Sullivan’s Council member ‘extremely concerned’ about possible zoning exemption
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
The Sullivan’s Island Town Council and those who attended its Sept. 11 workshop heard all about the history of Jasper Hall and the Sand Dunes Club, while the company that wants to turn the historic property into a private club apparently has revised its proposal. And an outspoken member of the Council is still “extremely concerned about the precedence of granting a commercial zoning exemption in a residential district.”
Dr. Mike Walsh, referred to by Mayor Pat O’Neil as “our resident historian these days,” spoke in detail about the property on Atlantic Avenue, which made its first appearance on the island as a military beach recreation facility, burned to the ground six years later and was rebuilt and re-opened in 1933. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company will now be offering nonmembers of the proposed exclusive club the opportunity to use the pool on a limited basis.
“Most recently, we communicated the Ocean Club’s plan to offer a community membership to island residents, which offers use of the family pool and poolside food service two designated days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, excluding weekends and holidays,” Sullivan’s Island Bathing Club Manager Shep Davis said. “We look forward to sharing additional new details about the club and exciting amenities and programming via our newsletter.”
“Town Council has posed additional questions about the Ocean Club, and our team is diligently gathering this information to share with Council in the coming weeks,” he added.
Following the workshop, Bathing Club team members Brian Hellman and Jim Wanless said the community membership idea was part of the plan they originally presented to the town. They said membership would cost $500 per year and that they would be at the Council’s Sept. 19 meeting to address the questions posed by Council Member Scott Millimet. O’Neil said that as of Sept. 13, that item was not on the Council’s agenda.
Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company wants to spend $30 million to renovate the property and charge members $60,000 to join, plus $6,000 a year in dues.
Millimet called the proposed zoning change “a very bad precedent.”
“Let’s just say, hypothetically, they were granted a zoning exemption. In two years, they decided to sell the club. We don’t have any control over what goes in next because we already granted the exemption,” he said. “What is critical is the request to operate a for-profit business in an area currently zoned as residential. To me it opens a big old can of worms.”
Millimet said he wants to know how many similar
(continued on page 2)
Four spots are open on the IOP Council
The ballot has been set for the Nov. 7 Isle of Palms election. Eight candidates will be vying for four seats on the City Council, including incumbents Scott Pierce, Kevin Popson, Rusty Streetman and Jimmy Ward. Also on the ballot are Tim Ahmuty, Elizabeth Campsen, Ashley Carroll and Brian Duffy.
The Island Eye News has posed some questions to the candidates that are important to the residents of the Isle of Palms. The answers provided by Ahmuty, Campsen, Carroll, Duffy and Pierce begin on page 7. Popson, Streetman and Ward were given the opportunity to let their constituents know how they feel about these critical issues, but declined to do so. There will be a second set of questions in our October 8 issue, and a candidate forum Sept 28.
Chief reports on coyotes trapped on Sullivan’s Island
By Brian Sherman For The Island Eye News
At least three coyotes were caught in traps after an especially active six-month period for the canine predators on Sullivan’s Island.
Police Chief Chris Griffin told members of the Town Council at their Sept. 11 workshop that the animals had been captured between Station 25 and Station 28. He said coyotes had bitten or otherwise threatened dogs once each in April and June and three times each in July and August. In addition, the Police Department reported 12 sightings of or confrontations with coyotes between Aug. 12 and Aug. 27, including an Aug. 26 incident where a coyote attacked and dragged a small dog into the Maritime Forest.
“I’ve been here 26 years plus, and this is the most we’ve caught since we’ve been trapping them,” Griffin said. “Three in two weeks. I’m really happy with that. It’s not enough, but I’m happy with that. It’s a good start.”
He said eight traps have been set and that the trappers, who must be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources, have advised him that setting additional traps would be a bad idea.
“Too many traps is bad,” the chief said in response to a question from the audience. “I was the same way. Put out traps everywhere. But they said no; don’t do that. With too many traps, the scents are too much and it overwhelms them.”
Mayor Pat O’Neil cautioned local residents not to disturb the traps.
“Please don’t go out looking for the traps,” he said. “You’ll get your human smell all around them, and the coyotes will stay away when we want them to be enticed by whatever it is we’re using to entice them to the traps.”
Griffin added that “they’ll climb a 6-foot fence like it’s nothing. They’re very smart. If you go back there looking, you can put your scent down.”
O’Neil said residents who encounter a coyote should call the nonemergency dispatch number at 843-743-7200. “If your dog has been attacked, call 9-1-1 for that,” he added.
VFW Post 3137 on the Isle of Palms held a commemoration ceremony Sept. 11 to mark the 22nd anniversary of the terror attacks in New York City and the Pentagon. The ceremony started at 8 a.m., and a bell sounded at 8:46 a.m., the time the first tower of the World Trade Center in New York was hit. The bell was rung again at the time each plane struck its intended target. In addition, candles were lit in remembrance of the approximately 3,000 people who lost their lives in the attack on the United States. Left to right: Isle of Palms Councilman Rusty Streetman, IOP Mayor Phillip Pounds, State Rep. Joe Bustos, State VFW Commander Jim Fox and VFW Post 3137 Commander Bo Stallings.
Photo courtesy of Pamela Marsh.
Canva stock image.
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Many sea turtle strandings are the result of boat strikes
By Mary Pringle For The Island Eye News
Since the beginning of 2023, eight turtles have washed up on Sullivan’s Island and seven have washed up on the Isle of Palms. The stranding response volunteers who are permitted by the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network have responded to five others, three at the marina near Patriots Point in Charleston Harbor, one that was found in Copahee Sound and one in Shem Creek.
Unfortunately, only two of these 20 turtles were alive when they stranded on the shore. Of these two, one was a juvenile green turtle 10 inches in shell length that was taken to the South Carolina Aquarium Turtle Care Center, treated and released several months later. It was found behind the rock sea wall near Station 10 on Sullivan’s Island. The other was a juvenile loggerhead hit by a propeller in the Intracoastal Waterway that died shortly after being admitted to the Turtle Care Center. Only one of our strandings was an adult; the rest were juveniles. So the good news is that these are not our nesting female loggerheads.
Of these 20 cases, 16 were killed by strikes from watercraft, which is a major problem. Sullivan’s Island receives many of these turtles because of its proximity to Charleston Harbor, where there are numerous boats.
In South Carolina, there have been 128 sea turtle strandings this year, 43 of them caused by boat strikes.
Every season, we see a great number of small turtles that not loggerheads; the most numerous of them – nine this year – are juvenile green sea turtles that are 10 to 12 inches in shell length. Kemp’s ridleys, which usually come from the Gulf of Mexico, are about the same size, and we had four of them in 2023. There were seven loggerheads; all but one were juveniles. Loggerheads are not considered adults until their shell length reaches 34 inches – or 87 centimeters.
When we respond to a stranding call, usually from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, we gather lots of information: date; species; exact location, including GPS; photos; condition; final disposition – sometimes we save a fresh carcass for necropsy and
sometimes we bury it or have it buried if it’s very large; exact shell measurements; internal and external tags found; and finally comments about wounds or abnormalities; parasite load; and general health. This information goes into a database that includes other states and countries.
Ocean Club
Continued from page 1
properties the group has developed, how many they continue to have a financial interest in and how many of those properties have been repurposed or filed for bankruptcy.
Deputy Town Manager Joe Henderson explained that Davis’ group originally requested an amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance that would permit private clubs to operate in a residential district. He said the Council is still deliberating whether to allow that proposal to move forward to the Planning Commission.
He said the group submitted an application for a business license that would allow it to use the property as it was used by former owners South Carolina Gas & Electric and Dominion Energy. However, because the license had not been used for more than a year, town staff was unable to approve that plan. Davis’ group has appealed that decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Walsh pointed out that his remarks “should not be taken as biased one way or the other.” He said Jasper Pavilion, included a diving board, slides, ropes and “various other paraphernalia appertaining to the enjoyment of surf-bathing.” There also was a 1,500-seat open air moving theater. The only remnant of the facility after it burned to the ground was a large stone fireplace.
