AC Repair in James Island, SC

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — A proposed townhome development on James Island is drawing opposition from residents who say the project would put additional strain on infrastructure and reduce valuable wildlife habitat.

The proposed Riverland Oaks development would bring 95 townhomes to approximately 28 acres of land between Woodland Shores Road and Stefan Drive. The project was approved by the City of Charleston Planning Commission on July 15 after commissioners determined it met city standards. It will now move into the city's technical review process.

While some neighbors say they understand the need for growth in the Lowcountry, they believe this particular property should remain the same.

"This is an island. There's only so much space on it," resident Gracja R. said.

She said the proposal is personal because of the impact she believes it would have on local wildlife.

"It hit home for me because just the wildlife in general that is about to not have a home and a place to live," she said.

In response to the Planning Commission's approval, members of the Woodland Shores Road Coalition launched an online petition on July 27 opposing the project.

Adam Friend, who started the petition, said the coalition has gathered more than 1,470 signatures in about a week.

"I started the petition online about a week ago. We have over 1,470 signatures, which in a week's time is actually pretty exemplary," Friend said. "It does show that the community in general is on board with feeling like enough's enough."

Friend said the coalition is not opposed to growth but wants city leaders to consider how the development could affect the surrounding community.

Some residents also say they felt their concerns were not fully heard during the planning process.

"I don't feel heard entirely since being there," Gracja R. said. "We were kind of told to hurry up, cut off."

Residents say they plan to continue organizing opposition to the development by collecting signatures, distributing flyers and encouraging more people to speak out as the proposal moves through the city's review process.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A James Island food pantry is expanding its reach, giving more Lowcountry families access to free groceries as many continue to feel the strain of rising food costs.

James Island Outreach recently celebrated the expansion of its food pantry, nearly doubling the size of both its shopping area and storage space. Leaders say the additional room will allow them to serve more people while offering a wider selection of food.

Unlike traditional food pantries that provide pre-packed boxes, James Island Outreach operates as a client-choice pantry, allowing shoppers to select the groceries that best fit their household’s needs.

“We doubled the size of our food pantry, which is really like a grocery, and also doubled the size of our stock room,” Financial Programs Coordinator Matt Whipple said. “It’s allowed us to serve the needs of our community in a much greater way.”

The pantry is stocked with fresh produce, meat, canned goods, pasta, cereal and other pantry staples. It has also been recognized as one of the Lowcountry Food Bank’s designated wellness pantries, offering foods across all major food groups.

For James Island resident Millicent Brown, the pantry is about more than just food.

“There is no shame to the idea that people want us to eat more healthily,” Brown said. “We recognize that many people are going through struggles with their budgets, whether it’s temporary or ongoing.”

Brown says the savings can make a meaningful difference for many households.

“The difference in a $200 food stipend or a program like this can make all the difference in the world,” she said. “Whether it’s $150, $200 or $300 a month difference, we all can benefit from that.”

Volunteers estimate families who use the pantry can save nearly $200 each month on groceries.

How to sign up

Eligibility is based on household income using the Lowcountry Food Bank’s income guidelines. Interested families can complete a simple one-page application through James Island Outreach.

The pantry is open:

Once approved, households can shop in the pantry once every four weeks.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — A new mixed-use development is proposed for James Island, featuring a minigolf course, retail space and a parking garage with offices.

The City of Charleston’s Design Review Board gave conceptual approval to the minigolf course and retail building, with staff recommendations, but held off on the office and parking garage and sent those designs back for more work.

This development project is located at 1614 Grimball Road, near the Folly Road intersection. The plans call for a minigolf course, a two-story retail building and a separate parking garage with office space, but not everyone on James Island is sold on what’s coming to this corner of Folly Road.

“It’s going to bring issues. There’s no ifs, and doubts about that type of business,” Rhonda Walters, a James Island resident, said. “It’s just not a corner that can handle a business of this type. It will definitely be a disruption to that community. A community I have lived in for over 60 years and that I am proud to live there.”

And as new development brings concerns about increased traffic, the city says projects like this are part of the solution to provide relief in the area.

“One of those ways that we combat traffic congestion is by providing things that are local, serving locally,” Robert Summerfield, director of planning and preservation for the City of Charleston, said. “It provides that local community the ability to connect and stay in their space, but also upgrades their options for, you know, date night or, you know, kids’ birthday.”

The board deferred the office and parking garage building, asking designers to rework the plans to better fit the surrounding area. The board also requested a restudy of ADA access and parking.

“We really want to see, as redevelopment happens, opportunities for that local community to really connect with whatever that future is going to be,” Summerfield said.

The minigolf and retail space will now head to preliminary design approval, but it’s back to the drawing board for the office and parking garage design.

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) — Charleston County leaders are considering an ordinance to let the James Island Public Service District borrow $11 million in bonds.

The money would fund three upgrades — two for fire stations and one for a solid waste facility.

The James Island Public Fire District serves the town and district of James Island while also assisting Folly Beach, the City of Charleston and the Gullah Geechee Corridor.

Fire Station Four has been in use since 1982. Fire Chief Mark Davis said repairing the building is not cost-effective, especially given its coastal location.

“Here on the coast, we’re obviously prone to severe weather, not only tropical storms and hurricanes, but other types of events. So, this will give us a facility that will last as well into the future,” James Allen Public Service District Fire Chief Mark Davis said.

Ashley Kellahan, district manager for the James Allen Public Service District, said the station’s location adds to the cost.

“It is in a flood zone area, so that’s where a lot of the cost is coming from, unfortunately,” Kellahan said.

Plans call for demolishing the existing station, raising the ground above the floodplain and constructing a new facility. That project is estimated to cost about $9.5 million.

The proposed bond would also fund a new solid waste storage yard to hold debris during emergencies. That project is estimated to cost about $1.5 million.

Walter Desmond, director of environmental services for the James Island Public Service District, said the yard will only store vegetative debris.

“It’s going to benefit the island for many, many years, and it’s strictly vegetative debris. We will not be storing bulk debris on there and there will be no garbage of any kind on there. It’s just a place where we can store debris until we can transfer it to another facility,” Desmond said.

The site is intended to reduce commute times for crews during post-storm cleanups.

The more than three-acre property is located off Folly Road next to the Old Church of God.

“Our goal is to tread lightly and respect the neighbors in the area. And, you know, not be making a bunch of noise and racket there at all times,” Desmond said.

Desmond said if funds are approved, he hopes to have the site running by next year’s hurricane season.

The remaining funds would renovate a patio area at Fire Station One, with a budget capped at $400,000. The project would create a centralized wellness center for crew members from all James Island stations to use fitness equipment, get mental health support and receive cancer screenings.

“I think it’s a morale booster for our employees,” Kellahan said.

“Provide a facility for our firefighters that is safe for them and something the community would be proud of,” Davis said.

If Charleston County Council approves the proposal, officials will move forward with issuing the bonds and choosing a contractor. Leaders said the project will not raise current taxes. Davis said it will be a few years before the new fire station is fully built.