IOP Council gives some homeowners the option of installing sandbags
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms City Council has passed an emergency ordinance that will permit property owners along the beach on the south side of the island to install 1-cubic-foot sandbags to protect their homes from what has become a serious erosion problem.
At a special meeting Oct. 10, the Council voted by a 7-2 margin to allow residents between 100 and 914 Ocean Blvd. to circumvent a city ordinance that prohibits “hard erosion control structures,” including sandbags that hold more than five gallons of sand, within 250 feet of the high-water mark of the Atlantic Ocean.
If they choose to install sandbags, most residents will have to pay for the work themselves. At an Oct. 3 meeting, the Council voted 8-1 to take a three-pronged approach to combat erosion on 10 properties already considered by the state Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management to be facing emergency conditions because the tide is within 20 feet of a home or other structure. The Council authorized spending up to $1.25 million to scrape sand and haul in new sand and a maximum of $250,000 to install sandbags to protect the 10 properties, one of which is a vacant lot.
Hahn was the only member of the Council voting against the plan.
That work was expected to start the week beginning Oct. 16.
The emergency ordinance will expire in 60 days but can be extended. The sandbags (Continued on page 2)
Welcome to the all new – and very old – Island Club
By Natanya O’Donnell, Trey Sedalick and Carol Antman For The Island Eye News
The Island Club at 1452 Poe Ave. on Sullivan’s Island – next to the fish fry shack – has a unique and colorful history. Within this community rich in natural beauty but lacking in facilities, it has been a low-key gathering place since the town established it as a social club in 1946. Since then, its presence has continuously tried to answer the question: “How do we meet our neighbors?” Now an enthusiastic group of residents has united to revitalize the Island Club in an effort to connect all members of the Sullivan’s Island community through social engagement. It is envisioned as a place to come together to learn, cultivate new skills, be entertained, exercise and enrich the community; to foster relationships; and to
have fun with neighbors. It is not meant to be the biggest or fanciest venue; rather, it will remain a long-standing fixture that celebrates the spirit of Sullivan’s Island and its friendly, laid-back culture. It is a place for children and adults to meet and dream of the island’s future.
The group has begun hosting events that have been very well received. Open mic nights, on the third Friday of (Continued on page 2)
Photo by Lake O’Donnell.
Photo by Gamil Awad.
Drone pilot: Joel Starrett.
The Isle of Palms Connector Run, which raises funds for a variety of local charitable organizations, was held Oct. 7. The race is presented annually by the IOP Exchange Club, the city of IOP and the town of Mount Pleasant.
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CONTRIBUTORS:
Carol Antman • Kathy Berry
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Katie Miars • Mel Miles
Natanya O’Donnell • Mary Pringle
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The Island Eye News, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC, is a free, independent newspaper published every two weeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island. Copies are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed, are used according to space limitations and news value and cannot be returned except by special request. Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opionion of Lucky Dog News or its writers.
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Island Club
Continued from page 1
each month, are open to all island residents and any other performers. Each month, musicians and dancers show up eager to share their talents with the appreciative family audiences.
“New
Ron Coish, who recently enjoyed playing guitar at the community event, said “It was a beautiful thing. … to perform with these young people. New friends were made. … It’s just what our island needed.” Natanya O’Donnell, one of the event organizers, was gratified to see attendees and performers of all ages and hopes to see more people come out to share their talent.
Unfortunately, the building has seen better days and needs repairs and improvements. The club’s board of directors has engaged an architect, who drew up a modest renovation plan to improve the appearance, function and safety of the facility. The town of Sullivan’s Island, which owns the building, has contributed $4,500 to get the renovations started, and minor repairs have begun.
friends were made. ... It’s just what our island needed.”
- Ron Coish
Club member Darragh Simon of Trinity Wellness continues to offer her popular weekly yoga classes, and member events such as potluck suppers, holiday parties and kids’ events are coming up. Members are suggesting many more ideas as the club continues to grow.
Installing sandbags
Continued from page 1
eventually will be removed, probably sometime after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes a beneficial use project that will bring around 500,000 cubic yards of sand to the Breach Inlet area of the IOP beach and to Sullivan’s Island as well. The project is expected to get underway in January 2024.
Two members of the Council, Blair Hahn and Kevin Popson, voted against the emergency ordinance.
“If any bags are placed pursuant to this ordinance, what happens when the tide reaches those placed bags?” Hahn asked. “We now have a horizontal line of bags, and we’re going to have pooling on either side. So unless the neighbors on both sides do the same thing and line it up at the same area, we have a mess on our hands. Now we just have a mess, and we don’t know how to deal with it. We’ve got a lot of unin-
Membership is growing quickly as residents recognize the potential and the desire to be personally connected with their community. Annual dues, $350 for a family and $250 for an individual, include the use of the building for one private event per year plus the option to host additional events that are open to the membership. The Sullivan’s Island Club is a nonprofit, all volunteer organization solely for the town’s current residents and those who have lived on the island within the last 50 years.
For more information and an application to join online, visit thesullivansislandclub.com.
tended consequences, and we need to be mindful of the precedent we are setting by passing the ordinance that is only for a specific number of residents.”
“This is temporary. It’s only until the cavalry gets here, which is the big renourishment project,” Council Member John Bogosian responded. “I don’t know how many people are actually going to do it, but I think we should give them the opportunity to do it.”
Director of Building, Planning and Zoning Douglas Kerr said he didn’t think many homeowners would choose to pay for their own sandbags.
“This is
reached out to potential contractors and received a bid of $149,000 from Collins Construction to install sandbags between the 10 Breach Inlet-area properties and the ocean. The city will be responsible for maintaining the sandbags and eventually removing them.
temporary. It’s only until the cavalry gets here, which is the big renourishment project.”
- John Bogosian
“I don’t know that it will be a large number. I don’t think it will,” he said. “I have not heard folks clamoring to do it.”
City Administrator Desiree Fragoso told Council members at the Oct. 10 meeting that city staff had
Property owners between 100 and 914 Ocean Blvd. who choose to pay to have sandbags installed must first obtain an emergency permit from the city and from OCRM. The sandbags must be removed and disposed of either at the completion of the Corps of Engineers project or within 45 days of being notified to remove them by the city – whichever comes sooner. The ordinance does not permit homeowners to install seawalls, revetments or bulkheads.
The Town of Sullivan’s Island ...
... cordially invites residents and park users to the second meeting regarding enhancements at Stith Park on Sullivan’s Island. The meeting will be held in Town Hall, located at 2056 Middle St., between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023.
During that time, landscape architects and engineers from Thomas & Hutton will explain park enhancements incorporated to date and continue to receive further comments to be used toward crafting a conceptual design.
Wild Dunes Resort to spend $8 million to upgrade golf courses
By Kelsey Donnelly For The island Eye News
Wild Dunes LLC, owners of Wild Dunes Resort, plan to invest more than $8 million in upgrades and enhancements to the resort’s two golf courses.
The investment illustrates the continued commitment of both Lowe and Dart to Wild Dunes and the greater Isle of Palms community. After engaging with world-class consultants, researching cutting-edge golf trends and surveying The Golf Club at Wild Dunes membership, Wild Dunes LLC established an enhancement plan to implement significant physical improvements.
The resort’s Tom Fazio-designed Harbor Course has been a centerpiece of Wild Dunes for over 40 years. Beginning in spring 2024, its irrigation system will be replaced, and ownership will begin work to restore the surfaces of the greens, tee boxes, bunkers and other parts of the course. In addition, multiple golf cart bridges will be restored over the next year.
On the Links Course, ownership is currently evaluating ways to restore the 18th hole, which has been impacted by the threat of erosion and washout. A number of options are being considered to improve play.
These commitments come on the heels of a number of other significant capital investments, including the village center between the Boardwalk Inn and Sweetgrass Inn, as well as significant infrastructure improvements to both golf courses.
“Lowe and Dart are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Wild Dunes Resort community, and we intend to continue to be part of what makes Isle of Palms great today, tomorrow and for years to come,” said Terri A. Haack, senior vice president of Lowe. “This major investment demonstrates our commitment to preserving both of our golf courses for the recreation and open space that all members of the Wild Dunes community treasure.”
he stark threat to our island community from outside groups, imposing their will on our governance, has escalated into actionable offenses through ads, signs, and social media aiming to divide us. "Save our property rights" some signs say, but for whom? The real estate industry's endless inventory or our residents’ peaceful enjoyment?
Our community needs leadership to safeguard a balanced mixture of investment property, second homes, and family residences – I vow to be that leader.
If elected, my priorities will include:
Placing ISLAND RESIDENTS FIRST.
Capping ISTR at 1600 for community stability.