In November 1932, the Army spent $9,000 to build an officers club at the same
If you see a dead turtle that has orange paint on it, that means it’s already been documented and is awaiting burial on the beach. If you see one that has not been painted, please report it to the police at 843-886-6522 or call the DNR hotline at 843-9225431.
location that, in addition to the fireplace, included an elevated bungalow, a golf shop, a large assembly room, a coat room, ladies’ restrooms and a caretaker’s apartment. The first recorded use of the term Jasper Hall, he said, was in a July 27, 1933, newspaper article announcing a reception for a visiting Army unit.
Walsh’s research discovered a few photos of the inside of the building, including sort of a watch party for the 1944 Army/Navy football game.
In 1950, after the Army left Sullivan’s Island, the building was sold by the township of Sullivan’s Island to SCE&G for $27,500.
Walsh said his best estimate of the number of officers serving on Sullivan’s Island in 1944, and thus using the officers club, was fewer than 250. He also determined that the facility never had a full-service food operation. He pointed out that according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, there apparently never were any DHEC inspections of the Sand Dunes Club.
“There would have been inspections by the Health Department if it had been a fullservice operation. This indicates there was no full-service restaurant permit,” Walsh said.
He also pointed out that in addition to wedding receptions, family reunions and church covered dinners, the Sand Dunes Club hosted the swearing in of the town of Sullivan’s Island’s first Council and first mayor – Wilfred Edward Lipman.
Mary Pringle measures the shell of a stranded loggerhead on the Isle of Palms.
Photo by Barbara Bergwerf.
Some thoughts on the Sand Dunes Club
My wife and I have been living on Sullivan’s Island since 2012. In my four years on the Sullivan’s Island Zoning Board, I learned about our zoning laws and how we protect them. In our time here, Sullivan’s residents have addressed the rebuilding of the school and the protection of the coastal forest. As a community, we resolved both these cases with the best interests of the island in mind. The future of the Sand Dunes Club is the next hot topic.
Sullivan’s Island has greater economic diversity than current house prices would indicate. Many families who have had homes here for a long time would be unable to leave a $60,000 deposit and pay additional annual dues of $6,000 or more. If we are not careful, this club could create a divide in our community.
This club is going to hold the most promise for the people of downtown Charleston, Daniel Island or the Old Village. A parking spot on the beach with showers and dressing rooms and a restaurant for a nice dinner afterward is a great proposition. This club will eventually have at least 50% of its membership populated with off-islanders.
We have no problem with parking at the beach, we have a great selection of restaurants in our community and many of us have pools or aren’t interested in using one. We are, however, going to be confronted with extra traffic from employees and guests, daily garbage collection and food and drink – and possibly a necessary increase in our police force. This club could eventually have as many as 1,000 members. A further concern is the evolution of this club and the town’s potential lack of control over it, and it would open a Pandora’s box of lawsuits by everyone who felt wronged by zoning board decisions of the past.
Sullivan’s Island should not vacate its zoning laws to create a second business district with the biggest business this town has ever seen unless this business is of great benefit to all members of our community. We should not change our laws for a commercial business for only the wealthiest residents of Sullivan’s Island and their equals from the surrounding communities.
We would like to encourage everyone to write to the mayor and the members of the Sullivan’s Island Town Council with their views on the proposed club. Their email addresses are on the Sullivan’s Island town website.
Peter and Nicky Koepke • Sullivan’s Island
Unpacking the Mysterious Postcard
Today I received a postcard instructing me to “Be Curious.” It did prompt my curiosity: Who sent this anonymous postcard and what was their motive? My initial speculation is that it might be the handiwork of individuals or groups
John Cipkala
Isle of Palms Resident
Scott’s achievements on City Council and the IOP Planning Commission are many and important to our quality of life on the Island He listens, evaluates, and acts with our collective best interests at heart He is energized for another term, and we will all be the beneficiaries of his effort
of Palms Resident
Ever since I first met Scott Pierce, I have been impressed with how much he cares about our quality of life on the Isle of Palms
While serving on the IOP Planning Commission and IOP City Council, Scott has worked on drainage projects, the IOP Comprehensive Plan, marina issues, beach restoration, support of environmental concerns, ATAX committee efforts and the five ordinances to curb further development.
who stand to benefit from the proliferation of short-term rentals on our island. It wouldn’t surprise me if it turns out to be connected to off-island business interests or members of our Chamber of Commerce, many of whom are closely associated with businesses profiting from the surge in STR properties. I’ve noticed that those most vocally opposing limits on STRs often are benefiting financially from the commercialization of our island.
I am a long-time resident of the Isle of Palms who has been a top-producing real estate agent for much of the past decade. My experience as well as my love for IOP has led me to unequivocally support caps on the number of STR licenses. Let’s delve into the statements on this enigmatic postcard:
“Eroding tax revenues”: This is patently false. The proposed cap does not reduce the number of STRs from our current all-time high. The notion that tax revenues will diminish is nonsensical.
“Folly Beach property values plummeting”: There is no data to support this claim. Property values can appear to fluctuate based on individual high or lowpriced sales. There are numerous one-month “snapshots” in the past seven months during which a person could claim that “Folly Beach property values have skyrocketed.” When assessed over time, residential property values in Folly Beach have actually increased by over 30% since the cap was implemented in February.
“Secure your family’s future”: Looking at Sullivan’s Island, we can see that property values have risen at a more rapid rate than on our unrestricted island. Is this connected to the fact that Sullivan’s implemented caps over two decades ago? If so, I have every reason to believe my property value will follow a similar trajectory.
“Protect your property rights”: An STR cap serves as a safeguard for property rights, allowing residents to enjoy the tranquility of their homes without the disruption posed by excessive STRs. The proposed cap protects existing license holders while leaving room for full-time residents to obtain licenses now and in the future.
The only unequivocal truth on this mysterious postcard is its suggestion to “Be Curious.” Curiosity has led me to question its motives and prompted me to reiterate my unwavering support for sensible caps on short-term rentals. Vote yes on the Nov. 7 referendum and support candidates who are clearly representing residents.
Christine Donavan • Isle of Palms
The Island Eye News welcomes commentary from its readers. Please keep letters to the editor to 400 words or shorter.
Pierce Scott
When we cast our votes on November 7th, we'll all be answering the question about IOP's future:
Do we want the Isle of Palms to become an unlimited rental community with some residents, or remain a residential community with rentals?
Please vote for candidates that support a BALANCED Community and let's Keep Neighbors in our Neighborhoods.
-Scott Pierce
Katie Miars
Isle of Palms City Council
Over the past two years I have gotten to know Scott and my respect for him has grown more and more.
He defended Home Rule in Columbia supporting Joe Bustos by testifying in public hearings He advocated for hiring a ShortTerm Rental coordinator and the local EMS addition His work on Connector solutions and the parking plan update are ongoing
Scott has always advocated for more citizen involvement and participation in our City government I cannot think of anyone who is more qualified to be on our City Council
RE-ELECT FOR IOP CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 7
Learn about Scott’s platform and share your concerns with him
Scott has a great analytical mind. He loves facts and he is willing to put in the time and effort to understand the meaning behind the numbers
He is also reasonable and open minded While he has strong opinions, he is not afraid to look at the issues from all sides and compromise when it is in the best interest of the city.
His experience on City Council and on the Planning Commission has proven that Scott works tirelessly for the residents of IOP
Isle
Mary Pringle
Lantana can be a useful perennial in the Lowcountry
By Mary Pringle
For
The Island Eye News
Lantana urticoides, or Texas lantana, thrives here in the Lowcountry as a wild native plant. It has petals that vary from yellow to orange to pink. As each small flower ages, the petals change color and darken to different shades. Another cultivar, lantana montevidensis, is trailing or vinelike with golden yellow, white or purple single-colored blooms and can be bought in local garden centers, but, unlike the bicolored ones, these do not have value to wildlife and are purely decorative.
