Since May 2007 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON SC PERMIT NO 137 POSTAL PATRON
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 8
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JULY 12, 2024
Less is More
LETTER TO CHARLESTON COUNTY REGARDING SEGMENT C OF THE MAIN ROAD CORRIDOR BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
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s we all know, showing a little support can go a long way. That’s why Kiawah Island Town Council agreed to endorse a letter of support to Charleston County Council, regarding Alternative 8 for the Main Road Corridor Segment C project from both mayors of Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. The letter, signed by Mayor Bradley Belt of Kiawah Island and Mayor Bruce Kleinman of Seabrook Island, states, “This recommendation, which reflects extensive public and stakeholder input, represents a well-considered and balanced solution that addresses, at least in part, near-term and future transportation issues on Johns Island.” This letter was submitted during the public comment portion of the planning process, which ended on June 14. Alternative 8 was developed after the second public meeting in 2022. As a result of input from stakeholders, elected officials, residents and County staff, Alternative (continued on page 3) 8 was proposed based on a
It’s Official!
FINAL SHORT TERM R E N TA L R E C S ADVISED BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
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ith much anticipation, some hope and an added dash of dread, Seabrook Island’s Special Committee on Short-Term Rentals came to the Town Council meeting on June 25 with recommendations they deduced from the past six months of meetings, research, studies, observations and interviews. It was six months of hard work, but work that committee members know will contribute to the quality of life on the island. The special committee’s recommendations, however, are nowhere near an end of the short-term rental saga. But, at the very least, they take the overall process one step closer. It will now be up to the Town Council, as a whole, to agree on the parameters of a potential short-term rental ordinance – one that will attempt to consider all sides of the issue. There is no doubt that the short(continued on page 2) term rental issue is a contentious
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Benefitting Community and Environment SIPOA CONTINUES COMMITS FUNDS TO BEACH PROJECTS BY RHIANNON SCHALAUDEK For The Island Connection
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he Seabrook Island Property Owners Association is pleased to announce the resolution of the recent challenge to its sand recycling project for beach renourishment. The settlement allows this important project to move forward on schedule and supports SIPOA’s long-term commitment to responsible beach management and environmental stewardship. Pursuant to the resolution, SIPOA will continue funding endangered bird monitoring and habitat mapping efforts by public and private partners—efforts which have been funded by SIPOA for nearly a decade. Notably, the community has also committed $50,000 to support a comprehensive study by Coastal Science & Engineering, SIPOA’s long-term beach management consultant, to explore solutions to restore critical erosion at Deveaux Bank and increase the community’s resilience to erosion and storm events. Deveaux Bank serves as an important sanctuary for migratory, shore and wading birds and is a major nesting area for seabirds, including many protected species. “The terms of this settlement reflect our dedication to preserving the community’s acclaimed natural environment while continuing to responsibly manage our beach projects,” said SIPOA’s Vice President, John Lassiter. “The project is consistent with SIPOA’s decades-long beach management practices, which benefit both the community and the environment. We are proud to contribute to the restoration and protection of our local wildlife and to enhance the resilience of our community in this manner.” SIPOA values the many unique features of Seabrook Island and proactively maintains them. In 2016, following the 2015 Beach Renourishment/Relocation of Captain Sams Inlet project, SIPOA was cited as one of “America’s Best Restored Beaches” by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. In May
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2024, SIPOA was granted its second recertification as an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community, which demonstrates progress toward goals in 15 areas of environmental sustainability, including habitat preservation and stewardship.
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