Post election interview with Mayor Summey

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey is joined by local TV stations and reporters for an informal Q&A following his victory in the 2011 Mayoral elections.

Election Results

The InterTech Group announces 350 new jobs

On September 14, 2011, The InterTech Group announced that its aerospace subsidiary, TIGHITCO (T-I-G-hit-co), will construct a state of the art manufacturing facility in North Charleston, SC.

Upon completion, the project will represent a between a $30 and $40 million investment, and is expected to generate approximately 350 jobs.

TIGHITCO is an industrial and aerospace engineering, design, manufacturing and repair company.  THe North Charleston location will be the sixth manufacturing facility for TIGHITCO, whose other locations are in Georgia, Connecticut and Mexico.

TIGHITCO products are utilized by companies worldwide and can be found on the majority of aircraft built in North America.

The new TIGHITCO facility will be located in Palmetto Commerce Park.  The facility will be built in phases.  The initial phase, totaling 120,000 square feet, is projected to be complete by fall of 2012.  Ultimately, it is planned that the facility will each 300,000 square feet.  The timeline for construction of the final phases will be based on capacity utilization and the needs of the customers.

North Charleston community garden pilot program

The City of North Charleston is establishing a community garden pilot program at four neighborhood community centers.



Gardens will be planted at the Miner Crosby, Liberty Hill, Northwoods, and Gethsemani Community Centers with each being maintained by the youth utilizing the centers.  Depending on the success and participation in these four gardens, the City of North Charleston hopes to expand the program.

North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey stated, “To further the sustainability efforts of the City of North Charleston, the young citizens of our community will be taught how to plant and nurture a garden and reap the benefits of their labors.  With poor food choices abound and the erosion of exercise in our daily lives, this initiative promotes healthy eating while increasing physical activity.”

Reader's Digest "We Hear You America" campaign visits City Hall

The Reader's Digest "We Hear You America" Tour Bus made a stop by the North Charleston City Hall on January 26 and presented Mayor Keith Summey with a "stimulus" check.

The campaign is a grassroots effort to travel to 100 cities across the United States to celebrate the Best of America and offer financial support to communities.

North Charleston was chosen as a tour stop and check recipient because of its Sustainable Urban Revitalization project, citing the renaissance of the Greater Park Circle Area as a great example of “green entrepreneurship.” 

The check was donated to The Sustainability Institute. As a partner in the project, The Sustainability Institute is instrumental in the City’s revitalization efforts and continues to empower South Carolinians to reduce their environmental footprint where they live and work.

Project Free Entry - City unveils initiative to aid stranded motorists

Mayor R. Keith Summey along with Police Chief Jon R. Zumalt and Deputy Chief David Cheatle unveiled the city’s latest initiative to aide stranded motorists “Project Free Entry.” Through Project Free Entry officers will be able to assist residents that have locked keys in their vehicle at no cost. The lock out kit is known for its ease of use and simple design. Unlike older door entry devices, the Big Easy Lockout Kit enters the interior of the vehicle without working the interior mechanisms of the door.

Deputy Chief David Cheatle said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to assist citizens in a time of distress. I see this as a way for us to continue developing relationships with our residents at a most difficult time.” Eighteen officers are trained to use the Big Easy Lockout Tool Kit. The lockout kits will be strategically located with officers throughout the city.

Residents can call the city’s non-emergency phone line (843) 745-1015 to report a lockout. Officers will respond as practical as possible to render aide. Emergency calls will take priority over locked out incidents. The vehicle operator will be required to provide identification and sign a release of liability form.

Mayor Summey said, “It’s a good feeling for residents to know that they can count on the city and its police department to help out in a time of need. This is what makes North Charleston a great place to live, work, or play.”