Other common names for the upright woody perennial are shrub lantana, shrub verbena and West Indian lantana. They have bicolored flowers in shades of red and yellow, pink and orange or pink and yellow and can reach to as tall as 6 feet in a large, spreading bush. Lantana is not only drought-resistant but also salt-resistant, making it an easy plant to grow at the beach. It requires at least six hours of full sun a day and blooms from May until October.
This plant is thought to have been taken from Central and South America by Dutch explorers to other continents, where, in places like India, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, it became a problem because it outcompeted native plants. It was adaptable to many growing conditions and became listed as invasive in 50 countries around the world. It can also be fire resistant and can come back from the roots after being burned.
The leaves are pungent and toxic to mammals, causing damage or death to cats, dogs, horses and livestock who feed on it where it grows wild in agricultural areas. When we lived in Wild Dunes for a few years while building a new house on the Isle of Palms, it was one of the few plants I could depend on that the abundant deer there would not eat. Our Isle of Palms deer seem to love roses, hydrangea and many other garden favorites. Lantana berries also are toxic when green, but I am told that when they ripen to dark blue, they can be used to make jellies, jams and pies – which I would not do.
According to studies in India, lantana leaves can have antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticidal properties. Lantana has also been used in herbal medicines for cancer, itching, leprosy, chicken pox, measles, ulcers and high blood pressure – but these uses have not been proven effective.
The good news is that our winters are cold enough in the Lowcountry to check this plant’s growth and keep it from becoming a problem. Mine die back and lose their leaves with the first frost, but they should not be cut down near the ground until the end of winter because the plant needs to keep those leafless branches throughout the winter for good health.
I consider it a good and useful perennial. Sometimes I pull up seedlings that start to grow in unsuitable places where birds have eaten the berries and dropped seeds, but they attract songbirds, hummingbirds and butterflies.
There’s a new boat club at the IOP Marina
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BOAT CLUB
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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
Isle of Palms resident Theresa Michael and friends recently celebrated her birthday. Left to right: Renee Reddy, Theresa Michael, Claire Richardson, Kent Stair, Jan Stair and Rom Reddy.
A Carolina anole photobombed this photo of Texas lantana. Photo by Mary Pringle.
Soul Shine Studios spotlight A q&a with Cody Webb
By Everett White
For The Island Eye News
On Sept. 22, The Windjammer welcomes to the Aloha Stage South Carolina’s own country singer/songwriter Cody Webb, alongside Ray Fulcher. Touring every corner of North America, Webb has opened shows for acts including Morgan Wallen, Sam Hunt, Riley Green, Charlie Daniels, LOCASH and many more.
Soul Shine Studios connected with Webb regarding his upcoming trip to the Windjammer.
Soul Shine Studios: Can you tell us a little about your memories of playing The Windjammer?
Webb: The first time we played The Windjammer was with Morgan Wallen in 2017. What else could you ask for with a venue, playing on the beach and so much character and history?
SSS: Can you tell us a bit about how your music is tied to your hometown of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, and to Charleston?
Webb: I grew up going to Edisto. If you listen to any of my songs, you’ll be able to hear the South Carolina influence throughout.
SSS: What’s your latest release?
Webb: We released five singles this year, including “Peaches” and “If Daddy Didn’t Have a Truck.” “Don’t Grow Up Too Fast” will be the sixth single of the year, out Oct. 6.
SSS: What’s your favorite song you’ve released this year?
Webb: Personally, Zebco 33 is one of my favorites. It’s about me fishing with my grandpa when I was a kid.
SSS: What can fans look forward to on Sept. 22?
Webb: Ray Fulcher and I always have a good time playing together. We haven’t played together in a couple of years. We’re going to be playing some of the new tunes. We never have a bad time when playing the Windjammer.
ONE LUCKY DOG
UTAH
Owner: David, Layne and Vivian Kipp
Age: 7.8 years old
Breed: English Cream Golden Retriever
Favorite toy: My giant bunny
Unusual quirk: Digging to China for conch shells
Vet: Park West Veterinary
Well, hello everybody. My name is Utah Kipp, and I’m a low-speed hunk of buttery golden retriever from Utah. It’s all in the name. My family went through a lot of names but landed where we started – Utah. Plain and simple. In one of my Dad and I’s movies, they have a character by my name, and he plays it loud so I can hear my name on the big screen. Plus, I had a friend named Bodhi, so it was meant to be.
I don’t really have nicknames. Utah does the trick. However sometimes Big Boy flies around since I’m packing 110 pounds of best dog ever and sometimes Chunklebee since I do love my snacks. But I’m respectful. I won’t grab them from you; I’ll sit politely and stare at you with my sweet brown eyes. It’s your choice from there.
Every day for me is easy like a Sunday morning. I wake when my humans wake. I eat when they eat. I’m patient and kind. I don’t argue. I don’t really bark. I chill in the front yard and wait for my mom to come home. My mom is my life purpose. Dad lets me know when she’s on the way, and I spring up to be outside sitting in my conch shell collection, waiting to greet her. Oh, I am so happy when I see her!
My conch collection is pretty impressive. Early in my life, Mom would forget my ball when we went to the beach so she started to throw conch shells instead and whatever my mom thought was fun, I thought was fun. Now I dig to China to find them, and I bring them home for her garden. I’m also really good at finding all the tennis balls at the Rec Center – their mud puddles are pretty great, too.
My best friend is Sissy. She’s a new feline in my house and she’s funny. We’re opposites; she’s busy being busy and I’m busy, chilling – waiting on Mom.
Life on the ranch in Utah was nice for my early years, but now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. My family is so kind and loving. I can’t help but to be the same. I am a lucky dog. When you see me on the island, wish me a happy birthday! I’ll be 8 on Nov. 15.
Just Listed in Wild Dunes!
Cody Webb.
Photo courtesy of Soul Shine Studios.
Wellness Fair scheduled at IOP Rec Center
By Katherine Berry For The Island Eye News
Every year, the Isle of Palms Recreation Department hosts a community wellness fair filled with vendors there to fill your cup with ways to stay healthy. Mark your calendars. It’s happening at the Rec Oct. 6 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Participants can expect to meet and greet more than 25 wellness professionals eager to share their passion for healthy living. Plus, there will be giveaways, free services, food trucks, coupons and demonstrations to fill your morning with educational information relative to feeling and looking great.
Monica Pelletier with Young Living Essential Oils will offer free bioscans, which help determine which supplements and essential oils may be beneficial for your optimum health. Essential oils have been used for years, and Pelletier brings almost two decades of experience and is extremely helpful in navigating a somewhat confusing healing modality.
“The fair is a great place to connect with neighbors about health and wellness and answer any questions they may have,” Pelletier commented.
Tower Gardens will have its vertical, aeroponic garden system on-site, showing you how to grow your own produce without the learning curve or time commitment of traditional gardening.
The DRIPBaR of Mount Pleasant will offer vitamin drips, while Janet Neal with Holistic Healing Touch will offer a short energy scan, which may help identify and release any blockages. And Carolina Physical Therapy will have its compression therapy sleeves.
Additionally, East Cooper Medical Center will host free cholesterol screenings. Pre-registration is not necessary but is encouraged if you’re on a tight timeline. Delta Pharmacy will provide flu vaccinations; just bring your insurance or Medicare card.
Instead of Googling your health care providers, come meet and greet professionals in our community.
“We have hosted this event year over year, and it has become a community social that is fun and informative,” said Recreation Director Karrie Ferrell. Admission is free; and the event is open to everyone.
IOP Council candidates voice their opinions
The Island Eye News asked the eight candidates for four spots on the Isle of Palms Council for their opinions on four questions that we think are important to the people of IOP. Here are the answers provided by Tim Ahmuty, Elizabeth Campsen, Ashley Carroll, Brian Duffy and Scott Pierce. We asked the other three candidates – Kevin Popson, Rusty Streetman and Jimmy Ward – for their opinions as well, but they chose not to respond.
What are the three most important issues facing the Isle of Palms? Why are these issues important?
Tim Ahmuty
The most important issue is maintaining the quality of life and livability for our island residents – to keep our neighborhoods safe and clean and maintain a healthy balance of residential, investment and second home properties.
