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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Citizens Asked to Recycle Christmas Trees
“About 25 percent more waste is generated this time of year, but much of it is recyclable and need not be destined for the landfill,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative. “Recyclable products have value and will generate revenue that flows back into the county. Recycling also provides jobs in addition to many environmental and health benefits.”
Christmas trees and greenery can be recycled (please remember to remove all tinsel and ornaments). North Charleston will pick them up curbside. The trees picked up curbside are transported to the Bees Ferry Landfill to be ground and composted. Residents who drop off a tree at the Bees Ferry Landfill from January 2-9 will receive a free bag of compost.
Cardboard, all mixed paper and commingled products (plastics #1-7, glass containers and aluminum and steel cans) can also be recycled through the curbside program and at the numerous drop-site locations and convenience centers located throughout the county. The convenience centers also accept used motor oil and cooking oil, electronics, household hazardous materials, batteries, paint, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and holiday light strands.
Residents should note changes in the schedule over the holidays. All convenience centers will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24 except for Bees Ferry Landfill, which will close at 2 p.m., and all will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Curbside recycling schedules will not change during the holidays.
For more information on recycling, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Police Community Panel Announces Annual Gun Buy Back Initiative
POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST
The North Charleston Community and Police Panel will hold its 3rd annual Gun Buyback Initiative in January 2011, as part of their commitment to reducing gun violence in the City of North Charleston. The gun buy-back initiative is an opportunity for people to turn in weapons to authorities with no questions asked. Residents must be 18 years or older and must follow state concealed weapons laws when transporting weapons to a buy back site. No identification will be required to participate.
The program is open only to residents of North Charleston and limited to 3 weapons per vehicle. No payments will be made to gun dealers. Only weapons in working order will receive payment.
2010 Site Locations
View Gun Buy Back Initiative in a larger map
Schedule of payment
$100 gift card for hand-guns
$50 gift card for long guns | shot guns
Last year, 127 weapons were collected (handguns, shotguns, rifles and assault weapons)
The collected weapons are processed by the police department before destruction, in accordance with the
department’s policies.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Charleston County announces recycling pilot program in North Charleston
Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department and the City of North Charleston held a joint press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at the East Montague Business District in North Charleston.
The event marks the start of Charleston County’s Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, which is designed to engage business participation and gather data on commercial recycling within strategic areas of the County. The program is expected to run for several months.
“Although the pilot program is currently free of charge to participating businesses, an analysis of the data will provide a framework for developing a comprehensive commercial recycling program in the future, as well as determine any potential collection fees,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative.
Materials that will be recycled for the pilot program are cardboard, mixed paper and commingled products (plastics #1-7, glass containers and aluminum and steel cans). All materials will be processed at the County’s recycling center located at 13 Romney Street in downtown Charleston.
The East Montague Business District represents a variety of businesses that include restaurants and bars, professional offices, financial institutions and retailers.
“Because of its variety and high level of interest in recycling, it was identified as a model area to initiate the Commercial Recycling Pilot Program,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor, Sr.
For more information on the Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.
The event marks the start of Charleston County’s Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, which is designed to engage business participation and gather data on commercial recycling within strategic areas of the County. The program is expected to run for several months.
“Although the pilot program is currently free of charge to participating businesses, an analysis of the data will provide a framework for developing a comprehensive commercial recycling program in the future, as well as determine any potential collection fees,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative.
Materials that will be recycled for the pilot program are cardboard, mixed paper and commingled products (plastics #1-7, glass containers and aluminum and steel cans). All materials will be processed at the County’s recycling center located at 13 Romney Street in downtown Charleston.
The East Montague Business District represents a variety of businesses that include restaurants and bars, professional offices, financial institutions and retailers.
“Because of its variety and high level of interest in recycling, it was identified as a model area to initiate the Commercial Recycling Pilot Program,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor, Sr.
For more information on the Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
18th Annual Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic
Tips Off Great High School Basketball on December 27, 28, 29, 30
The Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic is a Lowcountry tradition that showcases dynamic boys’ high school basketball. Traditionally, local teams vie for the event’s Championship against some best national and international players.
Besides providing exciting sports action at a new venue, North Charleston High School, on December 27-30, 2010, the tournament benefits Communities In Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc. and the Rotary Club of North Charleston’s Scholarship Fund. Since the event’s inception in 1993, dozens of Division I prospects, many of whom eventually play for major college programs, have participated in the Roundball Classic. “Lowcountry basketball fans have a chance to see future college all-stars from high schools across the country, including some of our finest local talent,” said Tom McTighe, tournament director.