Enforcing existing laws rigorously.
Addressing congestion and parking.
Lobbying ATAX to shift from promoting to managing tourism.
Establishing our island’s DMO.
Now is the moment to act. I ask for your support in preserving our vibrant island community for future generations. The legacy choice is yours: a family-friendly atmosphere or a property investment dominance? Let's preserve our community together.
This native plant is associated with nearby basket makers
By Mary Pringle For The Island Eye News
Sweet grass is a native plant that most people in the Lowcountry associate with the basket makers in Mount Pleasant. Muhlenbergia filipes can be confused with another plant known as sweet grass or buffalo grass that grows in the Northern plains of the United States and in Canada. Our local sweet grass has common names of muhly grass or purple muhly grass. It was first identified by botanist Moses Ashley Curtis in 1843 and was named for Henry Muhlenberg – 1753-1815 – an American botanist. It can grow wild behind the primary dunes along the coast from North Carolina to Texas.
This perennial is available locally for sale, grows to 40 inches in height and has beautiful tufted pinkish purple haze blooms from October into November. It requires full sun and is extremely drought-tolerant once it is established. The sweet grass plants in my garden are constantly creating new plants all around themselves. I have never tried transplanting these seedlings but just let them grow when they come up in appropriate places. Their October blooms are always much anticipated.
Sweet grass is famous throughout the United States because of our local basket makers who sell their baskets and other woven products in the City Market downtown and in stands along Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant. This Gullah tradition, handed down for generations, uses coiled sweet grass and darker-colored native long leaf pine needles sewn together with strips of black needle rush – bulrush – or cabbage palmetto, using only a piece of bone or the handle of a spoon to push an opening for the strips to go through the sweet grass binding the coils. I cherish the sweet grass hot dish mats and sewing basket handed down to me from my mother.
We rarely see sweet grass growing wild on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, but it has been reported in the wild on Kiawah, Seabrook, Dewees, Bulls, Fripp and Hilton Head.
Because of continued coastal development, not only near the beach where it grows but also along Highway 17 where the basket makers have their stands, the sellers and their supplies are becoming increasingly scarce. Although efforts are underway to cultivate more sweet grass for them, basket makers sometimes have to travel to Georgia and Florida to find their supplies.
References for this article were: “A Guide to the Wildflowers of South Carolina,” by Richard Douglas Porcher and an article written by Robert J. Dufault, Mary Jackson and Stephen Salvo: “Sweetgrass: History, Basketry and Constraints to Industry Growth.
SIES Fun Run set for Nov. 4
The second annual Soar on Skimmers Fun Run & Walk is scheduled for Nov. 4.
Sponsored by the Friends of Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, the 5K run/walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the beach behind the school. Participants will be able to enjoy music, community “and an opportunity to have fun while working out.”
To register for the event, visit pinwheel.us/register/index/Skimmers5KFall2023. For more information, email Paige Hauff at siessoaronskimmers5k@gmail.com.
Photo by Raye Ann Osborne.
GoFundMe account will benefit loggerhead research
By Mary Pringle
For The Island Eye News
The Island Turtle Team is excited to announce that a GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit the genetics research project of which we have been a small part since 2010. In previous Island Eye News articles, we have given examples of individual loggerheads and their fascinating nesting histories, such as the loggerhead who has nested here more than 30 times since 2010 and now has six daughters nesting on nearby islands.
In addition, in the early years of the study, a loggerhead nested on the Isle of Palms, then two weeks later on Hatteras Island in North Carolina and two weeks after that on Cumberland Island in Georgia. We also have seen in recent years that many young females are nesting for the very first season, proving that nest protection efforts are finally showing some results, since it takes 25 to 30 years for them to mature and lay eggs.
Who is Brian Shamblin and why are we trying to help him with this valuable sea turtle conservation research work? Some of us first met him about 14 years ago at the International Sea Turtle Symposium, when he presented a research plan that involved the Southeastern states and now includes other states. He was a young graduate student with hair down to his shoulders, talking in front of sea turtle experts from all over the world about a never-before-used method of genotyping the population of nesting loggerheads – using DNA tagging instead of relying on physically tagging with metal or internal tags or short-lived expensive satellite transmitters. Recapturing loggerheads was unlikely, so research data was sparse.
and in 2010 we were asked to collect individual DNA fingerprints using an eggshell from each nest laid on the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Brian would come to our statewide meetings, and we all were in awe, not only of his work but of his warm personality and shared interest in our loggerheads. However, since federal funding was discontinued for the project a couple of years ago, we and other groups have been trying to keep it going with any donations we can send him.
We were interested in Brian’s project since it would involve our area,
According to the Shamblin Lab website, “To date, this project has identified over 13,000 unique nesting females. We are using the individual nesting history data to address several questions related to the demographics and population dynamics of this subpopulation. This work would not be possible without tremendous staff support of the state sea turtle programs and enthusiastic participation of more than 90 nesting survey projects conducted by NGO groups, as well as volunteers and staff representing municipal, state and federal agencies that cover approximately 1,000 kilometers of beaches from Florida to Maryland.” In order for this project to show its full value, more seasons of genetic samples are needed, and that is why we are asking you to go to the GoFundMe account at the link below and consider making a donation and also sharing it with anyone you know who might be interested in helping this sea turtle conservation effort: gofundme.com/f/he26te-pleasehelp-our-sea-turtles.
Brian Shamblin processes samples in the Shamblin Lab at the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources at the University of Georgia.
Photo courtesy of the Shamblin Lab.
Coyotes aren’t an issue yet on Isle of Palms
By Brian Sherman
For The Island Eye News
Sullivan’s Islanders and their pets have had to deal with at least a dozen incidents involving coyotes in recent months, but the problem apparently hasn’t crossed over Breach Inlet onto the Isle of Palms.
Nevertheless, the IOP Police Department is cautioning local residents that as the fall and winter seasons approach, “Coyotes will be seen more than usual since they do not hibernate in the colder seasons like other animals.”
“We don’t see any issues, but people find them scary, especially hearing about Sullivan’s Island,” IOP Animal Control Officer Ryan Warren commented. “We’re just trying to educate people on how to co-exist with coyotes and keep them off your property – let them do their thing so we can do our own things.”
According to IOP Police Department Public Information Officer Matthew Storen, there have been 36 coyote sightings on the island this year. He said dead animals, mainly cats, have been discovered on IOP but that there’s no proof that these animals were killed by coyotes.
“Although coyotes prey on animals such as rabbits and cats, none of these incidents have been proven to be done by a coyote,” he explained.
He pointed out that if you encounter a coyote, the best way to deal with the situation is to make loud noises by clapping your hands or yelling. He pointed out that a good way to keep coyotes from searching for food on your property is to keep your trash secure. He added that you should keep your cats indoors and lift small pets or children off the ground if a coyote approaches.
Warren said coyotes have been sighted throughout the Isle of Palms, and that with the summertime tourists gone and fewer people on the island, all wildlife, including coyotes, will be more active.
“We encourage everyone to continue reporting coyote sightings as they are valuable in tracking the island’s population,” Storen said, adding that Warren can be reached at 843-886-6522 or rwarren@iop.net
In one incident on Sullivan’s Island, a coyote attacked and dragged into the Maritime Forest a terrier mix who had been walking with a woman near Station 261/2 early in the morning of Aug. 26. Four other dogs were attacked by coyotes from Aug. 12 through Aug. 27.
New applications are being accepted for a second round of funding in FY24 of accommodations tax requests The deadline to apply is November 1, 2023.
Accommodations tax funds must be used to attract and provide for tourists and must be spent on tourism-related expenditures.
Eligible projects include advertising and promotion, promotion of arts and cultural events for the attraction of tourists, construction, maintenance, and operations of facilities for civic and cultural events, public facilities and visitor centers.
Applications received by the deadline will be reviewed by the ATAX Advisory Committee at 11:00 a.m., November 8, 2023.
The Application is available at the following website: https://www.iop.net/boards-commissions/accommodations-tax-ad-visorycommittee
One lucky dog
I am barking, jumping up and down and wagging my tail to introduce myself to you! I’m Mallie – a silver Labrador but most of all, Daddy’s best girl.
The greatest thing about being a lucky dog is my life with my dad. When I came into his life, I wanted to elevate his island living. He used to travel a lot, so it was fun to get him out and mingle as I assumed my role as his social director. Now we have friends on all corners of the island. I am also a very good hostess. I love it when we have company. Just don’t sit next to my dad – that’s my spot.
Another one of my responsibilities is to be my dad’s personal trainer. I bark at him if he sits too long. It’s fine if he’s up and moving, but I’ll be dog-gone if I’m going to let him sit down.