1. We need to manage and establish a limit on how many rentals we can accommodate into our residential neighborhoods. A 1,600 cap on ISTRs represents a 39% ratio – not perfect but fair.
2. Parking and congestion: As our population grows older and more people visit our island, accidents and medical emergencies are going to happen. We need a clear path on and off the island for EMS and other emergency vehicles. We need to keep our primary and secondary roads clear, and the emergency lane on the Connector put back in place.
3. Home rule – each island resident has a stake in the future of our island city. Our voices should be the most influential when it comes to shaping the policies that impact our community. As we have seen over the past few years, there are outside, off-island groups along with our state representatives working overtime to influence and legislate what happens in our city and neighborhoods, doing so without our input or regard for our community’s best interest. Examples: removing emergency lane on the Connector; Bill S40, taking away our right to manage parking on the rights of way; and H3253, legislation that would prohibit municipalities from enacting ordinances restricting or prohibiting STRs in their towns or cities. We must stand up this type of encroachment of our right to govern our city as we chose.
Elizabeth Campsen
• Managing pressure from population growth in surrounding communities;
• Managing pressure of a growing seasonal population on the residential nature of the island;
• Improving infrastructure.
In addition to being repeated themes in our Comprehensive Plan, the results of our Strategic Plan survey revealed these to be among our top-ranked issues as well. Clearly and objectively, they are our most important challenges. One reason this is true is because we all live with the effects of these issues daily. Our historically busy summer has now stretched into spring and fall, bringing more people to the island than ever before. Our drainage infrastructure is now challenged regularly by increasing tide cycles. In the last decade, our traffic counts have increased, as have our number of licensed short-term rentals. Parking areas are full earlier, and our city staff is overwhelmed more often than not. Despite all this, our island geography has not grown. It can’t! What has also occurred is a reduction of our residential population. We must explore every management tool available in order to preserve the residential nature of our island. I believe a robust residential community naturally mitigates many of the pressures we face.
Ashley Carroll
1. Ensuring a quality of life by protecting residential neighborhoods for our families and the future generations who wish to live on IOP. This is essential for keeping this island a special place for all to live, work, and play.
2. Enforcement of our livability ordinances is an issue that should be addressed. I would look at the possible need to amend current city ordinances that could be more clearly defined and thus would allow for proper livability ordinance enforcement. This will include researching the latest technology to aid our officers to enact sensible and fair enforcement.
3. I’d like to see continued improvement to infrastructure, such as updating public beach access paths on IOP so that their use is more friendly for all ages – and also address if there is additional need for handicap-accessible parking and golf cart parking near public paths. Bike paths and walking paths, recreation enhancements, etc., are other examples. I believe there is opportunity for innovative economic developments that would be a great asset for all who love Isle of Palms.
Brian Duffy
Short-term rentals, short-term rentals, short-term rentals! If this issue is not managed, then the fabric of what makes up a residential community will be destroyed. Issues like flooding, drainage and fiscal responsibility will be moot, simply subjects to be manipulated by commercial interests.
Scott Pierce
The issues facing the Isle of Palms are symptoms of the increasing attractiveness of the Charleston area as a great place to live and a global vacation destination. This success has resulted in explosive growth and pressures on our 4.4-square-mile island, with about 10 million annual crossings on the Connector and Breach Inlet.
The three most important issues are a direct result of this attractiveness.
• Increasing stress on IOP’s services and infrastructure, such as public safety, sanitation, parking, walking and bike paths and traffic control;
• Balancing the current unlimited rental business with retaining a residential
community;
• Island drainage, beach erosion and preserving what’s left of our undeveloped areas. Residents are grateful for IOP’s success and have a strong desire to maintain a balance while investing in sustainable infrastructure and services. They also understand that doing nothing to protect the balance will result in further declines in our full- and parttime resident population and the quality of life we enjoy today.
Do you think there should be a limit on the number of short-term rental licenses issued by the city? Would you agree to accept the outcome of the Nov. 7 referendum on short-term rental licenses? Why or why not?
Elizabeth Campsen
I support a limit on the number of STR licenses issued to nonresident property owners (6%). In my opinion, the debate around whether we should limit short-term rental licenses ended when every other municipality around us established STR limits. I do not believe it is in the best interest of our residential community to exist as the only open short-term rental investment market in the Charleston area. The referendum gives us an opportunity to set a limit at 1,600, which is 35% of all dwelling units and higher than our historically referenced 33% saturation. If the referendum question is approved, I will accept the will of the residents and then work to put the regulation back into the zoning code in order to carve out our front beach commercial zoning districts from the limitation and protect the remainder of the island in a way that honors the choice made and the number established. If the referendum question is not approved, I will accept that and continue to do everything in my power to support our primary planning concept – taking only those measures which “enhance the existing character of the island as a quality place to live.”
Ashley Carroll
I believe in reasonable regulations on short-term rentals that balance the tourism industry so vital to our city’s economy and preserving the residential charm that is the bedrock of Isle of Palms identity. Market caps will not solve the underlying concerns of the community, and smarter solutions need to be implemented first, like strong rules, proper enforcement and many other sensible and proactive actions.
Brian Duffy
Absolutely! Of course I would agree to accept the outcome of the Nov. 7 referendum. The voters, my neighbors, will have spoken. If a majority of the eligible voters cast their ballots, I am confident the referendum will pass. I urge my neighbors to re-read the referendum, make up their own minds and ignore the misinformation that they will be bombarded with from self-serving interest groups.
Scott Pierce
Yes. IOP is the only remaining open market in the area for unlimited short-term rentals. Combined with our lack of action, this resulted in a 28% growth in short-term rental licensed properties in the most recent registration period. Four months into the new registration period, we’ve exceeded last year’s total licenses. While many opposing viewpoints state the increase is driven by residents safeguarding a license, the permanent residents who have obtained a license so far in 2023 is 7% less than prior period.
Since Council tasked the Planning Commission over two years ago to evaluate STRs, we’ve watched while surrounding communities proactively addressed impacts to quality of life from unlimited STRs within their residential community.
IOP has targeted a balance of 1/3 residents, 1/3 second homes and 1/3 rentals, which I fully support. The overwhelming input from residents was in support of limits (i.e., over 80% of emails to Council and speakers at Council meetings, plus 31% of the electorate signing the petition, were for STR limits). The residents have requested that balance be secured for the future and do not trust a wait and see stance.
I’ll vote YES for the referendum, and, if elected, will support a Commercial District exclusion. I proposed this, but it was rejected 5-4 by Council in February 2023. If the referendum fails, I will accept that the residents of our community have spoken.
Tim Ahmuty
Yes. I believe there should be a limit on ISTRs. 1,600 represents a 39% ratio, which is close to the standard 1/3 residential, 1/3 second home, 1/3 investment property. I will accept the referendum when passed. I will always be an advocate for maintaining a healthy balance of investor property, second home and residential property. No one asks where do the tourists go. They ask where do the locals go. The residents are the backbone of this great island; without them, it’s just another soulless rental development.
Should the city of Isle of Palms be responsible for protecting beachfront properties from erosion? If the city pays for projects that help protect these properties, should the owners be required to give the city a permanent easement on the property?
Ashley Carroll
Federal and state governments should be responsible for beach renourishment and protection because they are the ones with the most control over the laws governing them. Of course, they aren’t and if they aren’t going to pay to save our way of life, they should allow us the ability to decide for ourselves. All property owners should be entitled to fair and reasonable easement agreements with the government, including beachfront property. The city of Isle of Palms follows the requirements of the Army Corps of Engineers when they are responsible for renourishment. The public trust doctrine could serve as an additional guidance source for appropriate action. If beaches and access are public, they should be the financial responsibility (continued on page 10)
Elizabeth CAMPSEN
For IOP City Council
V O T E
N O V 7
"I especially appreciate Elizabeth’s thoughtful leadership. She seeks out information and gathers data on issues, weighs alternatives, considers possible outcomes and develops reasonable positions. She’s approachable and engaged, cares deeply for this community, and is committed to governing well."