“The Rotary Club of North Charleston is excited about its fifth year to partner with Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company, a Charleston business with more than 100 stores throughout South Carolina and southeastern Georgia, and with Communities In Schools, which helps nearly 6,000 local at-risk students stay in school and graduating on time,” McTighe added.
This year’s tournament features 16 teams, including ten local or other South Carolina schools: Bishop England High School, Charleston, SC; Charleston Collegiate School, Johns Island, SC; Don Bosco Preparatory School, Ramsey, NJ; Fort Dorchester High School, North Charleston, SC; Franklin County High School, Carnesville, GA; Gainesville High School, Gainesville, FL; Goose Creek High School, Goose Creek, SC, James Island High School, Charleston, SC; Manning High School, Manning, SC; North Charleston High School, North Charleston, SC; Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA; Pinewood Preparatory School, Summerville, SC; Robert A. Taft Information Tech High School, Cincinnati, OH; St John's College High School, Washington, DC; Wando High School, Mt Pleasant, SC; West Ashley High School, Charleston, SC.
Communities In Schools is a nonprofit drop-out prevention organization that addresses factors outside of school which directly impact classroom performance. It serves both Charleston and Berkeley counties. “Our community is confronting a dropout crisis that affects us all,” said Jane Riley, Executive Director of CIS of the Charleston Area. “The Roundball Classic has become a highly-anticipated treat during the holiday season, and knowing the North Charleston Rotary Club’s commitment to education, we are thrilled to be part of this tournament,” she added.
The North Charleston Rotary Club will celebrate its 65th birthday as the year ends, and the Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic is one example of the club’s commitment to service. Proceeds from the tournament enable the Rotary Club to award college scholarships annually to area high school students. Other projects adopted by the club include distributing dictionaries to students in local elementary schools, raising money for national and international Rotary initiatives, and contributing to disaster relief efforts.
For more information on the Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic, please visit the tournament website at www.RoundballClassic.com. For information on how to provide volunteer or financial support for Communities In Schools, call (843) 740-6793 or visit www.cischarleston.org.
Monday, December 6, 2010
North Charleston Receives National Award for Sustainable Urban Revitalization project
The Sustainable Urban Revitalization project in North Charleston brought together public, private and non-governmental organizations to help revitalize the city impacted by the closure of the Charleston Naval Base. The project has rejuvenated the East Montague Business District, which includes the first LEED Platinum building in South Carolina; created the Oak Terrace Preserve, a green housing development; and several new public schools including the LEED-certified North Charleston Elementary School and Charleston County’s School for the Arts. North Charleston’s project has benefitted the community through increased economic development projects, new sustainable neighborhoods and the restoration of historic buildings and streetscapes.
“The City of North Charleston has worked diligently to transform its urban core into a sustainable city center to increase the overall quality of life of our residents. Over the past few years, we have seen a welcomed influx of young families, complemented by new businesses to provide an economic boost for our City,” said Mayor R. Keith Summey. “North Charleston will continue burgeoning to become an even greater place to live, work, and play.”
As a Silver winner, North Charleston will receive an award of $1,000, which will be donated to the community non-profit of the city’s choice, the Sustainability Institute.
“We congratulate North Charleston and its Sustainable Urban Revitalization project for receiving an Award for Municipal Excellence,” said Donald J. Borut, NLC executive director. “North Charleston’s program has improved the quality of life for all citizens by developing a creative solution to a pressing local problem.”
The Awards for Municipal Excellence recognize city programs that improve the quality of life in local communities through creative collaboration, excellence in city government and best practices in municipal policy.
Additional information regarding the awards program can be found at http://www.nlc.org/ame.aspx.
The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
North Charleston Fire Department urges cooking safety for Thanksgiving
Consider that the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil. These turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and units currently available for home use pose a significant danger that hot oil will be released at some point during the cooking process. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. NFPA urges those who prefer fried turkey to seek out professional establishments, such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers, and restaurants for the preparation of the dish, or consider a new type of "oil-less" turkey fryer.
