Volume 3 Issue 17

December 28, 2007

Lettitor
By Heather Holbrook

Blink and 2007 has almost gone. Say goodbye to the year and all that it was. All who had a pretty good 12 months holler AYE!
      I clearly see what a fabulous place we live. But I don’t need to tell you that- you live here too. As residents, old and new, we each are entrusted to care for our island communities’ many facets. Most of us agree it’s worth preserving our unique way of life that is set apart by much more than water. In the year ahead we will continue to trip over that invisible line between progress and preservation while choosing a path of least destruction. I love warp-speed Internet, 2008 model convertibles and shiny paint jobs on beautiful architecture. But I also see the necessity for funky old watering holes and scrubby maritime forests; crooked historic cottages and a Mayberry-esque way of life.
     I wish us all luck.
     The Island Eye may only be 24 pages of ink on 35 lb hi-brite paper, but it continues to evolve into a widely accepted and anticipated addition to island life. A resource. A cornerstone. And as we look to 2008 and our third anniversary in May, this editor wishes to thank you, the reader, whose photos and written contributions in the hands of a great staff make good reading. I invite each of you to contact us with your island-centric story ideas, events, things that are important to you.
     And a big thank you to all our advertisers in 2007. Without the support of our business community, The Island Eye News would be nothing…literally. A bunch of blank pages. Looking for a good painter? Need a dog sitter? New opportunities are now available for small ads to appear in our upcoming Service Pages (but please be sure to get a business license before you place an ad).
     But most of all I heartily thank the people who work so hard to bring you this newspaper: Lynn Pierotti, Kristin Hackler, Ali Akhyari, Swan Richards and the paper’s excellent interns Alyssa and Daniel. And to our regular column contributors: Meredith Nelson, Richard Hricik, James Sears, Mary Gatch, Linda D. Smith, Captain Chad and The Social Graces (those last two sound like a band). These folks are so kind to share their insights and experience with the community.
     Since we don’t actually have a staff photographer, I say thanks to our previous intern Azumi Nishikawa, Linda Tucker, Bambi Werner and Carol Killough for regularly sending in good images. You make us look good.
     So Happy New Year, y’all! Again, a toast to 20/20 hindsight. Say yes to joy and all good things on the horizon. As I hear it, the ‘ayes’ have it.