-Dr. Sandra Brotherton 30-year IOP Resident & Environmental Advisory Committee Chair
I unequivocally endorse the zoning ordinances implemented in 2022 as they directly address critical concerns within our community. The establishment of a new conservation-recreation zoning district aligns with the actions taken by numerous other municipalities grappling with the growing trend of developers converting golf courses and recreational amenities into residential properties. Safeguarding our remaining recreational spaces from future development and reducing the allowances for dwelling units and inn rooms are entirely fitting actions, considering the antiquated Wild Dunes zoning regulations, the evolving nature of our community since 1975, and the imperative for enhanced oversight over permitted development.
Our strategic plan places a premium on diminishing the impact of tourism on residents' quality of life, enhancing traffic management, and cultivating an environmentally resilient community. These ordinances play a pivotal role in realizing those objectives. Supported by both factual evidence and legal backing, these ordinances adapt our zoning laws to the evolving landscape of our community. I am resolutely dedicated to upholding them to secure a harmonious and sustainable future for residents and visitors alike.
Historic Fort Sumter flags to be removed from park museums
By Brett Spaulding For The Island Eye News
Fort Sumter’s historic Civil War-era flag collection, consisting of the Palmetto Guard, U.S. 33star storm and U.S. 33-star garrison flags, was removed from public display for an indefinite period on Sept. 19.
The flags need to be rested to enhance their long-term preservation. Textile artifacts such as flags must be exposed to limited humidity fluctuations and long-term irreversible light damage that make them progressively more fragile. While all the flags underwent conservation measures before they were placed in the museums, they have been on display for more than 20 years. Despite taking great care to protect the flags, they are best preserved when stored in a clean, dark, cool and dry environment during rest periods.
The U.S. garrison flag flew over Fort Sumter until it sustained wind damage the night of April 11, 1861. It was replaced by the smaller U.S. storm flag that endured a 34-hour bombardment from Confederate artillery at the beginning of the Civil War. The Palmetto Guard flag was the first Confederate flag to fly over the fort after the U.S. Army departed on April 14, 1861.
For more information about Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, visit nps.gov/fosu or follow the park on Facebook.
Smile Carolina Dental Group offers a wide range of dental services. Our team of experienced dentists and staff are committed to providing personalized and compassionate care to our patients.
The historic U.S. 33-star flag. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.
Presentation planned at Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse
By Brett Spaulding For The Island Eye News
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park will host an evening with artist Christian Fiedler Oct. 7 at the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse.
A meet-and-greet will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7 p.m. Fiedler will speak about his experience as an artist-in-park and his motivation and inspiration to use solargraphy to artistically capture the lighthouse, which is also known as Charleston Light.
A limited number of folding chairs will be set up for the outdoor event, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets, along with bug spray and a flashlight. Parking is limited to available off-street parking.
Fiedler is an experimental photographer from New Jersey who specializes in hyper-long exposure solargraphs that capture months of time into a single image. The body of work he produced of Charleston Light is part of a larger project, Beacons Through Time, which uses solargraphy of several lighthouses along the East Coast.
BRING THE ISLAND
Artists have been part of national parks since the 1870s when famed Hudson River painters played a vital role in documenting the majestic landscapes of the West. Today, artists are working in many units of the National Park Service through Artist-in-Residence and Artist-in-Park programs, using their talents to bring the sights and stories of the park to life for the public.
Fiedler is the first artist-in-park hosted by Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Information on Artist-in-Residence programs throughout the National Park Service can be found at nps.gov.
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create closeto-home recreational opportunities.
BR AN DUFFY OP
CITY COUNCIL
NOV 7
IT'S NOW OR NEVER. OUR ISLAND CAN'T AFFORD TO WAIT.
MANAGING A BALANCE OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS WITHIN THE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY.
It’s about preserving our neighborhoods and limiting their use as a commodity!
PRESERVING & PROTECTING THE ECOLOGY OF ISLE OF PALMS
It’s about being stewards of what makes this island so special.
MAINTAINING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY OF ISLAND GOVERNMENT
It’s about using our money wisely for the benefit of the community.
ENSURING TRANSPARENCY IN ALL AREAS OF GOVERNMENT
It’s about making sure that everyone is informed and knows what’s going on with the City Council and administration.
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Solargraph image of Charleston Light. NPS photo/Christian Fiedler.
Candidates
Continued from page 7
Brian Duffy
According to the Comprehensive Beach Management Plan, the city’s vision for beach management includes: a dry sand beach at all stages of the tide, capable of providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, protecting upland development (i.e beachfront properties ) and sustaining our natural resources. So the city has already taken on that responsibility.
Regarding easements, I cannot understand why any property owner would not grant an easement to the city for “protecting upland development” on their property.
Scott Pierce
Protecting the beachfront is our responsibility. IOP has a growing $8 million fund to support it. Consistent with state policy and having personally worked on the Comprehensive Plan, I fully agree with Tim Ahmuty’s June 26 letter to Council, summarizing our responsibility (excerpts):
“I urge you to take the necessary actions to stop the erosion. Referring to IOP’s Comprehensive Plan, it provides guidelines to take action necessary to maintain and preserve our beaches.
• Economic Section: Maintain and enhance an effective monitoring system to ensure beaches, marshlands and marinas are properly maintained.
• Natural Resources Section: Despite erosion and susceptibility of storms … protection of these natural resources is essential to maintaining a high quality of life on the IOP.
• Wildlife Section: Support efforts to minimize the impact of erosion throughout the island, including nourishment projects as the need arises.
• Resilience Key Issues: Maintain a healthy beach and shoreline. Support renourishment. Establish a healthy disaster recovery account.
Restoring the dunes and beach is a Council and mayoral responsibility. It affects all that live and visit the island.”
Recent events exposed the need to support these plans and document procedures to implement IOP’s beach renourishment guidelines and fund use.
I’ll rely on our city attorney regarding easement requirements commensurate with specific renourishment efforts. Each renourishment has different aspects that may affect the need for a permanent easement, a temporary or no easement.
Tim Ahmuty
Yes. The city should be responsible for protecting beachfront property if erosion destroys the dunes in front of the property. The beach is the city’s most treasured asset. Our Comprehensive Plan, local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan and the city’s Strategic Plan all mention protecting the beach from erosion. It’s not a secret that the beach erodes, and we must take efforts to minimize the impact of erosion. In November 2014, voters overwhelmingly passed a referendum establishing a city beach preservation fee of 1% of gross receipts for accommodations and certain rentals. As of January 2023,
that fund had a balance of $ 7.3 million.
According to the LCBMP, section 2-2-2: Like most beach communities, Isle of Palms owes its existence mainly to the beach. Golf and boating are important contributors to the island’s prosperity, but the beach is the main draw. Property values, real estate activity, tourist visitation, commercial activity and city revenues depend directly or indirectly on the presence of a healthy beach.
We have the money, to pay for the renourishment of the beach, then require an easement from the property owner for the time required for the work to be done. Moving forward, don’t let the erosion get to the point of encroaching on private property. Have trigger points that kick in before the dunes are damaged to the point of total rebuild. This could possibly save the bird-nesting area, turtle nesting and save money in the long run. This would be beach management being proactive versus reactive.
Elizabeth Campsen
The overarching policy of the South Carolina SC Beachfront Management Act is to protect, preserve, restore and enhance the beach and its dune system. As a coastal community subject to the requirements of the Act, the city is responsible for protecting our beach, beach accesses and, at times by default and only when necessary, the beachfront properties located there from erosion through renourishment efforts. In 2014, IOP voted 3 to 1 to implement a 1% beach preservation fee as a way to financially support these efforts and supplement existing federal and state funding sources. I believe the city should formalize and adopt policies to address the processes by which beach renourishment funds are utilized to ensure any projects that are eligible for local, state or federal funding are handled in a timely, objective and equitable manner. While the Army Corp requires a permanent easement for beach restoration projects on private property, as a Council member I would rely on the advice of our legal counsel regarding the benefits and costs associated with a permanent easement versus a temporary easement.
Is the city of Isle of Palms getting its money’s worth for the more than $1 million a year it gives to the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in accommodations taxes? How would you spend that money differently if state law allowed the city to do so?