If I need a new toy, I’ll pop open a door to sneak over to a friend’s house, especially when I see there’s a Chewy box delivered. When I leave my friend’s house, I simply “borrow” their new toy and sneak back home.
The little things in life make being a lucky dog easy. I have a manservant and a chauffeur, someone who spoils me unconditionally.
Owner: Marshall Swenson • Dog’s name: Mallie • Age: 7 years • Breed: Silver Labrador • Favorite toy: Tennis ball • Unusual quirk: I tell time. • Vet: Dr. Patrick
If you have a “Lucky Dog” with a story to share, email me at LuckydogsIOP@gmail.com to set up a quick visit with you and your pup. Thank you • Katherine.
ACO Ryan Warren
PLEASE VOTE For IOP City Council CAMPSEN Elizabeth NOVEMBER 7
“She has a clear understanding of the issues we face as residents and property owners. I have found her to be dedicated and diligent in her research and understanding of the issues. Her findings and work on the Board of Zoning and Appeals has been fact based, resident focused, and fair.”
-Vince DiGangi IOP Resident & Former Planning Commission Member
"Elizabeth is always focused on the tasks at hand, asks questions, searches for alternatives and analyzes the facts before reaching a conclusion - always pursuing a positive outcome for the residents."
-Peter Doherty
IOP Resident & Former Board of Zoning Appeals Member
"Her special expertise and experience on the Board of Zoning Appeals uniquely equips her to understand, plan for, and address resident concerns related to short term rentals, day visitors, and businesses."
-Chris Donavan 34-year IOP Resident
FROM PLANNING TO POLICY
Effective plans require corresponding policies for implementation, spanning public safety, beach renourishment, business licenses, and more. These policies must be clear, unbiased, and aligned with the objectives outlined in our guiding documents. Some examples include:
Enact reasonable limitations on short-term rentals.
Establish clear policies for beach renourishment fund allocation across publicly accessible beach sections, ensuring timely beach maintenance, erosion control, and dune restoration.
Adopt an impartial noise ordinance and enact public safety policies regarding enforcement metrics.
Support policy recommendations from our Public Works, Police, and Fire department leaders.
Maximize the effectiveness of our Boards, Committees and Commissions through the adoption of clear, code-based procedures.
Standardize business license applications to optimize revenue collection.
Define "founded complaint" parameters for equitable treatment of license holders.
Align procurement policies with South Carolina law.
Document areas of concern and opportunity to maximize the efforts of our lobbyists.
Undertake a comprehensive review of outdated municipal codes to ensure modern, protective, and enforceable regulations.
If elected, I promise to continue to embrace the goals outlined in our guiding documents and work toward implementing forward looking policies designed to realize them.
"I challenge anyone to find a representative who is more thoughtful, thorough, and dedicated. Elizabeth consistently shows up to meetings with incredible amounts of research, prior reflection, an open mind and a humility rarely seen in civic leaders."
-John Moye
IOP Resident & Former IOP City Council Member
SENSIBLE SHORT-TERM RENTAL LIMITATIONS
The time for responsible short-term rental (STR) limitations has come. We’ve all lived under (and accepted) the same theory – that a 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 mix of residents, secondhome owners and STR’s is our natural balance. Now that all of our neighboring municipalities have established limits on STR use to protect their communities, it is time for us to turn our theory into reality and protect our own. We are no longer able to “let the free market decide”, as our area market is no longer free – it is restricted by the actions of other municipalities, putting enormous pressure on our small island community.
As a real estate paralegal who has handled seller side transactions for over 20 years, I have witnessed many ups and downs in our local market, including the pandemic-induced surge in prices and sales we have seen since 2019. I also worked through the 2008 housing market crash. The presence or absence of STR license limits in any given area is not the single factor controlling prices and sales. The unlimited availability of them certainly didn’t protect our property values during the 2008 housing market crash and a reasonable limitation on them won’t destroy our values in 2023 and beyond.
Vote "YES" in favor of the referendum question to protect our natural balance and turn our theoretical mix into a documented management policy.
If elected, I will:
Exclude front-beach business zoning districts from limits.
Honor the limit established to protect the remainder of the island.
Ensure all current license holders retain their license and receive priority status upon renewal. Protect the transferability of investment licenses to heirs.
Defend the exception for full-time residents renting up to 72 days per year.
Preserve the current tax base generated by STR’s.
WWW.CAMPSEN FOR COUNCIL.COM
Some delightful surprises in Portugal
By Carol Antman
For The Island Eye News
It seems like everyone is going to Portugal, just got back or wants to go – and it’s no wonder. Renowned for its beauty, cuisine, culture and history, it’s an attractive destination. My husband and I spent a month there this summer and found all of that to be true – but there were some surprises.
pedestrian safety is among the best in the world. Cars always yield to people in crosswalks.
The food was diverse. They say that Portugal has 365 recipes for cod, one for each day. Stacks of dried cod – which is imported from Norway nowadays – are in every store. But our food tour guide, Eloise, introduced us to excellent Iberian pork, cheeses, chorizo and octopus. There’s wonderful seafood, of course, but also plenty of ethnic cuisine. And how nice that it’s safe to drink the tap water.
Getting there and getting around was very easy. A quick Charleston to Philadelphia flight and a redeye to Lisbon got us there at 9 a.m., and the return flight was even quicker. We planned our itinerary around the train system, which is the best in Europe. The trains are comfortable and efficient and a great way to meet people. Not having a car wasn’t a problem since since Ubers came in an instant and for a very low cost. Furthermore,
It’s both modern and historic. While we sat in a square surrounded by churches built centuries ago, a busker sang and asked for requests. Soon the crowd was singing “Barbie” movie songs, complete with dialogue. But pride in culture runs deep. In Viana do Castelo, we were entranced by a week-long festival that began in 1772. Saints were carried from church altars and put onto ships to be blessed at sea. Citizens walked four hours in parades dressed in traditional clothes and stayed up all night to cover the streets with pictures made of rock salt.
“I get tears in my eyes every year,” our new friend Rosa told us.
And then there’s the politics. Portugal banned the importation of slaves in 1761, almost 100 years before the United States – although it continued in Portugal’s colonies. But the In-
quisition lasted decades longer, until 1821. We were struck by how democracy was won during a peaceful, one-day coup in 1974 known as the Carnation Revolution, where the citizenry flooded the streets and put flowers into gun barrels, ending more than 40 years of fascist rule. It was the first country in the world to decriminalize drugs and has one of the lowest drug usage rates in Europe. Interestingly, a Portuguese man who works for a U.S. company told us that work-life differences create some friction. Portuguese have three weeks of paid (Continued on page 11)
Photos by Carol Antman.
Traditional parade in Viana do Castelo.
Decorated streets in Viana do Castelo.
Pierce Scott
Resident-First Candidates Will Prioritize...
Resident-First Candidates Will Choose...
I previously endorsed Scott based on his experience on the planning commission and I have watched him exceed expectations while on Council. Scott has a long list of traits that make him an incredible representative for the island, but most of all, I know he is working for the best interest of those of us who plan to live and work here for many years to come. I can trust him to take an objective, data-driven approach to understanding anything that arises in the future.
John Moye
Former Isle of Palms City Council
Scott consistently goes beyond the call of duty to explore novel ideas and diverse viewpoints. He meticulously weighs the available alternatives, considers potential outcomes, and formulates well-reasoned positions. Scott remains approachable, actively engaged, and genuinely devoted to effective governance for the well-being of our residents.
Sue Nagelski
Isle of Palms Planning Commission
Scott is a good listener. He can take varied input of needs and wants, boil it down to its essence and create a vision and plan that’s executable to get the desired results.
He is transparent and has no hidden agenda. He expresses his beliefs and has the integrity to follow through on his promises. Scott has stated repeatedly that the island needs proper balance between residential quality of life and the investment community. I believe Scott will help us maintain that balance and I urge you to vote to reelect him to the IOP City Council.
Jim Smitherman
Scott has consistently lived up to his commitment to be an advocate for residents' quality of life in the face of explosive growth in our surrounding area. He is smart, analytical and always well prepared to offer common sense solutions. Scott has a very collaborative style and listens to his constituents to ensure he hears all sides of the issues. Scott’s voice for residents reaches beyond our city, as he frequently visits key representatives at the state level to fight for the Isle of Palms. More than anything, Scott is a man with high integrity and ethics.
John Bogosian
Isle of Palms City Council
OPEN LETTER TO MY NEIGHBORS
Dear Neighbors,
With the City Council election coming up, have you wondered City have why some of you are being bombarded with unsigned l etters of saying your property value is going to go down if y ou vote is down vote YES for the Short-Term Rental Referendum? Please consid er these for the Short-Term Rental Referendum? Please consid these questions before casting your ballot. your
Why the DECEPTION?
