Since May 2007 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 137 POSTAL PATRON
VOLUME 19 ISSUE 5
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MAY 30, 2025
Change is in the air for Andell West
A Trusted Relationship
BY THERESA STRATFORD
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For The Island Connection
t’s been a minute since the Kiawah and Seabrook Island community has heard from Andell West. Since around 2023, to be exact. In Mayor Bradley Belt’s update at the May 6 Kiawah Island Town Council meeting, a possible change to Andell West was announced. He noted that Riverstone Properties recently approached the Town of Kiawah Island about putting in a traffic circle at the entrance to the proposed Andell West. “That is something that had been looked at by our traffic engineer as a long-term solution,” he said. “The analysis was based upon a full buildout of Andell West’s commercial development and all its phases. It also included the residential development that’s allowed on both sides of the Kiawah Island Parkway.” Belt added that the question is whether the traffic circle, and all the work that would accompany such a proposal, is necessary at this point. He said that he wanted Council’s input. He updated that since April 2023, there is still the plan to build the Harris Teeter at the current location, and that it is on schedule to open in 2029. He said that (continued on page 3) one difference is that the fuel
Kiawah Town Hall Could See a New Wing BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
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n expansion to Kiawah Island’s Town Hall is in the works, but first they would need to choose an architectural firm to design specs they approve. During the Town Council meeting that occurred on May 6, the first step was taken, and Kiawah Island Town Council approved a total of $60,000, which would be $20,000 each to go to three design firms to create conceptual designs. Only one will ultimately get the job. This is an attempt by Kiawah Island Town Council to solicit expert designs from qualified architectural firms. Mayor Bradley Belt said that they will go through the usual channels of posting the Request for Information. The Town would then put together a design review committee, and they would review the submissions. They’ll interview each of the firms and then, from there, select three firms to go forward to develop a conceptual design. Belt said, “The $20,000 stipend signals the seriousness of the purpose and is an incentive to put some serious time and effort into developing the concept.” (continued on page 3) Once the Town receives
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Coastal Expeditions offers adventure with an educational aspect. PHOTO: ABBI COCHRAN OF COASTAL EXPEDITIONS
C O A S TA L E X P E D I T I O N S PA R T N E R S W I T H TOWN OF KIAWAH BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
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lthough commercial activities are restricted from operating on the beach in the Town of Kiawah Island, there are some exceptions if the business seeks a license to do so. That’s just what Coastal Expeditions did at the May 6 Town Council meeting. Coastal Expeditions, a local tour operator, proposed to do business at Sandy Point on Kiawah Island. The restrictions stem from a desire to preserve and protect the coastal region. However, since Coastal Expeditions offers an educational aspect, they are considered integral to the Town, offering public awareness of coastal conservation and stewardship to the Town’s natural ecosystems. Along with Kiawah Island, Coastal Expeditions also conducts tours of Bulls Island, Cape Romain, Shem Creek, St. Helena Island and Beaufort. They teach guests about the area’s native plants, animals, history and culture. The tours that Coastal Expeditions leads on Kiawah Island take place at Sandy Point, along the Stono River. When the Town of Kiawah Island decided to restrict commercial businesses from operating on the beach, they were cognizant of the fact that some businesses should be allowed, especially those that offer an educational component. Another component admirable for businesses when they use Kiawah Island’s beaches for commercial operation is to have a community service activity. Town Council Member Russell Berner suggested
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that Coastal Expeditions include a beach sweep in their operations. Capt. Chris Crowley, owner of Coastal Expeditions, presented at the meeting. He said that he had no problem offering a beach sweep and appreciated the suggestion. “I’ll do more than one,” Crowley said. Even though other businesses would be allowed to operate on Kiawah Island’s beaches if they go through the correct channels to get the license, Crowley said that he wanted to set the precedent on the island as a business that operates with integrity and with conservation in mind. For example, Kiawah Island would not want booze cruises operating on its beaches. Crowley specifically said that they would never operate a booze cruise. “We know that other companies may come out there seeking a permit to conduct business on the beach, but let us set the high-quality precedent,” Crowley said. “Let our company be the model business that sets the precedent for the type of commercial activity Kiawah would want on their beaches.” He continued, “I don’t think of this as a marketing opportunity. I think of it as a relationship to be proud of and one that is building a culture.” In the end, the Kiawah Island Town Council unanimously voted in favor of permitting Coastal Expeditions to operate on the beach. They did not include the requirement for the litter sweep, even though Crowley said he would be happy to conduct one.
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