantime, as we have experienced more and more extreme weather events, I ask that our citizens keep in mind and work with the city and your neighbors to:

  • Pay close attention to the weather and tidal reports.  If you are in a low-lying area, please take those steps to protect yourself and your property.  Be proactive.
  • While our capable staff inspects the storm water systems on a regular basis it would be helpful if you could help check nearby drains, pipes, and ditches and let us know if they are not free of debris in front of your homes or business.  If unable to clear debris, please contact the City Customer Service Hotline at 724-7311 to request service.  You may also “adopt-a-drain” on the City’s website by clicking here. This is a new City initiative to keep our eyes on drains and keep storm water flowing.
  • Please do not attempt to drive on any street that appears to be impassable.

Progress with Traffic and Transportation:

I’m proud that my colleagues on City Council and I gave first reading to our new Citywide Transportation Plan, with final passage expected next month.  Much thanks to our Traffic and Transportation Director, Keith Benjamin, for his incredible efforts in bringing this plan forward.  And thanks, too, to the literally hundreds of citizens who participated along the way.  You may view the plan by clicking here.

The plan identified transportation policies such as “Complete Streets” that are to be updated, as well as 13 specific projects for transportation and public safety improvement.  The most important aspect of the plan is that it dovetails with the regional Council of Governments transportation plan, meaning that our projects are prioritized for future funding. In the meantime, as we await final Council approval in August, we are already working on a number of the specific projects included in the recommendations.

Affordable Housing is a Priority

Sandy and I were honored to be a part of the dedication of a new affordable housing community built on James Island, which is an important component of the diversity of our city. The City partnered with Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, which recently celebrated its 40th birthday and is the 3rd oldest chapter of Habitat.  The lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes have an affordable price tag of $69,000/unit with financing based on ability to pay.  It was eye-opening to discover that the land cost and infrastructure for each lot was $72,000/unit, more than the cost of the home itself.  This is because of the heavy lifting by Habitat’s amazing and tirelessly committed volunteers.  I will be bringing a set of proposals to City Council soon to reduce costs (impact fees, inspections, permitting, etc.) wherever possible to further increase the stock of affordable housing in our City.

What’s Going on In City Government?

I share below information from the City of Charleston on upcoming events, activities, and services.  I hope this helps you better understand how much is happening throughout the city and the countless numbers of hours volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses and city staff are investing in making our city the best we can be.

Committee on Community Development
July 26, 4:30 PM @ City Hall, Council Chamber

Board of Architectural Review – Small
July 26, 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM @ Gaillard Center Public Meeting Room

Ad Hoc Budget Committee
July 27, 3:30 PM @ 116 Meeting Street, First Floor Conference Room

Commission on Disability Issues
July 27, 4:00 PM @ 2 George Street: Public Meeting Room, First Floor

Maybank Highway Public Zoning Workshop
July 30 and 31, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
MORE: Charleston County and City of Charleston Planning Departments will co-host two public workshops on the proposed Maybank Highway and Main Road Zoning District., The workshops will provide staff with public input regarding land use, zoning, and development standards along Maybank Highway and Main Road. The purpose of this collaborative planning effort is to create consistent land use, zoning, and development requirements between the County and City, and for the County to create a new Main Road Overlay Zoning District. Attendees will be encouraged to provide feedback through a community survey, comment cards, and a public comment session. These are the first public workshops regarding the Maybank Highway and Main Road corridors, which will take place over the next year.

I hope this newsletter has been helpful. Thanks for taking the time to review, and please share any comments and suggestions.

I remain at your service and cherish every moment being the Mayor of my hometown.

John Tecklenburg

Mayor, City of Charleston

Waterfront Park Photo Courtesy of Mark A. Leon

Mayor Pictures Courtesy of Charleston County Government

Ingevity to establish new headquarters location in North Charleston, S.C.

July 25, 2018 by 0 Comments
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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., July 25, 2018 – Ingevity Corporation (NYSE: NGVT) today announced plans to establish a new global headquarters in the city of North Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina, to accommodate its significant business growth.

Weaver Capital Partners and WECCO will construct a $20 million building to house Ingevity’s new headquarters. Ingevity will invest an additional $5 million to upfit the building to accommodate at least 100 new jobs in the greater Charleston region. The building, designed by architect firm LS3P, will be a 110,000-square foot structure on a former brownfield site located at 4920 O’Hear Avenue. The new facility will be within one mile of the Ingevity Technical Center, which currently houses the company’s headquarters and laboratory space, as well as its Innovation Center and one of its manufacturing facilities. Construction is expected to begin in late fall of 2018, with an estimated occupancy date of April 2020.