Who is behind the the FEAR TACTICS? FEAR
Why the Why the FALSE INFORMATION? INFORMATION? Who wants you to vote no? Who wants you to vote no?
Delightful surprises
Continued from page 9
Think about your quality of life. your Think about the noise you endure. about the noise endure. Ask , “ “ who is willing to stand up for me in City Council?” who is willing to stand up for me in City Council?”
time off by law. U.S. bosses are sometimes annoyed that their European employees don’t take work home with them. A waiter shared that he and his wife enjoy a nice standard of living due to the guaranteed minimum income laws, and expats were eager to boast of receiving medical care for a fraction what it would cost in the United States.
And then there’s the wine. No surprise that it’s so wonderful, but it’s surprisingly inexpensive. Another
vendor.
Pastry in Portugal.
delight: Tiny chocolate cups of ginjinha, a cherry liqueur, are sold from doorways all over the country.
And then there’s the pastry. How many bakeries can one country support? Apparently one on every block. People linger over cappuccino and conversation, so we made it our daily ritual, too. It was our duty to compare the ubiquitous pastel de nata – little custard tarts. Every city creates its version.
YOUR ANSWERS WILL DECIDE THE FUTURE OF THIS ISLAND.
YOUR ANSWERS WILL DECIDE THE FUTURE OF THIS ISLAND.
The deceivers know: The deceivers know:
F F ear works. ear works.
How to manipulate people. How to manipulate How to achieve their goals. How to achieve their goals. How to be a "wrecking ball." How to be a "wrecking ball."
So why are they so interested? are so interested?
It's because we are the last unprotected market wai ting It's last unprotected to be pillaged! It's about their pocketbooks, not y ours! to be pillaged! It's about their pocketbooks, not y
LOCATION LOCATION is a great stabilizer of property value. We live o
a a great property We n a barrier island! island!
Portugal’s tourism is increasing and it’s easy to see why. Vacationing there is comfortable, interesting and easy. Compared to other European countries, it’s less expensive and it’s full of delightful surprises.
One of 405 in the United States!
One of 405 in the United States!
272 are found in Alaska!
272 are found in Alaska!
133 in the lower 48 states.
133 in 48 states.
YOUR PROPERTY VALUE WILL NOT TANK! YOUR PROPERTY VALUE WILL NOT TANK! YOUR TAXES WILL NOT GO UP! YOUR TAXES WILL NOT GO UP!
So, I ask you to I you vote for your interest, your home, your your your neighbors ... that alone. ... alone.
Don't fall prey to the deceivers! fall prey deceivers!
Ginjinha
Preserve our residential community – vote yes
By Katie Miars
When you see signs, letters and flyers urging you to vote “no” on the referendum, please think about where this message comes from and why.
Businesses reliant on short-term rentals are the driving force behind this message. The IOP Chamber of Commerce – a large source of the mailers and signs – membership is over one-third real estate and STR rental businesses. They have a vested commercial interest in more STRs solely to make more money, not necessarily in what is best for our residents and community. One sign even proclaims “preserve our neighborhoods, vote no.” To be clear, to preserve my neighborhood, I must vote to allow unlimited STRs? The Forest Trail area is my neighborhood. It nearly doubled in one registration year, going from 13% STRs to 25%. Residents are not hoarding licenses; only 184 residents hold STRs. We are at 35% investor STRs islandwide. That is 15% away from 50%. Look out your window and ask yourself how your neighborhood would look and feel if half or more of the houses you see are STRs.
Other signs and flyers claim your property value will plummet if we cap STRs. This is fear-mongering and speculative. Sullivan’s Island banned nearly every STR 23 years ago, yet their property values are significantly higher than IOP’s. The “no” backers argue that it is not a fair comparison because Sullivan’s is different or maybe even better than IOP. Different, yes, but better? IOP has the same, if not a better beach – we have waves! IOP has equally good restaurants, the Rec Center, Wild Dunes with two golf courses and a pool for the swim team. Sullivan’s and IOP also share our amazing elementary school, which boosts property values equally. I take pride in our island and believe it is just as attractive to residents as Sullivan’s.
These signs indicate the sole value of our homes is their rental potential. I wholly disagree and believe the true value of our island is from the residential community who call this island home. We are one of the most desirable places to live in South Carolina. Preserving our residential community and capping STRs will safeguard the value of our homes for ourselves and future generations.
Please vote yes on the referendum. If the referendum passes, I pledge to amend the ordinance to exclude the business district and ensure that all who currently hold STRs will be able to renew their license year after year.
Katie Miars is a member of the Isle of Palms City Council.
Make sure we don’t create a larger problem - vote no
By Mel Miles
Can we do anything to bring peace to our community? A core group has fueled stress and conflict and has divided us. There are two sides to the short-term rental issue, and the opinions of both need to be respected. These are the facts:
• Short-term rental guests as well as residents make noise and disturb nearby residents. According to the city’s records, there were 54 noise complaints from residents and 91 from rentals through Sept. 30 of this year. Bad behavior will continue if penalties aren’t strong enough to affect that behavior. Why aren’t we generating additional revenue for the city and imposing hefty and escalating fines on these properties until behavior changes?
• A moratorium on STR licenses was discussed a couple of years ago, and the number of licenses spiked from 1,500 to 1,800 currently. One side of the STR argument has promoted this sharp rise in rental licenses as the main reason caps should be implemented, but the number of active rental licenses has declined by 5% in the last 12 years and averages around 1,000.
• Major corporations and institutional investors hold their companies in a C or S corporation. LLCs are a simple way to hold properties or small businesses for liability and tax reasons.
• Renters arrive on the island from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – when the traffic leaving the island is at its worst. Renters depart between 9 a.m. and noon when the traffic coming on the island is terrible. Traffic problems are caused by day-trippers, not short-term renters.
• STRs are restricted to one car per bedroom, and renters usually park in driveways and garages. Day-trippers cause the parking issues. According to the city, in the last nine months, there have only been five short-term rental vehicle limit violations.
• Most local restaurants cannot afford to lose the business provided by short-term rental customers and could possibly go out of business without the tourism income from STRs.
• As of Sept. 30, the median sold price of Folly Beach homes has declined by 42.5%. During the same period, Charleston’s median price was up 11%, Mount Pleasant’s was up 3% and IOP’s was up 1%. The composition of STRs to total homes before rental caps on Sullivan’s was 9%, Folly was 41% and IOP is at 41%.”
Our community and Council should work together to help those who are inconvenienced, angry, frustrated and feel disrespected without penalizing the 97% of short-term rental homeowners who aren’t causing the problem. Don’t create a larger problem by drastically impacting the value of our homes and the city’s budget.
Mel Miles is an IOP homeowner since 1998, the owner of a vacation management company and a Realtor.
Questions and Answers about the short-term rental referendum
By John Bogosian
Q: There appears to be confusion on what the short-term cap proposed in the referendum covers and what it does not. Can you explain your understanding of the proposed ordinance?
A: The referendum ordinance does not propose to eliminate short-term rentals but attempts to keep a balance between rentals, second homes and full-time residents. The ordinance caps the short-term rentals owned by investors at 1,600, and all existing license holders can renew their license, even if the number of licenses issued at the time of the referendum is above 1,600. It allows full-time residents to rent their homes up to 72 days per year and it allows for the transfer
of a license to an eligible family member. There are no limits on seasonal or long-term rentals.
Q: You have mentioned that not passing this referendum can represent an existential threat to the Isle of Palms and to the residential nature of the island? Is this not somewhat of an alarmist view?
A: Absolutely not. Total short-term rental licenses have increased from 1,403 to 1,819 in less than two years, an increase of 30%. Even more concerning is that 40% of all homes are now short-term rentals. In that same time, short-term rentals migrated into our core neighborhoods, with some neighborhoods seeing rentals nearly double in number. Over 28% of single-family homes and 63% of non-single-family homes are now rentals. This is a very accelerated movement into our residential neighborhoods and
throughout the island. This is not surprising considering that Isle of Palms is the only community in this area with no short-term rental restrictions. Mount Pleasant has serious restrictions, limiting licenses to 1% of residential dwellings, which is just over 400. Sullivan’s Island essentially bans STRs. Folly has an 800 license limit that residents just approved via referendum, and downtown Charleston has severe restrictions, as does Kiawah. If you are a real estate investor in this area, Isle of Palms is the only game in town that is wide open.
Q: Historically, Isle of Palms has promoted a mix of short-term rentals, permanent residents and second home owners.Why the sudden change?
A: There is no change. Again, the referendum ordinance does not propose (Continued on page 13)
Reddy or not
Can’t We All Just Get Along?