Brian Duffy
It depends on how one looks at it. From the real estate/property management/ Chamber of Commerce perspective, the answer is no. Otherwise, why would they be complaining about the CVB? They believe they could make better use of the money to promote the IOP. As if the IOP needs more promotion! Now the residents, who bought into single-family residential districts, probably look at it a different way, especially when one considers the 1,100 plus signatures for the referendum. If the residents are the city, then I suspect they believe CVB negatively impacts the city. It’s all about the conflict of commodity versus community. The residents feel like the fabric (continued on page 11)
Candidates
Continued from page 10
of the community is being ripped from them. The real estate/property management/Chamber of Commerce folks feel like they are losing money because of the CVB. Since a small percentage of accommodations taxes actually get into the city’s general fund, the state should change the law to increase that percentage. Currently, accommodations taxes are of little benefit to residents.
Scott Pierce
The $1 million going to the CVB is the result of great success in promoting tourism in the Charleston area. The legislation requiring IOP to send the funds has been in place for decades, when original legislation earmarked ATAX funds to promote a start-up tourism industry.
In 2000, IOP sent about $200K to the CVB – in 2020, over $500K. The final tally for 2023 may exceed $1.1 million. The 100%+ growth in the last four fiscal years is also indicative of volume and price increases in short-term rentals on IOP.
Does IOP need to spend $1.1 million promoting more tourism? No. This has resulted in an unintended misallocation of IOP funds due to 30-year-old law.
I’ve proposed to legislators and our lobbyists that IOP join other large contributors (Kiawah, Myrtle Beach, others) to introduce legislation limiting a municipality’s contribution to the lesser of 30% or a fixed dollar amount and allow the remainder to be spent on durable infrastructure and/or services supporting and managing tourism.
I will continue to push our legislators to make this change and seek tangible alternative uses for these funds in the meantime.
Tim Ahmuty
A 2023 article in The Post & Courier stated that since 2004, South Carolina has collected more than $942 million in accommodations taxes. Many municipalities believe the amounts we are obligated to give marketing organizations are too high. I agree. We do not need the level of tourism promotion we did in 2004. What we need are ways to improve our infrastructure and adequately manage the nearly 8 million tourists who come to the Charleston area every year. If allowed, I would reduce the percentage given to marketing organizations and direct that money to local funds supporting tourism management, sustainable infrastructure and workforce housing initiatives.
Ashley Carroll
Isle of Palms is not getting its fair share of the accommodations tax revenue, and, if it were, it should be invested in infrastructure that provides a return on investment and gives us a chance to tackle the many issues our city faces today. For my full position on this and much more, I would encourage all residents to follow along with my social media on Facebook, Instagram, etc. under Ashley Carroll for IOP or my website –ashleycarrollforiop.com. I also love to hear directly from island residents. I am openminded and willing to listen to their ideas and thoughts, and I urge anyone to contact me however they feel most comfortable: meet in person, chat over the phone or simply send me an email. There are many opportunities for residents to reach out so that they may get to know me on a more personal level.
No. The city is not getting its money’s worth. We need to start our own DMO tomorrow and have a direct say in where the money is spent. Where would I like to spend that money? I would put it to the citizens of IOP – see where they would like the money to be spent. My suggestions would be money for city staff, police, fire, sanitation and EMS to retain and recruit quality people. Clean up and keep clean the front beach area. Fix sidewalks and build new bike and golf cart paths. Plant flowers and trees; beautify the island. Encourage cultural events all over the island. The possibilities and the potential are why we should lobby the state Legislature to free up the funds for other projects. We do not need more promotion; we should strive to be that special best-kept secret on the coast.
Elizabeth Campsen
The CVB is giving IOP more attention than ever, which is a positive step since we are currently obligated by state law to send them over $1 million each year for advertising and promotion of tourism. However, of the five area beaches advertised on the CVB website, three prominently advertise to families while the IOP does not. Our mission is to be “the most sustainable, family-friendly beach community in South Carolina.” If the advertising does not match that vision, I would say we are not getting our money’s worth.
PRESERVE ISLE OF PALMS.
LEARN FACTS NOT FEAR
Outreach to Citadel Cadets and St. Mark's ministries sharing God together.
The 1 600-license limit is a very fair and reasonable limit that protects our Island’s residential community and promotes the city's strategic goal of livability The proposed rental licenses represent 1/3 (35%) of the inventory of IOP homes and totally excludes any limitations for permane nt residents
THE REFERENDUM:
PROTECTS residents’ rights to rent up to 72 days without limitation.
PROTECTS city revenue streams – there WILL NOT be a decline in revenue as some represent and Will NOT result in higher taxes
PROTECTS current STR license holders – you will maintain your license no impact
PROTECTS eligible heirs to inherit
PROTECTS the ability for all to long-term rent No limits
PROTECTS Home values WILL NOT decline due to STR limitations as some misrepresent Home values will decline as rentals continue to saturate the island and drive existing residents and new resident buyers away Residents do not pay a real estate premium to be the minority amongst rentals
And most importantly PROTECTS and preserves IOP's historical BALANCE of residents 2nd home owners and visitors
S.C. law does not allow a citizen referendum to address matters of zoning. The commercially zoned "Front Beach" area's three hundred & eighty (380) STR units included in the proposed 1 600 STR license limitation may (and should) be addressed by a new Council following passage of the referendum on November 7th
September 17, 10 a.m.
70th Anniversary Festive Worship
Worship w/ Holy Communion: Sundays, 10 a.m.
AA Meetings: Mon, Fri and Sat, 6:30-8 p.m.
Pastor Phil Clark
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
All welcome to attend!
TUESDAY
NOVEMBER 7
By Katherine Berry For The Island Eye News
A fond farewell to Ms. Cathy
Nine a.m. in front of the Rec will be different as Ms. Cathy’s IOP Kids comes to a close. For 23 years, Cathy Adams has sat under the trees, collecting her kiddos for their day of fun, but the curtain has closed – for now –on IOP Kids with the amazing Mrs. Cathy.
In child development, ages 4 to 5 are considered to be when children establish their social identity and their inner world – when they first begin to think for themselves and learn to form friendships with themselves and others – and that was what Ms. Cathy was all about. Known for her lovingly firm approach, she allowed kids to be kids, not interceding in their every move but instead allowing them to become who they are meant to be through creative expression and understanding boundaries, as well as common sense.
A mom herself, she was very hands-on, making sure the kid knew they were loved and respected and for that, they returned the favor. Many parents would say to me, “my child said ‘Ms. Cathy wouldn’t like that. …’ while they were at home.”
The children learned common sense as well as foundational training in how to be a good human. She would often say, “kindness counts” and she meant it. Being respectful, following directions, learning boundaries and common sense made IOP Kids special.
A teacher from Sullivan’s Island told Adams one day, “I can always tell when children have participated in your school because they know how to line up and follow simple directions.”
Ms. Cathy made sure the kids had a safe space to practice being themselves. She allowed them to express themselves and play. Nature walks were always an adventure. We were never walking through the Rec; we were instead navigating a high mountain trail or walking through clouds. They loved games and we painted at least once a week. The ability to freely express yourself is a gift, and Ms. Cathy offered a sanctuary for IOP youngsters to grow into themselves.
She worked with generations of children, getting them ready to forge their footprints in life. Whether in play or learning milestones, she securely managed to mark “base” in their world.
Working with preschool age children has been a joyful experience. “My Children” have always shown a desire for learning and fun. Every year I knew that when they came to me as toddlers, they would leave as young children, ready to progress to higher learning. I want to thank all of my parents for sharing their family with me. It has been my privilege to know and love them all.
Cathy Adams, Aka, Ms. Cathy
LOVE LETTERS …
From her co-workers …
Ms. Cathy, you are one of those Special people who makes a difference in the lives of everyone you meet. What a joy it was to work with you and see what a difference you made in the lives of so many island children while working at The Rec. I consider you a true friend and a part of my family. I love and adore you, John, Robert and Jack. You brought a smile to my face every single day – even the days you broke the copier. I feel so blessed by your friendship and dedication to the Isle of Palms. I hope you only to be happy and healthy. You will certainly be missed on the island.