For those who still are considering the deep frying method the Consumer Product Safety Commission urges all to monitor the temperature of the oil closely. If any smoke at all is noticed coming from a heating pot of oil, the burner should be turned off immediately because the oil is overheated. This is also true of all cooking with oil situations in the kitchen.
CPSC also reminds residents that there is a risk of injury resulting from splashing due to the cooking of partially frozen meats. Thoroughly thaw and dry ALL meats before cooking in hot oil.When preparing to cook your turkey remember to follow the instructions that came with the fryer; these include making sure there is at least three feet of space between the liquid propane tank and fryer burner. Also, place the liquid propane gas tank and fryer so that any wind blows the heat of the fryer away from the gas tank. Then center the pot over the burner on the cooker. Completely thaw (USDA says 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds) and dry turkey before cooking. Partially frozen and/or wet turkeys can produce excessive hot oil splatter when added to the oil this causes a significant chance for fire or burn injuries as the water evaporates.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the proper amount of oil to add.
If those are not available:
- Place turkey in pot
- Fill with water until the turkey is covered by about 1/2 inch of water
- Remove and dry turkey
- Mark water level. Dump water, dry the pot, and fill with oil to the marked level.
- Keep fryer in FULL VIEW while burner is on.
- Place fryer in an open area AWAY from all walls, fences, or other structures.
- Never use IN, ON, or UNDER a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or any structure that can catch fire.
- Raise and lower food SLOWLY to reduce splatter and avoid burns.
- COVER bare skin when adding or removing food.
- Check the oil temperature frequently.
- If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply OFF.
- If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. DO NOT attempt to extinguish fire with water.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
2010 North Charleston Christmas Events
To celebrate the holiday season, the City of North Charleston hosts the following public Christmas events during the first weekend in December.
For required pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028.
3:00 pm - Police will close traffic circle to vehicular traffic
4:00 - 5:30 pm - Children activities (jump castles, petting zoo, carriage rides)
4:00 - 6:00 pm - Performances prior to parade
6:00 - 7:00 pm - Parade / Mayor’s Tree Lighting
7:00 - 9:00 pm - Performances on all stages
9:00 pm - Road opens for traffic
Christmas lights and displays shine at Park Circle and on the eight exterior islands nightly from the beginning of December until New Years Day.
For pre-registration, ticket purchases, and general inquiries, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028.
Winter Wonderland
Thursday, December 2 and Friday, December 3 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Armory Park (5000 Lackawanna Boulevard). This free pre-school event provides young children an opportunity to visit Santa, participate in hands-on activities, including holiday arts & crafts, and take part in live performances and music.
Live Performances| Thursday - Becky Becker of Becky’s Box of Puppets, helping children discover the joy of reading and weaving magical tales that come to life before your eyes are two of Becky's trademarks. |
| Friday – Julian Gooding, storyteller, takes you on an interactive journey through music, puppetry, and creative play. |
For required pre-registration, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 4 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Felix C. Davis Community Center (4800 Park Circle). Breakfast with Santa commences the Christmas Festival and gives area children the opportunity to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A hearty meal is provided. Tickets can be purchased Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Felix C. Davis Community Center for $4.00 per person. To purchase tickets, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028 or visit the Felix C. Davis Community Center.Christmas Festival
Saturday, December 5 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm around Park Circle with the Christmas Parade beginning at 6:00 pm. The Christmas Festival includes a Holiday Market with children activities craft vendors, food vendors, and live musical performances on three stages. The Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Montague and Mixson Avenues, proceeds down Montague, around Park Circle, and concludes at Armory Park. Immediately following the Christmas Parade, Mayor R. Keith Summey lights the City’s Christmas tree located outside the front entrance of the Felix C. Davis Community Center.
Christmas Festival Schedule3:00 pm - Police will close traffic circle to vehicular traffic
4:00 - 5:30 pm - Children activities (jump castles, petting zoo, carriage rides)
4:00 - 6:00 pm - Performances prior to parade
6:00 - 7:00 pm - Parade / Mayor’s Tree Lighting
7:00 - 9:00 pm - Performances on all stages
9:00 pm - Road opens for traffic
Performances and Entertainment
For pre-registration, ticket purchases, and general inquiries, contact the North Charleston Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 745-1028.
Friday, November 19, 2010
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.”
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Project CLUE - Communities Lighting Up with Energy Efficiency
The goal of the project is to implement a lighting initiative aimed at helping communities illuminate their porch areas, while at the same time become familiar with greener living. Many communities are dimly lit and inviting to the criminal element.