As we approach another election on our small island, I must ask the question: Can’t we all get along?
It’s OK to have different opinions, but do we need to call each other names and attribute negative motives to people we have not even met? Directing our frustration toward elected officials is acceptable because they are in the public arena by choice. Directing vile comments at each other only destroys the fabric of our community.
Elected officials past and present can send a message of a united community with different opinions instead of throwing oil on the fire with hateful comments and baldfaced lies. Take the vitriol generated by the short-term rental referendum. Clearly, the nature of the referendum will generate different opinions.
Residents want to maintain a balance and a residential feel to the island while welcoming renters and second-home owners. The real estate community and those affiliated in some way with the real estate
Questions and answers
Continued from page 12
to eliminate any short-term rentals, limits licenses at all-time highs and preserves the balance between rentals, second homes and full-time residents. While the mix has historically been onethird for each of the categories, the cap in the referendum of 1,600 investor short-term rentals out of 4,584 total households is 35%. With the unlimited number of full-time resident – 4% –rentals, the percentage approaches 40%. This is higher than the historical mix and at the highest level of STRs we have ever had on this island. The proposed cap in the referendum is trying to maintain a healthy mix, not destroy it.
Q: There have been numerous claims, including by a few Council members, that taxes will go up since a large portion of city revenue comes from short-term rentals.
A: Those who make these statements are wrong. First, the referendum sets a cap at the highest number of short-term rentals in the history of the Isle of Palms. How does anyone jump to the assumption of lower city revenues from a higher number of rentals? There will be no tax increases as a result of the referendum, which is another false claim. Also, some have suggested that as much as 80% of city revenues come from short-term rentals. The city has a fiscal year 2024 budgeted revenue of $26.4 million. Total revenue generated from short-term rentals is budgeted at $8.7 million, or 33% of total revenue. Roughly $.9 million of this must be sent to the Charleston Visitors Bureau for advertising and about $1.7 million is earmarked for beach restoration. That leaves about $6.1 million for city operating
community view this as potentially limiting their earnings. This is also valid. In talking to both sides, I believe there is a balance that can be achieved.
Residents want the one-third renters, one-third second-home buyers and one-third full-time residents balance that was always part of the planning for this community. The real estate business, including residents who in some ways are connected to the business, understand this, and many of them have expressed that they can get comfortable with a 1,600 or a 35% cap. However, they are concerned that this cap might be reduced further, and they are concerned that if we reached the 1,600 cap, then selling an investment property to another investor would be difficult.
These are workable issues that have multiple solutions. Instead, we have nastiness, name-calling and scaring residents about taxes and property values. We had one current councilman go on TV and claim that 95% of city revenue came from short-term rentals. Well, if that were the case, we would still have that revenue because the cap is set
expenses, or 23% of total revenue, not 80%. The referendum does not impact city revenues, and your property taxes will not increase as a result.
Q: There are also claims, including from a few Council members, that property values will go down with a cap.
A: This is nonsense. Part of the argument is that after Folly Beach enacted a cap on short-term rentals, home values have dropped. Many factors determine property values. It is bad practice to selectively pick certain factors with very limited data and then claim the sky will fall. Actually, the MLS data for September homes sold on Folly Beach show a 48% increase in median value over 2022. The same data for Isle of Palms shows only a 28% increase. Those that make these claims are being dishonest and manipulative or don’t understand the complexity of property values, including interest rates, supply and demand and the overall economy. Sullivan’s Island is a living case study of increasing home values after limiting short-term rentals.
Q: What about the rentals in the commercial areas at Front Beach?
A: I strongly feel this will be addressed by City Council after the referendum passes. The petition could not address commercial areas because citizens cannot change zoning by referendum. I believe all of Council and all those running for election are prepared to address this issue. This is not a reason to vote against the referendum.
Q: You are an IOP resident and have three children. What if you wanted to leave your home to your three children who want to rent it out through STRs. Does a cap restrict that?
at the highest level of rentals we have historically had. However, the correct answer is 23% of revenues come from short-term rentals after the funds to the Charleston Visitors Bureau and the beach renourishment fund have been paid out.
Heated debate has ensued online using language that can only be described as hateful and something this community does not deserve. This nastiness only causes this issue to be set up as a winner take all, where the eventual winner will not want to negotiate with the eventual loser to reach a healthy compromise that is good for the community. We are all better than that. Call out your elected officials and hold them accountable. But let’s be civil to each other and not tear this community apart.
Reddy or Not represents the opinion of Lucky Dog Publishing owner Rom Reddy but not necessarily the opinion of the newspaper. In keeping with our philosophy of publishing all opinions, we welcome responses, which must be limited to 400 words and will be published on a space-available basis.
A: Only if the cap has been reached will nonresident children of an IOP resident be unable to immediately obtain an STR license. If the limit has been reached, the children can rent seasonally or longterm with no restrictions until a short-term rental license becomes available. Transferability can also be re-assessed by Council, but not through the current referendum. However, I do have three children, and, if I left my property to them, typically what we see is the children selling the property. There certainly are some rare estate planning issues for which a cap may be restrictive or may cause a wait to get a license. However, as a primary residential community, that is a price I am willing to pay to maintain quality of life and maintain the value of my investment. I think most residents would agree with that.
Q: It appears that you are a resounding yes vote on the referendum. Do you have any hesitation voting yes?
A: No hesitation whatsoever. I have never been more convinced that a yes vote is so crucial to this island maintaining its residential nature. There is a lot of real estate money, inside and outside the island, pouring in trying to scare residents. I would encourage residents to study the issue and ask themselves what they want this community to look like. If you are to believe the naysayers, then ask yourself why almost every other community around us has STR restrictions. Do we know something they do not? I would urge residents to go to the polls and make an informed vote and not listen to the fear tactics by those with financial and special interests.
John Bogosian is a member of the Isle of Palms City Council.
There’s good news and bad news from Town Hall
Dear Island Neighbors,
I hope you are enjoying my favorite time of the year on the Island. Cooling temperatures, beautiful light and our version of fall colors: the blooming spartina grass in the marsh going golden, along with the goldenrods on the shore and the mums in the stores.
Lots to cover this time, so here we go:
Staff updates from Town Hall
We now have posted job notices for two important positions. It’s a good news, bad news kind of thing.
Good news: Council previously approved funding for a new position of director of resilience and natural resource management. The director’s primary responsibilities will include: a) preservation, protection and management of Sullivan’s Island’s natural resources – Maritime Forest, accreted land, wetlands, greenspaces, rights of way – and b) development and implementation of plans to increase the island’s resilience in dealing with threats such as sea level rise, rain-related flooding, hurricanes and other extreme weather events and earthquakes.
We have established a search process, and the job posting is being disseminated very broadly among professionals who have expertise in relevant areas.
Bad news: After 20+ years of stellar service to the town, Andy Benke, our great town administrator, is succumbing to the lure of surfing,
fishing, hunting and traveling – and perhaps unforeseen honey-do lists. Andy will be retiring in the near future. We know we will not find another Andy, but we have established a search process for a potential successor town administrator.
We are working with the Municipal Association of South Carolina, which has much experience in finding and evaluating municipal administrators, to help us in this search. We will have more information forthcoming regarding both this search and our salute to Andy for his meritorious tenure as town administrator.
For job descriptions and more information on these positions, please visit bit.ly/SI-Employment
October is Fire Safety Month
Fire Chief Anthony Stith reminds us of the importance of October as Fire Safety Month. Check those smoke detectors and your fire extinguishers!
Here are some other tips from our newly appointed SI Fire Department Training Officer, Adam Ivan: bit.ly/SIFallFireSafety.
Stith Park comprehensive plan update
As noted last month, the town has retained the firm of Thomas & Hutton to provide a mas-
ter plan for enhancement and revitalization of Stith Park on Middle Street, next to Town Hall. A critical part of this process includes public meetings to solicit input from islanders about how they would like to see the park develop into an even more vibrant community gathering place.
The first of these informal “charette”-style meetings on Sept. 21 was very well-attended by very engaged citizens. The information gathered from those participants will be incorporated into modified proposals for the park, which will be reviewed by the public at the second charette.
That second charette will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at Town Hall. Please come out to see what the evolving thoughts are and, more importantly, to provide your own input.
Boo careful
Of course, Halloween is right around the corner – Tuesday, Oct. 31. Our great Police Department is all in on helping you and your candy extortionists to be safe on this enjoyable night.