- Norma Jean Page
Mrs. Cathy, you are such a delight to work with and know. I only knew you for a short two years, but in those years I found how amazing you are. You are an amazing teacher, friend and mother. I hope you enjoy your much deserved retirement. Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen. I love you.
- Jenea Gardner
Hello darling. We have worked and played together for over 20 years. I’m going to miss seeing you in the halls and playground with all the babies and their smiling little faces. You bring such a fun energy to the Rec. We are going to miss you so much. Enjoy your retirement and spending time with your babies. I am always available for free therapy sessions, and I will be calling on you, too.
- Your adopted daughter – Karrie Ferrell
From Parents …
Ms. Cathy, you were the light at the end of a difficult year brought on by the pandemic during a formative time in Andi’s life. Your kindness and attention to Andi and all the children in her class was evident every time Andi came home to tell us about the wonderful day she had. She so enjoyed all of the friends she met in IOP Kids/Mini Minnows, but the consistent joy we would see in her face as she spoke of Ms. Cathy made us feel certain that our daughter was safe, supported and cared for each and every day. By the end of each weekend, Andi would walk around telling us how much she missed Ms. Cathy. Even now, she asks us to contact her for a play date. Although it was inevitable that her two years with Ms. Cathy would come to an end once Kindergarten started, we were saddened to hear our son wouldn’t get the opportunity to experience the old-school, personal touch we love so much from Ms. Cathy and our little IOP “preschool.” We truly wish her the best in retirement and will miss her dearly.
- Emily Nemeth
Ms. Cathy has been there in so many ways for me and my family through the years. I worked with her, as I was the programs coordinator for eight years at the IOP Rec. She taught both of my children in the 3-year-old Tiny Tots program, where she loved them as her own. She kept up with them as they grew up and would greet me, my husband and any part of my family with the biggest hug and welcome us with open arms whenever we came back to visit. All of the families that have had Ms. Cathy as their child’s teacher have been so blessed to have her in their lives. She is part of all of our families, and she holds a special place in all of our hearts! She will dearly be missed being seen on the grounds of the Rec Center, and I am sad that my youngest daughter will not have her as a teacher, but I know we will remain friends, and, when she sees her, she will love on her as she would any of the others that she taught! Congratulations, Ms. Cathy.
- Laura & the Togami family
(continued on page 14)
to Residents Residents or Change uncil to be that
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” -Anonymous
Plain and simple, my platform prioritizes IOP residents I aim to balance investment rentals, second homes, and residential properties I support capping investment short-term rental licenses at 1,600, with family license transfers, and having no cap on residential short-term rentals (RSTR).
I support enforcing existing laws, defending current ordinances and conservation zones, and introducing new ones as needed to enhance IOP residents' quality of life I'm committed to restoring the connector with an emergency lane and a safe lane for biking, walking, and running, using our strategic and beach management plans as blueprints
Our major challenge comes from external forces, including off-island groups and state lawmakers in Columbia, threatening our Home Rule Rights They seek to transform our neighborhood into a day-tripper parking lot and have made unauthorized changes to the connector State representatives are pushing legislation (H3253) to prohibit our local government from enacting or enforcing an ordinance that prohibits the rental of a residential property
Your support on November 7 is vital to preserve our island's charm and resist this disruptive influence
Laurel Hill County Park to host Chili 5K Run
By Sarah Reynolds For The Island Eye News
Charleston County Parks will host the Chili 5K Trail Run and Walk Nov. 4 at Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant.
Beginning at 9 a.m., runners and walkers will navigate the scenic trails of the park, which offers a variety of landscapes throughout its 745 acres, including miles of unpaved trails that traverse a moss-draped oak allee, large open meadows, a small lake and tree-lined pathways.
Following the race, participants will enjoy a party featuring hot chili and other food items and refreshing beverages. An awards ceremony will be held for the Chili 5K, as well as for Charleston County Parks’ 5K Trail Race Series Championship.
“The Chili 5K presents one of the most diverse courses in the Lowcountry,” said Allison Foster, CCPRC’s fitness and wellness manager. “It’s difficult to take in all that Laurel Hill offers, much less appropriately describe the immense beauty of the park. The varied terrain features hard-packed trails, loose sand, bogs, mud and grass, with scenic views of marsh, estuaries and oak allees.”
Registration for the Chili 5K is only available in advance – there will be no on-site sign-up – at CharlestonCountyParks. com and ends on Nov. 1. Race fees are $38 per person. Packet pickup will br from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. the day of the event. The race is open to ages 10 and up, but 10to 15-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Strollers are not recommended, and pets are not permitted on the race course.
Laurel Hill County Park is located between Highway 17 North and Highway 41 in Mount Pleasant. Runners must enter through the special event entrance location at 1400 Highway 41 and will be directed from there to the starting point for the race. Access through Park West will not be permitted for this event.
For more information on the Chili 5K or to register or view a map of the race course, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386. The event is made possible by Food Lion, Destiny Community Café and your Charleston County Parks.
Local financial advisor recognized
Financial advisors across the country, including Dimi Matouchev of the Isle of Palms, have been recognized for Forbes and SHOOK Research as “America’s Top Wealth Advisors and “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors.”
These rankings recognize successful financial advisors who are leading the way with best practices and their approach to working with clients.
Matouchev’s Edward Jones office is located at 1517-C Palm Blvd. To learn more, call 843-886-9229.
Photos courtesy of Charleston County Parks.
Ms. Cathy
Continued from page 13
- Love, the Foys
Ms. Cathy, Congratulations on your retirement! You have been such a light in our children’s lives, and we are so appreciative of you. We will miss you greatly but hope you enjoy this exciting new time.
Our son Tyson had such a fantastic year in Cathy’s class. She was so nurturing and showed such love for her students. I remember Tyson coming home occasionally with small animal figurines – gifts from Cathy that used to belong to her “big boy.” That made such an impression on Tyson. Hard to believe that he is a senior in high school now. So grateful for the learning experiences that Cathy and Robin provided for the community’s kids through the years – a wonderful legacy.
- Susan Hill Smith
Dear Ms. Cathy, Thank you so much for you teaching my children emotionally and socially and the beginnings of their educational journey. Your patience, all the crafting and most importantly your love during those key development years was and still is so appreciated. All my children absolutely loved their school days with you at the Isle of Palms Rec. You have been such an incredible influence on my children and me – providing us an amazing, strong and loving female example. To this day, if they know you are at the Rec they ask me if they can run in and say “hi” and give you a huge hug. And they still talk
about “Ms. Cathy Park Rules” when we are there. Enjoy your retirement years and your family!
- Love, Corinne
From Her Kiddos: “I love Ms. Cathy. She is so nice to me, and I love playing with her. She is my favorite teacher and I really miss her. Hey, Mom, can we call her for a play date?”
- Andi Nemeth
Thank you for everything you’ve done for me at the Recreation Department! From teaching me as an IOP Kid to assisting me as a recreation employee, I’m very grateful for it all. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
- Owen Bailey
Dear Ms. Cathy, Being in your class was soooooo much fun. I will miss seeing you when I come to Rec. I love you to the moon and back.
- Love, Elouise
Dear Ms. Cathy, I loved going to school with you at the Rec and all the arts and crafts we would do. I love you.
- Love, Cyanna
Dear Ms. Cathy, I loved being in class with you. I enjoyed seeing you. I hope you have a wonderful retirement.
- Love, Ailey
I love you Ms Cathy.
- Love, Charlie.
A CALL TO ACTION
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS,
A proposal is currently before Town Council to transform the Sand Dunes Club, an historic property nestled in one of our most historic neighborhoods, into The Ocean Club, an exclusive private Club with amenities including a pool, fitness center, and dining facilities. The developers (dba Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company) anticipate selling four hundred memberships initially and growing this number to as many as one thousand members over time, many of whom will be non-Sullivan’s Island residents. To execute this plan, the developers are pursuing a non-conforming use variance to operate this commercial enterprise in a location currently zoned strictly for residential use.