Once completed, the new headquarters will feature an open concept, eco-friendly office space to accommodate the company’s leadership, business and non-technical support functions and business development teams. Employees will also have access to many amenities within walking distance, including restaurants, shops and parks in the Park Circle neighborhood.

Following the relocation of Ingevity’s corporate functions, the Ingevity Technical Center will be refurbished to feature new, state-of-the-art laboratory space and offices for its technical teams, dedicated to inspiring innovation and development efforts that purify, protect and enhance the world around us.

“Ingevity has flourished in the North Charleston community for more than 70 years,” said Michael Wilson, Ingevity’s president and CEO. “As the largest publicly traded company by revenues in the Charleston region, we are proud to continue growing our roots in this community. I’d like to thank the state of South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Charleston County, and the city of North Charleston for their exceptional support of our growing business. We look forward to upholding our ongoing commitment to invest in and build our future in the great state of South Carolina.”

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said, “Ingevity is a world-class company, and it speaks volumes that they decided to have this high-tech operation right here in South Carolina. This expansion reaffirms Ingevity’s commitment to our state and serves as another testament to South Carolina’s strong business climate.”

“South Carolina has a rich history in the chemical production sector, and today’s announcement by Ingevity shows that this industry continues to flourish in the Palmetto State,” said South Carolina Secretary of Commerce, Bobby Hitt. “We congratulate this tremendous company on their continued commitment to our state and look forward to watching them thrive for years to come.”

“Congratulations to Ingevity as they locate their corporate headquarters in Charleston County,” commented Charleston County Council Chairman, Victor Rawl. “Ingevity is an undisputed chemical industry leader, producing eco-conscious and sustainable products. We are proud to be the community hosting this ground-breaking R&D, and we look forward to a long partnership together.”

North Charleston’s Mayor Keith Summey remarked, “Ingevity’s positive impact on our community is significant, from their growing employee base to their ongoing substantial capital investments, as well as their tremendous charitable contributions to local non-profit organizations. North Charleston is proud to be the home to the region’s largest locally headquartered, publicly traded company, a truly community-minded organization.”

“We are excited to work with Ingevity on the ongoing development of a build to suit property that will accommodate their current and future business needs,” said Jay Weaver, founding partner at Weaver Capital Partners. “It is especially rewarding to revitalize a brownfield site, which will complement the overall development of the Park Circle neighborhood in North Charleston.”

Ingevity: Purify, Protect and Enhance

Ingevity provides specialty chemicals and high-performance carbon materials and technologies that purify, protect and enhance the world around us. Through a team of talented and experienced people, Ingevity develops, manufactures and brings to market products and processes that help customers solve complex problems. These products are used in a variety of demanding applications, including asphalt paving, oil exploration and production, agrochemicals, adhesives, lubricants, publication inks and automotive components that reduce gasoline vapor emissions. Headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, Ingevity operates from 25 locations around the world and employs approximately 1,600 people. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NGVT). For more information visit www.ingevity.com.

Statement on Charleston County’s vote to shift $40 million from rural land conservation

July 25, 2018 by 0 Comments
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Coastal Conservation League Press Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  CHARLESTON, S.C.—In response to tonight’s 5-4 vote by Charleston County Council to change the formula for how Greenbelt program funds are distributed and shift $40 million away from rural land conservation, Coastal Conservation League Executive Director Laura Cantral said:

There are few things more important for Charleston County residents than greenspace, flood control, and traffic reduction, and the preservation of productive farmland, culture, and history. The rural Greenbelt program helps makes all of these things possible. Since 2004, it has preserved 21,000 acres of land.

Imagine where we would be without the Greenbelt program.

Tonight’s vote is disappointing and will ultimately compromise the success of the program—just when growth pressures are at an all-time high.

We are heartened by the many advocates and several council members who argued passionately for focusing efforts and taxpayer dollars on protecting rural land. The fight is far from over. The Conservation League will continue to serve as the community’s watchdog and work with partners to monitor the program’s proposed changes.

Contact Us

action@scccl.org · 843.723.8035

Media Contacts:

Caitie Forde-Smith, Communications Director—(252) 714-4790 or caitiefs@scccl.org
Emily Cedzo, Land, Water & Wildlife Program Director—(910) 850-3509 or emilyc@scccl.org

Three Charleston Harbor attractions offering one convenient pass

July 24, 2018 by 0 Comments
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The South Carolina Aquarium, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, and the Charleston Water Taxi announced a new, joint promotion: the Charleston Waterfront Pass. For the first time, the three organizations have partnered to create a special pass that is perfect for families and visitors who want to see two of the top Charleston-area attractions and enjoy a boat ride across the harbor.