One thing they are doing is again providing support to block off Officers’ Row – I’on Avenue between Stations 17 and 18 – so that the street will be safe for trick-or-treating and visiting. Thanks to Chief of (Continued on page 16)
There’s a new boat club at the IOP Marina
COME CHECK US OUT
BOAT CLUB
Offers the ultimate boating experience without the hassles of ownership
• Experience the charm of the Lowcountry waterways, where boating dreams come to life
• Take advantage of exclusive perks as a member of our Boat Club Brand new Center Consoles
BOAT RENTALS
Completely revamped and upgraded marina facilities & services
• IOP Marina offers the freedom of boating to all with our new Boat Rental fleet
• Wide range of boats tailored to your needs and preferences, pontoons & center consoles
• Perfect for both experienced boaters and beginners discovering a new hobby
SHIP STORE: NOW OPEN
• Newly revamped and upgraded. Hours: 7am – 7pm. Kitchen: 7am – 3pm (breakfast ends at 10:30am) Start the day right with a delightful cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast at our waterfront café
• Mouthwatering lunches made from locally sourced ingredients, served fresh
• Full range of convenience store items and services for last-minute needs
iopmarina
com
PLEASE VOTE YES!
THE TRUTH IS...
THERE IS NO IMPACT TO CITY REVENUE.
THERE WILL BE NO NEW TAXES. THE 1600 LICENSE LIMIT IS AT ALL-TIME HIGHS. PROPERTY VALUES WILL NOT PLUMMET. FRONT BEACH COMMERCIAL ZONE WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM CAPS.
ALL CURRENT LICENSE HOLDERS, EVEN IF OVER 1600, WILL BE ABLE TO RENEW. PROTECTS ELIGIBLE HEIRS. ALL CURRENT RESIDENT LICENSES ARE EXCLUDED.
Imagine if every yard sign spoke the truth instead of stoking fear. If that were so, here's what they would convey. It's perplexing why some oppose a short-term rental cap, given that its primary aim is to safeguard the quality of life on an island known both as a premier travel spot and a top investment hub for rentals and businesses. To reiterate, we're not against short-term rentals. Our commitment lies in upholding the island's residential character by setting a cap on the number of short-term rental licenses, which are already at a historical all-time high. The referendum ensures a balanced environment where residents' quality of life remains unspoiled.
PLEASE VOTE YES ON ELECTION DAY. VOTING NO WILL NOT PRESERVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. YOUR VOICE & YOUR FUTURE MATTERS NOW MORE THAN EVER .
Police Chris Griffin and his officers for again providing this traditional fun opportunity.
And don’t hesitate to hit up the officers for treats at the street blockades. You might be surprised!
Here are some more important tips from Chief Griffin for a safe Halloween:
Brighten up: Give children a Halloween flashlight or glow stick, and put reflective materials on their stuff.
Look both ways: So simple, but, to a child, it’s not always intuitive. Tell your kids to look both ways before crossing the street and to use crosswalks when available.
Walk, don’t run: And stay on sidewalks when possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
Snacking: Children shouldn’t snack on treats from their goody bags while they’re out trick-or-treating. Don’t send them out on an empty stomach. Urge them to wait until they get home and let you inspect their loot before they eat any of it.
Kids should try to stay in small groups of immediate family with a responsible adult or teen accompanying each group. At least one person in the group should carry a flashlight in case it begins to get dark.
Encouraging a compromise
Try to stay on well-lighted streets, and do not go to homes that are not well lit.
Never enter a stranger’s house, even if you are invited, and never take a ride from a stranger.
Bikes for Tykes drive
Our Sullivan’s Island Police Department is sponsoring its third annual Christmas Bike Drive, benefiting Toys for Tots. Please donate one or many new bikes to this effort.
Last year, they collected 262 bikes. This year’s goal is 300 bikes. Only new bikes can be accepted, either in the box or assembled. Helmets are also welcomed. Donated bikes can be dropped off at the Sullivan’s Island Police Department, located inside Town Hall at 2056 Middle St. during regular office hours, or shipped directly to the Police Department at that address. Questions? Contact Deputy Chief Glenn Meadows, who orchestrates the effort, at Gmeadows@sullivansisland.sc.gov or his cell, 843-834-4298. Let’s go people! Those bikes aren’t going to buy themselves!!
See you around the Island!
Pat O’Neil, Mayor 843-670-9266
Twitter: @oneilpm1 oneilp@sullivansisland.sc.gov
Island Eye • LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I am not 100% opposed to a rental license cap. I signed the petition. However, I am voting “no” in order to encourage a compromise.
The Planning Commission put forth some reasonable ideas, as did Scott Pierce. It seems some of the “yes” folks are all-or-nothing.
Maybe the ideas put forth need tweaking? In voting “no,” we give Council the leeway to get it right.
We, the residents, are diligent and insistent enough to keep this in front
of Council, to figure it out, with minimal impact to both our neighborhoods and tax base.
This is not “kicking the can.” It’s responsibly, deliberately solving the problem, as opposed to forcing a half-cocked solution.
IMO, it’s safer to vote “no” and keep working on the ordinance than to try to change it after the fact.
Mimi Wood Isle of Palms
Down with the Connector Run
It is time to end this annual event. Yes, it supports child abuse prevention, which is a worthy cause, but the organizers need to find another way of fundraising. This past Saturday, traffic was at a standstill from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Public service announcements ahead of the event promised entrance and exit through Sullivan’s Island. That didn’t happen. Sullivan’s Island has their own traffic issues, especially on weekends. They don’t need to take on the IOP’s. I sympathize with people who missed their flights and appointments. Fortunately, we didn’t have a major fire or medical emergency. The IOP Connector is a lifeline for visitors and residents on this overcrowded, overvisited island! It should never be shut down!
Joyce Morris Isle of Palms
Vote yes to preserve IOP
Nov. 7 is our chance to preserve the residential quality of our IOP neighborhoods. Please vote yes for the referendum in order to maintain our current ratio of renters to residents. This will also bring us in line with rental policies in our surrounding communities. There will be no need for a tax increase. Existing licenses will not be taken away. We simply need to maintain a balance. Don’t be alarmed by letters from anonymous Realtors. Home prices on Folly Beach are not decreasing. Just ask a permanent Folly resident. Neighborhoods increase home values.
There are four residents running for City Council who support our referendum. They are engaged and willing to listen to residents. They are Scott Pierce, Brian Duffy, Elizabeth Campsen and Tim Ahmuty. Please vote for these candidates and the referendum, so that our City Council will represent the residents who live here, not outside investment interests.
Georgia Roane Isle of Palms
P r o t e c t y o u r p r o p e r t y , a n d y o u r r i g h t s -
v o t e N O o n t h e c a p !
Short term rentals are a major contributor to our local economy For decades, they’ve brought vacation from around the world to our community and increased revenue coming to the Isle of Palms. This increased revenue supports small businesses, which benefits everyone
S h o r t t e r m r e n t a l s -
Increases tax revenue for our island. Increased revenue supports IOP and keeps personal property taxes lower Help small businesses.
Adds funding to public services
Increase overall property value for all residents
A Harvard Business Review study found that properties used as short-term rentals sell for 38% more on
On November 7th, vote NO on the short term rental referendum.
TAX REVENUE | When local governments, like Isle of Palms, face substantial reductions in tax revenue due to policies like short-term rental restrictions, they often seek to compensate by raising other taxes, such as sales and property taxes, for their residents. PROPERTY VALUES | Folly Beach implemented a short-term rental restriction in February and has seen a 25% drop in property values (according to MLS) in just six months since the law’s passage! Before you vote, please consider the consequences of a short-term rental restriction on our community. (source: IOPChamber.com)
Sullivan’s Island has a New Residential Composting Drop Off Site
Please join the Town of Sullivan’s Island in our new composting program by recycling food scraps for free! Interested participants can sign up at www.charleston-sc.gov/compost. After a short quiz, you will receive a code that allows you access to the compost drop off bin. The Sullivan’s Island drop-off site is located at 1921 I’On Ave., between the Edgar Allen Poe Library and Battery Gadsden Cultural Center. Your scraps will then be sent to the Bees Ferry Compost Facility, instead of the landfill, to be recycled into compost. There are many benefits to composting, so please join us!
To sign up and for more information, visit charleston-sc.gov/compost
Please report any issues or maintenance concerns to Sullivan’s Island Town Hall at (843) 883-3198 or frontdesk@sullivansisland.sc.gov
THE CHOICES ARE CLEAR. OUR LIVABILITY DEPENDS ON IT.
YOUR BALLOT
For Four Years
TIM AHMUTY
CITY COUNCIL
ELIZABETH CAMPSEN
BRIAN DUFFY
SCOTT PIERCE
Vote for NOT more than FOUR
Candidate for Re-Election
REFERENDUM
Shall the City of Isle of Palms limit the investment short-term rental business licenses to a maximum of 1,600?