Sullivan’s chooses Accreted Land firm
By Ali Akhyari

     On December 13, the Sullivan’s Island Town Council held a special meeting in order to interview candidates to manage the Island’s accreted land. There were originally seven companies who had applied. Of those, four companies were chosen for the interviews. Coastal Science Engineering (CSE), HLA/WPC, Tidewater, and Woolpert were each given 45 minutes for a presentation and a question and answer segment.
      The companies’ presentations were basically statements of qualifications, which the companies had already formally presented to the Town in response to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in August. However, they were able to supplement that with impressive displays of coastal, biological, and engineering knowledge during the interviews.
     CSE was apparently the most impressive as the Town decided to negotiate with them. The company was founded in 1984 and is headed by Tim Kana. Lisa Darrow, Assistant to the Town Administrator, estimates that negotiations will begin in January.
     However, as the four companies had already been assessed on the basis of qualifications and asked to come back, the most revealing portion of the meeting was the actual interviews in which the Selection Panel asked the companies individual questions.
     Although there were a variety of questions, it was Councilmember Everett Presson who jumped right to the heart of the matter. He acknowledged that the issue of what to do with the accreted land may be a divisive one, and asked if there was a right and wrong way to manage the area.
      The overwhelming answer was quite useless to the question, although honest. Basically, the companies are not presenting their suggestions for the area, they are simply trying to prove that they are capable of doing whatever the Town asks them to do. Like most job applicants sitting in front of the boss, no one took a stand on what should be done. They mostly stated that they were capable of doing the work, but needed the Town to detail what they want the accreted land to look like.
     It appears that the Town’s attempt at impartiality through a scoring system will be a waste of energy. Ignoring the amendment to the original RFQ that trivialized the scoring system in the first place, it can only separate candidates based on basic qualifications and not on ideas.
     In the end, Town Council will have to decide what is going to be done with the accreted land. The company selected should only be the one that the Town thinks will do the best job of carrying out their plans based on a number factors such as time, cost, and experience. But whether the area will be trimmed for the benefit of a nice ocean front view or encouraged to grow into a maritime forest will be on the shoulders of the Town. An impartial selection of a company will not unload any of that burden.
     As Presson stated, there are those who would like to cut all the vegetation down to maximize an ocean view and there are those who would like to leave it alone completely. Although it was briefly mentioned that a study had already been done on the area with a scientific recommendation, there was no discussion as to what the results of that study were.
     The Town originally requested the study which was done by Dr. Norm Levine and Charlie Kaufman of the College of Charleston. There was an accounting of the various plants and animals of the area, several of which are classified as “special concern” or “at risk” species in regards to population numbers as well as a recommendation that fell on the side of preservation which called for a “non-intervention” plan.
     According to the study, “This line of planning [non-intervention], although not as aesthetically pleasing as cultivating an old-growth maritime forest or providing an ocean view for homeowners, has long-term applications and is a healthier choice for the island and its residents.”
     However, the study came under criticism because the Town did not ask for a recommendation and, for lack of a better phrase, the recommendation was basically stricken from the record.
     According to the RFQ, the company that is selected will have to hold three public meetings designed to involve the public in the management process. The first one allows the solicitation of input and questions. However, it is unclear whether the information gathered here will be used to determine what to do with the accreted land or if that decision will have already been made by Council.
     There are restrictions, though, according to the deed for the accreted land. The deed gives protection from development of the accreted land. But there are some vague exceptions. For example, the Town is permitted to trim and control the growth of the vegetation for mosquito control, public and emergency access to the Atlantic Ocean and for “scenic enhancement”. But there is no opinion in the deed as to what scenic enhancement actually means, making it a relative term. One man’s enhancement is another man’s destruction.
     The deed states, though, that the Town Council must ensure that any action taken on the accreted land “is necessary for the health, safety or general welfare of the Town” and “that the benefits...outweigh the damage done to the aesthetic, ecological, scientific, or educational value of the property in its natural state”.
     Furthermore, these determinations have to be made in writing. The restrictions can be modified, according to the deed, but it requires a 75 percent affirmative vote from a public referendum and a 100 percent affirmative vote from Town Council.
     The Town Council meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm which means the next meeting is scheduled for January 15.

Breathing life into Front Beach
By Ali Akyari

     On December 12, the Isle of Palms Planning Commission held their second of three commercial district focused meetings.
      In the first meeting, business owners and merchants were invited to provide input and suggestions. This second meeting was for those with real estate interests.
     The commission is addressing quality of life issues and a stagnant business community. According to Zoning Administrator Douglas Kerr, rising property values combined with restrictive ordinances have resulted in a commercial district where existing businesses struggle in the off-season and new businesses are turned away by high prices.
    While a spiraling market can make a real estate investor drool, it can spell doom for others.
    On Sullivan’s Island, Bert’s Bar and Grill finally fell victim to the unquenchable appetite of a market that focuses on the bottom line. This island staple had been granted an affordable rent for years by an owner who knew that all value can not be measured in dollars and cents, despite a market that argues otherwise. However, the property was handed down because of death, rent was increased dramatically and Bert’s was forced to close its doors.
    On the Isle of Palms, interested parties want to avoid a similar fate for the entire district. They would like to see the commercial district become a destination for visitors with many restaurants and shops to attract them. Most of those involved in the discussion agreed that the increased competition would be beneficial to everyone. However, the same market that took Bert’s to the grave is keeping new businesses from investing in an area with expensive rent that is like a ghost town the majority of the year.
    The Beach Company, a big player in the Commercial District, is showing signs of uneasiness. They are no longer offering long-term leases at the Island Center and some are worried that they may pull out. Suzanne Holmes, Portfolio Manager for the Beach Company, says that the decisions that come out of the Planning Commission will determine what they decide to do.
    “We want something that works for Isle of Palms,” Holmes says. She spoke against the idea of putting in a new strip of retail stores to encourage growth. One idea has been a mixed use parking deck with retail shops incorporated into it.
    Some business owners complain that even the locals and visitors lodging next door prefer to drive to Mount Pleasant where the shopping and dining options are numerous. There’s just not enough to attract people to the Isle of Palms when the weather turns cold.
    Parking is another issue. While the winter famines create a desire for more traffic, the summer feast creates a traffic nightmare. Residential neighborhoods are seeing the mass of daytrippers spill into their streets. With the construction of the new Public Safety Building, there will be even fewer parking spaces this coming summer. Holmes suggested running a shuttle from the Red & White shopping center and even offered parking at the Island Center to alleviate the stress.
    Tom O’Rourke, a representative from the County Park system, took a moment to throw a great deal of support behind the City. He stated that there were so many things they could do to help.
    “If you want more commerce, we can bring more people to the park,” he says. It is only a matter of asking, according to O’Rourke. He says they already have a list of things they would like to do that includes life-guarding the entire beach.
    “We’ll build a garage with a skate park if you want,” O’rourke says. “Whatever your issue, whatever your problem, call us.”
    Only time will reveal the fate of the Isle of Palms commercial district. In the meantime, residents will have an opportunity to contribute their two cents at the next Planning Commission meeting which will focus on resident input. That meeting is scheduled for January 9 at 5:30pm at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center.