Public meetings to discuss the Ocean Club have been divided with some residents supporting the club and others opposing the developer’s proposal.
SO HOW DO WE MOVE FORWARD AND MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR SULLIVAN’S ISLAND?
We encourage all Sullivan’s Island residents to engage on this issue and make your voices heard. The issue before Town Council is whether to grant a non-conforming use variance that would permit a business to encroach upon an area zoned for residential use. This is a monumental, precedent-setting decision that should undergo thorough due diligence and deliberate decision-making by our elected officials. If granted, this variance is permanent and will remain in force independent of how The Ocean Club evolves over time. It holds the potential to dramatically alter the
character and environment of our special community. Don’t we owe it to ourselves as the current stewards of Sullivan’s Island to get this decision right and not bow to the timeline of a financially motivated developer?
OUR CALL TO ACTION IS A SIMPLE ONE…
Please give Town Council the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate The Ocean Club proposal or any alternate proposal the developers bring forward. Town Council has demonstrated their good faith by meeting publicly on this project four times in the last two months. At the conclusion of the Town Council Meeting on August 15th, The Council laid out a substantial list of concerns and questions to be answered before any decision on the variance could be considered. This document is available on the Sullivan’s Island website under the August 15th Town Council meeting. The ball is in the developer’s court to address many of these issues.
Sullivan’s Island is a tight-knit residential community with a small and concentrated commercial district. Decisions that might irreversibly upset this stability should be approached with caution, thorough deliberation, and broad consensus. The Ocean Club proposal is one such decision. Let’s use it as an opportunity to seek the common good for the future of Sullivan’s Island and avoid a course that divides us as neighbors!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL IN EXERCISING A PATH OF DUE DILIGENCE AND DISCOVERY WITH THE OCEAN CLUB
Setting sail safely
By Laura Anderson
For The Island Eye News
The Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program recently introduced an innovative initiative known as the LENS Lieutenants program. Designed to empower young families on the island, the program provides a platform for them to voice their preferences regarding family-friendly and safety-oriented activities on IOP.
One of the standout events organized under LENS Lieutenants was a boating certification course held at the IOP Exchange Club on Sept. 9. Led by Susan White, certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructor, the seven-hour course was titled “Boat America: A Course on Responsible Boating.”
The primary objective of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is to promote and improve recreational boating safety. The organization provides trained crews and facilities to augment the Coast Guard and enhance the safety and security of ports, waterways and coastal regions. The Auxiliary goes the extra mile by offering complimentary boat inspections to ensure that essential safety equipment is on board, accompanied by a sticker to signify a successful inspection. Fines for noncompliance with safety regulations can be hefty, so this service is invaluable.
It’s worth noting that a staggering 75% of boaters do not possess the necessary certification. However, as of August 18, 2023, South Carolina state law mandates that boaters born after July 1, 2007, are required to pass an approved boater education course before operating a boat, personal watercraft or specialty propcraft powered by a 10 horse power or greater motor.
White emphasized the urgency of this matter by sharing some alarming statistics. In 2020, there were 767 reported deaths and 3,191 injuries on the South Carolina waterways. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the critical need for individuals to understand and adhere to boating safety protocols. Charleston Harbor, which the Isle of Palms community is closely connected to, was described by White as one of the most active and, consequently, “one of the most hazardous harbors” she has ever encountered. Her advice to local boaters is to “remain vigilant about the presence of massive container ships navigating the channels.”
The Boating Certification Course covered a comprehensive range of topics, ensuring that participants left with a solid understanding of boating essentials. These subjects included terminology, safety and the regulations governing activities on the waterway and familiarizing participants with how to navigate signs and buoys. The curriculum also addressed the crucial aspects of dealing with inclement weather and responding to emergency situations, such as requiring a tow, fires or hypothermia.
Daniel Strecker, a father of two teenage sons and decades of boating experience, recently attended the course and left with a profound sense of enrichment. He expressed that despite being in his 50s, he found himself wishing he had the opportunity to take a course like this
when he was younger.
Strecker eagerly anticipates the day when his sons, aged 14 and 16, will also have the chance to benefit from this course.
“My primary concern is the safety and well-being of my children. I believe most parents would agree that knowing your kids possess the knowledge to navigate the waterways safely provides an invaluable sense of reassurance,” said Strecker.
At the conclusion of the course, all attendees, ranging in age from 12 to 75, were put to the test with a comprehensive 60-question examination. This hands-on assessment ensured that participants not only absorbed the essential information but also retained it, making them safer and more responsible boaters.
The IOP LENS program recognizes that in a community where boating is a cherished pastime, the boating certification course serves as a vital resource.
“It empowers families to embrace boating safely, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate Charleston Harbor and other waterways with confidence,” said Ted Kinghorn, a founding member of the IOP LENS program.
Certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructor Susan White helps Brooke Manheimer tie a knot, while Ted Kinghorn looks on. The action took place at the Isle of Palms Law Enforcement Neighborhood Support program’s boating certification course Sept. 9.
ONGOING
WHAT: Wild Roll Wednesday
AROUND THE ISLANDS
WHERE: IOP Recreation Center • High Tide Room
WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. • Wednesdays
MORE INFO: With the Isle of Palms Recreation, Police and Fire departments, 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: Isle of Palms Cleanup Crew Litter Sweeps
WHERE: Check in at beach access by Coconut Joe’s
WHEN: 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Mondays; 7 a.m.-8 a.m. Wednesdays
MORE INFO: Volunteers help for at least 30 minutes. Supplies provided. Enjoy discount at an IOP restaurant afterward. No advance registration – help when you can. Follow us at facebook.com/IOPCleanup.
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.
WHAT: Yin yoga
WHERE: IOP Rec Center
WHEN: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
MORE INFO: Yin Yoga is a beginner-friendly yoga class targeting deep connective tissues and joints and focusing on fascial release and brain health. Beginner class but challenging, with limitless benefits. $40/month; $12 per class. Instructor: Kathy Berry. To learn more: iop. net/recreation.
WHAT: Dog Obedience
WHERE: IOP Rec Center
WHEN: Mondays, June-December. Kinderpuppy, 5:30 p.m.; Puppy Junior High, 6:30 p.m.; Canine Good Citizenship, 6:30 p.m.; Tricks, 7:30 p.m. MORE INFO: iop.net
WHAT: Beach Yoga
WHERE: 25th Avenue
WHEN: 7:30 a.m.
MORE INFO: Every Tuesday. To learn more: IOP.net.
WHAT: Adult programs
BARRE
Transform your body through isolated movements and build long, lean muscles while im proving posture and flexibility.
Fridays 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., $32/month To learn more: iop.net/recreation.
MORNING YOGA
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Instructor: Pat Boyd To learn more: iop.net/recreation.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
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. Meetings every second and fourth Friday. Grades 6-12. No reservation needed. To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
WHAT: MUSC Mindfulness Program WHERE: Edgar Allan Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion Ave., Sullivan’s Island WHEN: 11 a.m.
MORE INFO: Representatives from the MUSC Health & Wellness Institute Mindfulness Center will share mindfulness strategies to foster growth and resilience. Reservations requested to ensure enough seating. Call 843-883-3914 or email poe@ccpl.org.
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, SEPTEMBER 28 AND OCTOBER 5
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 American Mah Jongg. If you have a 2023 card, please bring it. To learn more, visit ccpl.org/branches/Sullivans-island.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
A trusted source in the Charleston area for almost two decades with Island Eye News, The Island Connection, “Where To” Map & SiP Magazine
1:57 a.m./2:58 p.m. 8:09 a.m./9:22 p.m.
Oct. 1 9:56 p.m./10:22 p.m. 3:32 a.m./4:09 p.m.
Oct. 4 12:00 a.m./12:27 p.m. 5:53 a.m./6:47 p.m.
Oct. 5 12:52 a.m./12:27 p.m. 6:44 a.m./7:44 p.m.
Oct. 6 1:48 a.m./2:19 p.m. 7:39 a.m./8:42 p.m.
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