YES, IN FAVOR OF THE QUESTION
NO, OPPOSED TO THE QUESTION
VOTE FOR RESIDENT-FIRST CANDIDATES
Tim Ahmuty, Elizabeth Campsen, Brian Duffy, and Scott Pierce are resident-first candidates who prioritize the residents’ interests, a balanced community, the preservation of our quality of life in our community, and they act with integrity, honesty and transparency.
VOTE YES TO PRESERVE IOP
This referendum offers a balanced community, safeguarding the quality of life on our island by upholding its residential character. It will not impact city revenue, create new taxes, or decrease your property value. Additionally, all license holders will be able to renew, eligible heirs are protected, and resident licenses are excluded.
PLEASE VOTE YES ON NOVEMBER 7TH AND FOR RESIDENT-FIRST CANDIDATES WHO WILL SAFEGUARD OUR QUALITY OF LIFE.
Election 2023
Hatler announces for spot on Water and Sewer Commission
I’m Doug Hatler, a year-round resident of our beautiful island and candidate for commissioner of the IOP Water and Sewer Commission. Now I serve on the IOP Environmental Advisory Committee. I’m running because as a lifelong environmental engineer and business executive who has tackled problems big and small related to protecting human health and the environment, I can help prepare IOP for the upcoming water and sewer challenges we will face over the next decade.:
• aging workforce and infrastructure;
• increasing variability in population from tourism;
• further modernization of water and sewer systems;
• PFAS and emerging contaminants;
• septic system pollution;
• affordable sewer hookups;
• rising ocean levels;
• more frequent storms and flooding;
• less funding from federal and state agencies.
For over 25 years, I have been implementing innovative water and waste solutions around the world for industrial corporations and municipal utilities. The past six years I have worked with over 100 water and sewer authorities across the United States and in Canada. I understand the complexity and costs of operating a public utility and witnessed firsthand the dedication and commitment of those who work to keep our water clean and safe. I want to bring that knowledge and experience to the IOP Water and Sewer Commission.
On a personal level, I’m married 31 years and blessed with two happy, healthy and accomplished sons. We have lived all over the United States, including South Carolina in the 1990s. Our sons were born here. No matter where we lived, we often returned for vacation in the Lowcountry. And when my youngest son decided to attend The Citadel, we knew fate had brought us back to where we belonged. We were fortunate to find a beautiful home on 27th Avenue.
As our beloved Isle of Palms faces major environmental, regulatory and public health challenges, we will need to implement new ideas and insights. This requires new people and new ways of doing business.
On Nov. 7, please vote for me, Doug Hatler, to represent you on the IOP Water and Sewer Commission.
Danielle Howle’s 16th album to be released in Mount Pleasant
By Everett White
For The Island Eye News
We are proud to announce Danielle Howle’s 16th album release “Current” on Nov. 3 at the White Gallery at 709 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.
Join Howle, Soul Shine Studios and Lucky Dog Publishing for an unforgettable evening of great songs and stellar performances. A lifelong artist and natural storyteller, Howle has lived a million lives in one, releasing well over a dozen studio albums in a four-decade career that has traversed genres, styles and cultures, encompassing everything from country-swamp-blues and jazz to folk, Southern rock, indie and Americana – all while endlessly exploring the depths of the human condition.
She’s opened for legends such as Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt and was a close friend of the late singer/ songwriter Elliott Smith, but Howle doesn’t focus on
the past. Her head and her heart are in the present, which is abundantly clear throughout her highly anticipated 16th studio album. Howle’s ensemble will include many of the musicians featured on the album – Tony Lauria – Spottiswoode and His Enemies – on accordion, Kerry Brooks – Amy Ray Band – on bass and Josh Roberts – Josh Roberts and the Hinges – on guitar, along with numerous other special guests.
Up-and-coming songwriter Meredith Foster will open the show. Tickets are limited, so reserve your seat now at daniellehowle.com/shows. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The never-ending battle for golf supremacy
By Mike Gollobin
For The Island Eye News
When summer ends and fall begins, you can be sure of two realities: hurricane season is on the way and so is the annual competition between Seabrook, Kiawah and Wild Dunes.
The Three Island Challenge is an annual golf competition pitting the three island clubs against each other in a round robin event. Each team is comprised of 18 players and three matches are scheduled – one at each location. Points are distributed playing a game called nines, and the winner is the club that tallies the most points after all three matches are completed. This year’s event started at Seabrook on Sept. 21.
And it’s fitting that Seabrook hosted the first round because they have owned this event for what seems like forever. Going back through the archives and from interviewing as many golfers who have played in this event as possible, it appears Seabrook has won 10 of the last 15 competitions, with Wild Dunes taking the other five. Wild Dunes had a nice run, winning three times in five years from 2013 to 2017, but it’s been all Seabrook since. It appears that the competition goes back much further than 2007, possibly starting as early as 1996. Records for those competitions are elusive; many of those players have either moved on or passed away. However, one former president of the Wild Dunes Men’s Golf Association provided an intriguing story about a Three Island Challenge. The golfers were on the Links course at Wild Dunes when the United States was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. And what would normally have been festive gathering for lunch turned into a somber, horrifying spectacle for all involved. Back in those days, each team had 24 players, so you can imagine 72 golfers coming in from a round to that scene. That had to be a miserable drive home for the Seabrook and Kiawah participants.
ging for members who might massage their handicap to get an advantage in this type of event. I’m not suggesting that’s the case here, but both Wild Dunes and Kiawah need something to change if they are ever going to get that crystal back to their clubs.
However, after our first match Sept. 21, it appeared that Seabrook is still the team to beat, winning round one impressively by a score of 1,024 to 982 for Kiawah and 870 for Wild Dunes. The rest of the schedule for the Three Island Challenge has the second match on the Links Course at Wild Dunes on Oct. 19 and the final match at Turtle Point on Kiawah on Nov. 8. That first match was played on the Seabrook Ocean Winds course, and it was plenty windy that day as the Wild Dunes team literally got blown away. They might require some divine intervention if they want to get back into this thing back at their place on Oct. 19.
A little more history on the event: Going back maybe 10 years, the head pros used to play in this event. They would play head-to-headto-head, and that would be the first score of the group. I think that is a unique concept, and I wish they would consider bringing it back. Having the pros there would really up the ante for the competition and make it that much more desirable to win. Plus, I’m sure there would be some bragging rights to toss around.
After the golf wraps up, a real highlight of the event is for the golfers to get together and enjoy lunch. It’s a great way to meet golfers in the area, and it promotes camaraderie after the intense competition ends. I’ve been playing in this event since 2014, and I can tell you that even though the matches are competitive, almost all the golfers who play in this event are genuinely good guys. Usually, the host golfer in your threesome will help you with the course layout if you are new to that course, and everyone looks forward to getting together for lunch afterward. It’s a great event and we look forward to it every year.
Now if we could just figure out how to beat those Seabrook guys.
Mike Gollobin is the president of the Wild Dunes Men’s Golf Association.
The golfers who compete in the Challenge are all members of their respective Men’s Golf Associations, though the Kiawah organization is known as the Governor’s Club. The team roster can contain any number of members, but only 18 play on any given event date. Therefore, it’s up to the teams to determine who is going to show up and play at each event. Some of the clubs ask their members to qualify to make the team, while others sometimes have to scramble just to get 18, especially at away competitions. Of course, Seabrook and Kiawah are right next to each other. It’s the trip to and from Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes that creates issues. Everybody who lives in the area knows what a headache that can be.
Since there are three clubs, each match is a threesome, which is perfect for playing nines, a game where each hole has nine possible points. Matches are assigned based on like handicaps, so the best players play against each other. All results are based on net scores. If all three net scores within a group tie, then each player receives three points. If one player wins a hole, another finishes second and the last player finishes third, the points are awarded at five-three-one. If two players tie and the third player loses the hole, the points are awarded as four-four-one. If one player wins the hole and the other two tie for second, it’s five-two-two.
The beauty of this game is that you can lose a hole, get your one point and then move on to the next hole. You are not out of the competition by any means. In stroke play, one really bad hole can kill your chances of bouncing back.
The winning team receives a crystal trophy, which is displayed for the year in its pro shop or maybe in the office of the head pro. Seabrook has had a stronghold on this prestigious honor for a long time, but both Wild Dunes and Kiawah were hoping to change that outcome this year.
To that end, the teams have agreed to incorporate a new handicapping method that uses the lowest handicap index of a golfer for the previous 12 months. This same system is employed in the Carolina Golf Association Senior Interclub tournament and seems to be a great way to limit sandbag-
Seabrook has been dominant in the Three Island Challenge in recent years, but the Wild Dunes team claimed the crown in 2017.