Biz Council taking action
By Ali Akhyari

     The Isle of Palms Business Council was formed approximately one year ago with the help of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The group’s Steering Committee met on December 18.
      One would think that the focus of the meeting would be business oriented; how to bring more visitors to the island, law changes that benefit the real estate market, or some sort of tax benefit. While there was a lot of discussion about improving the commercial district, the members of the Committee (made up primarily of local business leaders), seemed more interested in how to help the residents effected by beach erosion.
     “We’ve got a big responsibility to this community,” Vicki Hollingsworth said to her fellow council members at the meeting.
     Although it is not a burden they are morally obligated to carry, the Business Council has taken it upon them to try and expedite the beach re-nourishment process.
     Armed with a cache of information from research, phone calls and personal visits, the group had obviously spent a lot of time figuring out the details of the erosion problem. The occasional frustrations they expressed are evidence of the obstacles they faced trying to discover the proper person to talk to for any particular aspect of re-nourishment and erosion. They discussed options for re-nourishment, including the possible use of a dredge in Charleston Harbor; a suggestion that came after a conversation with the Port Authority.
     The group really seems to be making an honest effort to work towards the good of the community and has a real concern about the residents.
     Although the Business Council is currently made up of business leaders, their goal is to include representatives from every facet of IOP life. They discussed “building bridges” with other organizations and residents outside of the business community. Those connections will allow discussions to occur so that the entire community can work together toward common goals.
     The Business Council holds monthly meetings at the Exchange Club, where the public is invited and encouraged to attend. They usually sponsor a speaker to discuss some aspect of IOP life where the audience is free to ask questions. For example, IOP Mayor Mike Sottile spoke at the last meeting about the “State of Isle of Palms”. Afterwards, the audience asked many questions and offered suggestions, a welcome change from City Council meetings where no open dialogue can take place between residents and Council.
     It is a really interesting forum for any resident who takes an interest in their island. It is an opportunity to interact with people with answers in a convenient and organized manner.
     The Business Council will not hold an Exchange Club meeting in January. However, IOP Police Chief Thomas Buckhannon is scheduled to speak at their February 6 meeting at the Exchange Club. The topic is “Working together for a safe community”. The meetings usually take place at 8:00am, but keep an eye out for an official meeting time as the date draws near. The Business Council’s Steering Committee will meet again on January 22 at Budiroe’s Music Bar & Grill at 2:00pm. For more information, please visit the Isle of Palms website at www.iop.net or call the Isle of Palms City Hall at 886-6428.

Sullivan’s Island Town Council – December 18, 2007

The Resolutionary War
Council discussed and passed several resolutions and readings of ordinances at their December meeting.

The Town voted to enter into a lease agreement with Pitney Bowes for a postage meter that Town Administrator Andy Benke says will save the Town some money. They also approved the selection of Greene, Finney and Horton as their financial auditors for a three year period beginning with the 2007 fiscal year.

Second and third reading was passed of an ordinance to amend Section 22 (purchasing) that “update[s] existing code with more current language”. The Town also voted to change the Town Council meeting time from 7:00pm to 6:00pm. They did not think they would be able to meet again in order to get the final vote in time for the January meeting, so the time change will most likely take place in February. Please check with Town Hall for details of when the change will actually take place.