Passholders can choose to begin their waterfront adventure at either the South Carolina Aquarium or Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum and then take in breathtaking views of the Charleston Harbor while riding the Charleston Water Taxi to the remaining attraction. Visitors may show each attraction’s ticket staff their pass, and it will be redeemed for one standard admission ticket. Visits to each attraction are not required to take place on the same day, but must be used before the expiration date noted on the pass.

The Charleston Waterfront Pass is available exclusively through the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and can be purchased at its four staffed visitor centers:

• Downtown Charleston at 375 Meeting St.

• Kiawah Island at 4475 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy.

• Mount Pleasant at 99 Harry M. Hallman, Jr. Blvd.

• North Charleston at 4975-B Centre Pointe Dr.

The combined price of the pass allows visitors to save nearly $15 off the price of visiting each participating attraction on its own. Pricing is as follows:

• Adults (ages 13+): $52.95

• Children (ages 6-12): $38.95

• Children (ages 3-5): $26.95

For more information, media may contact South Carolina Aquarium Public Relations Manager Bethany Morgan (bmorgan@scaquarium.org) or Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum Public Information Officer Chris Hauff (chauff@patriotspoint.org).

About Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum:

Located on the Charleston Harbor, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is the top attraction in Mount Pleasant, SC and includes a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, 28 historic aircraft, and the only Vietnam Support Base Camp in the United States. The museum is also headquarters to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum. Visit www.patriotspoint.org for more details, or find us at @patriots_point on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatriotsPoint.org. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The museum is only fully closed on Christmas Day and closes early (at 3:30 p.m.) on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve.

About the South Carolina Aquarium:

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s No. 1 family attraction, features thousands of aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Visit www.scaquarium.org for more information.

5 Ways the Charleston Government can make the Lowcountry liveable again

July 21, 2018 by 4 Comments
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Yesterday’s flooding was not a wake up call for most that live in the Lowcountry, but the harsh reality of life on the coast in the heart of a targeted hurricane area.  Not only did the flooding cripple drivers throughout the area, but it has created concern on the health of our waters and the unsafe bacteria that can cause harm to children and adults enjoying basic recreational activities.

Mayor Tecklenburg and his staff made promises of “Better Liveability” in the Lowcountry if elected.  That is a subjective term and has room for multiple interpretations.  At its core, it is defined as:

1. suitable for living in; habitable; comfortable: to make a house livable.
2. worth living; endurable: something to make life more livable.
3. able to be lived with; companionable (often used in combination with with): charming but not altogether livable-with.
Many have voiced concerns that with the flooding issue still a critical area of worry, bridge structural and design issues in play, traffic continuing to spiral out of control, safety issues in the waters and cost of living in excess of the national inflationary rate due to a priority on tourism, we have not had any of our promises met.
We would like to take a stab and make a few proposals on how to provide the necessary funding to turn the tide and try and make this a place worth living for our residents that call Charleston home.

 

5 Ways to Raise Budgetary Funding to Provide Solutions to our Growing Liveability Struggles
  • Stronger zoning restrictions and higher zoning fees – Hotels, condominiums, housing, apartments and massive retail complexes are the new norm in Charleston.  When you leave the downtown Charleston area in any direction, cranes are a part of the scenery in all directions.  Construction seems to be running amuck with no signs of slowing down.  One Solution:  Add more zoning restrictions and higher zoning fees to raise more revenue and curtail the speed of expansion.
  • More in-depth land surveys on the long term effects of construction on specific plots of land – There is a growing concern of development in areas that have long term concerns around structural safety, flooding and destruction of wildlife homes and preserves.  With development going up on marshes and traditional flooding areas, there seems to be a lack of ethics and an abundance of greed.  We need to put safety and long term sustainability first.  When will this start to happen?
  • Non-resident tolls for Lowcountry beach entrance – Charge a tool for the entrance to Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Edisto Beach for non-residents.  If tourism is our bread and butter, we should gain additional revenue to fund projects that will help our residents and justify the 5 million plus tourists we have to see flood our area each year.
  • Higher property tax for a period of 3 – 5 years for all new construction – For all new commercial and hospitality construction, we should levy additional property tax for the first 3 to 5 years and then stagger back to the current rates.  Charleston is a commodity and there is a lot of profit to be had here.  We need to acknowledge that.
  • Increase luxury tax on high end items – Some argue Charleston has two classes, rich and poor with a very limited, almost non-visible middle class.  With some hotels charging up to $600 plus a night and high end retail throughout the city, we have an opportunity to levy increased luxury taxes to help fund our local projects.

There are our proposals.  We welcome all comments as well.