Photo courtesy of Mike Gollobin.
A bank built for the future while honoring the past
by Ada Jenkins
For The Island Eye News
Mount Pleasant’s historic African American communities of Six Mile and Seven Mile have earned a place of distinction for their cherished sweetgrass basketmakers, who have long graced the landscape with their craftsmanship, lining the stalls along Highway 17 North in Mount Pleasant. Yet these unique cultural treasures and their surrounding communities face an ever-present threat of commercialization. For centuries, the Gullah Geechee culture has thrived in these lands, bearing witness to the passage of time and the winds of change.
Beacon Community Bank, in its mission to serve these vibrant communities, recently celebrated the opening of its new corporate headquarters and branch not far from Six Mile and Seven Mile. This expansion did not occur in isolation. In a remarkable display of respect for the history and culture of the land upon which they built, the bank’s board members initiated vital conversations with key community figures – Beacon board member Rev. Jimmy Gallant, Community Action Group for Encouragement President George Freeman, Louis Jefferson and resident Jeanette Lee, among others. These discussions took place prior to the construction, demonstrating a profound commitment to engage the local community in the decision-making process.
ing this commitment when serving the residents of Six Mile and Seven Mile. In a gesture that symbolizes the extent of its dedication, the community is honored with its own dedicated office space in the newly constructed branch building.
According to Bank President and CEO Brooks Melton, the new bank branch building’s architecture features local cultural connections embedded in an ultramodern design, such as lobby artwork and even customized wall paneling reminiscent of basket weaving’s design and texture.
Baker stressed the vital importance of ensuring that local residents have a strong influence in decision-making.
“We want to listen to this community,” he
Beacon Community Bank Chairman of the Board Tommy Baker, longtime Sullivan’s Island resident and staunch advocate for community empowerment, passionately emphasized the shared connection between the bank and the residents of Six Mile and Seven Mile.
“It’s their community, and we are in their community,” vocalized Baker. “We wanted them to know that we are sincere and genuinely want to do the right thing.”
The bank’s ethos revolves around giving the community a voice, an integral aspect of its broader commitment. Beacon Community Bank holds steadfastly to the principle of prioritizing local causes and takes immense pride in fulfill-
community activities and gatherings.
“They’ve got the property; they just haven’t built one yet,” Baker noted. “Somewhere along the way, we’d really like to fundraise and get enough money to build that for them.”
Beyond community development, property matters play a significant role in Baker’s vision for the future.
underscored, emphasizing the significance of considering every voice.
The bank’s vision includes an array of projects designed to enhance the well-being of the surrounding residents. Foremost among these is the restoration of sweetgrass basket vendors to their well-deserved prominent position along Highway 17. The bank also is currently developing Grassroots Legacy Park on the property adjacent to the new branch. This commemorative outdoor space will include a sweetgrass prairie for harvesting, a pavilion and a wall featuring the surnames of the families that settled the Six Mile and Seven Mile communities.
Additionally, among the projects on the horizon is the construction of a community building that will serve as a hub for Six Mile and Seven Mile residents, providing a dedicated space for
“I would love to offer solutions to help residents secure title to property held in their families for generations,” he said, explaining that “When they have good title, they can build a house on the property, when it wasn’t possible before. They can have a duplex and reside on one side while renting out the other. Or they can sell the property and profit from it, whichever option they prefer. It will be entirely their decision, and we want that for them.”
In concluding his reflections on the Six Mile and Seven Mile communities, Baker expressed an abiding admiration for the residents and their rich culture.
“They are truly amazing,” he said with heartfelt appreciation. “I can’t wait until we have a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrate them. It’s going to be the highlight of my life – our association with these people. We’re exceedingly proud to be here and to be a part of this.”
Beacon Community Bank’s dedication to preserving culture, promoting community growth and supporting local causes is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of the Six Mile and Seven Mile communities.
Approximately 200 people gathered in Charleston Oct. 12 to hear from local, state and federal officials and show their support for Israel, which was brutally attacked by the terror group Hamas recently. Among the speakers at the “Stand with Israel” rally were Charleston County Council member and Sullivan’s Island resident Larry Kobrovsky. On the podium with him were Charleston Mayor John Tecklenberg, right, and Rabbi Sholom Mimran of Congregation Dor Tikvah.
Above: Beacon Community Bank Chairman of the Board Tommy Baker, right, with President and CEO Brooks Melton.
Left: The bank’s new building on Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant.
Photo by Larry Monteith.
Photo by Bobby Carrier.
Around the Islands
ONGOING
WHAT: Sea Island Builders Food Drive
WHERE: 2113 Middle St., Suite 100, Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Through Nov. 17
MORE INFO: To learn more: 843-883-7430
WHAT: Sea Island Builders Toy Drive
WHERE: 2113 Middle St., Suite 100, Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Through Dec. 15
MORE INFO: To learn more: 843-883-7430
WHAT: Wild Roll Wednesday
WHERE: IOP Recreation Center - High Tide Room WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • Wednesdays
MORE INFO: Back by popular demand, Wild Roll Wednesday with the Isle of Palms Recreation, Police and Fire departments. Continues through Spring 2024. Each week will feature a different trainer/coach from a different department, and participants will have the opportunity to work out with multiple department team members. To learn more and register, visit IOP.net.
WHAT: Community meditation
WHERE: IOP Rec Center
WHEN: Thursdays at 9 a.m.
MORE INFO: Outdoors, under the oaks – weather permitting; indoors on colder or bad weather days. Free. To learn more: iop.net/recreation.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
WHAT: IOP Public Safety Open House
WHERE: IOP Public Safety Building WHEN: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Engage with the city’s Fire Department and Police Department. Learn about fire safety and meet Sparky the Fire Dog. There will be an inflatable house, Sunny Daze Ice Cream, Holy City Popcorn, cotton candy, static police vehicle displays and more. Free. To learn more: iop.net.
WHAT: Ghostly Tide Tales
WHERE: IOP Front Beach WHEN: 6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Listen to ghost stories on Front Beach while sitting by the campfire. Please bring blankets, chairs and a flashlight. Free and open to the public. To learn more: iop.net.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
WHAT: Beach Lovers Book Club
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Come for a lively discussion of “The Guest List’ by Lucy Foley. To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
TUEDAYS, OCTOBER 24 and 31, NOVEMBER 4
WHAT: Family Storytime
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Join us for stories, songs and rhymes that support early literacy. To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
WHAT: Memoir Writing Circle
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 1 p.m.
MORE INFO: Join us to get your stories started. Write from a provided
prompt for 20 minutes, then share for friendly feedback. To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
WHAT: POE-etry critique group
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 1 p.m. (after hours)
MORE INFO: Gather with fellow poets to share and improve your work. Bring six copies of one or two poems to share with fellow poets (limit 2-3 pages). To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
THURSDAYS, OCTOBER 26 and NOVEMBER 2
WHAT: American Mah Jongg
WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: Noon-2 p.m. (all levels) and 4-6 p.m. (experienced players)
MORE INFO: Learn to play the fun and fast-paced game of American Mah Jongg. To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
WHAT: Halloween Carnival and Golf Cart Parade WHERE: IOP Recreation Center WHEN: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
MORE INFO: Celebrate “spooky season” on the island. There will be a Halloween costume golf cart parade, a drive-thru haunted house, inflatables, food vendors and treats for children. Free and open to the public. To learn more: iop.net.
WHAT: After School Art Club for Teens and Tweens WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 4 p.m-5 p.m.
MORE INFO: Come hang out after school to experiment with different arts and crafts. Grades 6-12. No reservation needed. To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
WHAT: Coffee with the Mayor WHERE: IOP Marina WHEN: 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
MORE INFO: Whether you’re a resident, business owner or visitor on IOP, you’ll have the opportunity to sit down with IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds and discuss matters important to you. Learn about volunteer opportunities and offer feedback over a cup of coffee. Free and open to the public. To learn more: IOP.net.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
WHAT: POE-etry reading, featuring Poe’s Lost Loves WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Edgar Allan Poe had a lot of lost loves in his tumultuous life. Join us for reading of works by some of Poe’s lost loves, followed by open mic to share some of your POE-ems. Call or email poe@ccpl.org for more details. All ages welcome!
WEDNESDAYS, NOVEMBER 1, 15, 29
WHAT: NaNoWriMo Write-ins WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 1p.m.-3 p.m. (after hours)
MORE INFO: Are you up to the challenge of writing a novel in a month? National Novel Writing Month starts on Nov. 1, and Poe will host “writeins” after hours to build the writing community while limiting distractions. Visit nanowrimo.org for more details and call 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.or to be updated on these NaNoWriMo events.