The Town discussed several matters in executive session including resolutions to approve the purchase of property from Patrick and Cheryl Ilderton and Mark Tanenbaum, and the lease of property to the Ildertons; a resolution approving a cross easement and access agreement with Tanenbaum.

Fables of the Reconstruction
There will be some noticeable construction in the future including work that will close the Ben Sawyer Bridge for three days and water line work.

First, the Town will begin Phase II of the water line replacement project around February 4. Approximately 3000 linear feet of new water main will be installed over a period of about 10 weeks. A letter of notification is expected to be mailed to residents. The water and sewer department is expected to have completed work on old water lines at Station 27 Street between Middle and I’On around December 28.

The Ben Sawyer Bridge is scheduled to be closed for three days starting January 8 to all vehicular and boat traffic. However, any boat traffic that does not require bridge movement will be unaffected and able to use the Intracoastal Waterway at that point.

The bridge will be undergoing repairs to the support beams of the operator’s house which Daniel Burton of the SCDOT says is in “desperate need of replacement”. An operator is expected to be on hand to respond to radio calls from boaters inquiring about travel through the area.

The bridge is scheduled to reopen on January 11 at 8:00am. Business owners expecting deliveries, residents with appointments, those traveling to or from school, neighboring Fire Departments and anyone else who may be affected by the inconvenience should make arrangements and schedule changes in order to accommodate the bridge work.

In case the bridge work can not be done on January 8, January 15 is scheduled as a backup start date. Burton says the work should only be delayed because of extreme weather conditions. Message boards will be displayed by the DOT with detour information.

The Bandstand at Stith Park will be out of service some time after the holiday season for repairs to the floor. There is not an exact date for that work as of the deadline for this issue.

Insurance assurance
Randy Robinson, Building Official for the Building and Zoning Department, stated that residents should be getting a 10% discount on their flood insurance. Although he believes that most people are getting the discount from their company, residents should examine their policies in order to be sure they are receiving their discount.

Robinson works to maintain various FEMA checkpoints that results in “points” for the Town which, in turn, results in flood insurance discounts for residents. For example, points are gained for the undeveloped accreted land area. Points are also gained for maintenance of surveying rods, which Robinson examines himself. There are a plethora of other requirements that result in the discount which Robinson works to keep up to date. Residents should check their policy or with their insurance provider to make sure the 10% discount is being applied.

It’s Suncom...and we get it
American Tower is looking at a March 2008 start date for the new cell phone tower. So far, the company has agreements with Tritron (a.k.a. SunCom) and Cingular/ATT. That’s good news for iPhone users, since they can only use ATT.

Construction is expected to take eight weeks which means it should be completed sometime around the first of May. Of course, those dates are dependent on American Tower submitting an environmental assessment before the end of 2007 which the Town is expecting. They also anticipate a 60 day review by the FCC.

Think of the children
At their last Town Council meeting, Everett Presson presented a petition signed by an overwhelming majority of residents of a local neighborhood who want speed bumps to be placed on their road. Not only does the road contain a school bus stop, it is also a narrow road where cars park on the side of the street. The combination creates a dangerous area, as moving cars are often subject to children suddenly appearing in the street from between parked cars.

The topic was discussed again by Council. The Town seems reluctant to simply place speed bumps on the road in fear of setting a precedent that would allow any neighborhood to do the same. Instead, other options were discussed that included moving the bus stop and placing “Watch for Children” signs. The discussion will continue at the next Streets and Maintenance meeting.

History can be taxing
Nicky Bluestein, representative of the Planning Commission, suggested that the Town host a meeting with an expert from the South Carolina Archives who can explain the tax benefits of having a home that is designated as historic on some level.

As the Town is now recognized for its historical preservation and a recent study revealed 14 more homes that may be considered historic, this should be of special interest to many residents. The Council was very supportive of the idea.

Councilmember Jerry Kaynard suggested an annual award for the resident who does an extraordinary job of preserving and perpetuating historical island character.

The 14 homes that were suggested for the historic list will have to be reviewed by the Design Review Board (DRB). A DRB representative that was on hand stated that they would discuss how to deal with the 14 homes in an efficient manner at their next meeting. She was also personally supportive of the proposed meeting with an Archives representative.