Program Objective
Benefits to the Police
Program Objective
- Distribute new CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs to residents.
- Officers will issue light bulbs and literature at civic club meetings and to any resident that requests the bulb.
- Contractors will donate time and supplies, free of charge, to residents requiring upgraded wiring for the CFL bulb.
- Four times more efficient, late 10 times longer. 50-80% less energy than incandescent.
- Uses 1/3 less energy (heat) therefore cost .02 cents daily to operate.
- CFLs give high quality light and do not flicker or hum.
- Saving electricity reduces carbon dioxide emission for pollution reduction.
- Assists financially challenged residents.
- New wiring for residents with a need supplied by professional electricians.
Benefits to the Police
- Increased positive interaction with community members.
- Deterrence of the criminal element in some inviting areas.
- Bridging relationships with citizens
- Increased visibility for any potential witnesses of crime.
- Chicora Cherokee – Florida Street/Carlton Street
- Glynn Terrace – Eva Street
- Union Heights – Delaware Street/Forest Avenue
- Charleston Farms – Read Street/Greenbay Street
- Midland Park – Stall Road/South Kenwood
- Dubois MHP
- Dorchester Village MHP
- Accabee – Filmore Street/Baker Street
- Dorchester Terrace – South Allen
- Lieutenant Joyce Smith
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Veterans Day - Honoring All Who Served
On Thursday, November 11, 2010 from 10:30 am – 1:00 pm in Park Circle, the City of North Charleston will host its annual Veterans Day event with keynote speaker Medal of Honor recipient Major General James E. Livingston, RET USMC. We ask the public to join Mayor R. Keith Summey and City Council in this special ceremony honoring our veterans of all wars. Last year, over 400 veterans were honored.
The Department of Defense and the National Committee for Veterans Day has selected North Charleston as a Regional Site for Veterans Day 2010. "On Veterans Day we celebrate the lives and legacy of
All veterans in attendance will be recognized and will receive a commemorative medal. To take part in the ceremony, veterans are urged RSVP no later than October 29 by calling 745-1028 or via email at cdambaugh@northcharleston.org.
Prior to the ceremony, from 9:30am – 10:30am, a story swap will be held in the Felix Davis Community Center. Veterans will have an open opportunity to share memories and stories about their service with fellow veterans. The story swap is open to the public. Coffee will be provided.
Our guest speaker, Major General James E. Livingston, RET USMC is a native of Towns, Georgia. He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Air War College. His decorations include the Medal of Honor; Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Award Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with 1 Award Star, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation with 2 Service Stars, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with 3 Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 2 Service Stars, Vietnam Service Medal with 6 Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal with 3 Service Stars, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with 1 Service Star, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 2 Gilt Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal and various other service and foreign decorations. He is also a qualified military parachutist.
Halloween Fire Safety Tips
Halloween is approaching fast. Here are some fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association presented by the North Charleston Fire Department:
First, begin thinking safety. When choosing a costume, stay away from billowing or long, trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.
Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs, and heaters.
It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn and far enough out of way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.
Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them look for ways out of the home and plan how they would get out in an emergency.Happy trick-or-treating!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Watch the October 28, 2010 City Council Meeting
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Friday, October 22, 2010
School of the Arts unveils "Save Noisette Creek" mural
The mural concept and coordination was done by Mary Neal, an AmeriCorps*VISTA member who works with the Michaux Conservancy. The mural was designed and painted by Charleston County School of the Arts eighth-grade students under the guidance of visual arts teacher Marie Nichols. Rob Maniscalco, the city of North Charleston's Artist-in-Residence, also contributed to this work. The Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium and the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department provided funds to purchase the materials.
Read more about the unveiling and see the mural going up over at the Michaux Conservancy's blog.
Read more about the unveiling and see the mural going up over at the Michaux Conservancy's blog.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Fire Chief Bulanow tells about the new fire department patch
In the course of time, events may transpire that may provide cause for a fire department to change the design of their patch. This has occurred before in the history of the North Charleston Fire Department (NCFD).
My understanding is that the NCFD’s current shield-shaped patch was designed by Chief W. Frank New, who served as Chief during the split from the North Charleston District Fire Department in 1972. The creation of two distinct entities, the “City” and the “District”, necessitated that each department have their own patch. The shield-shaped patch prominently featured the city seal in its design. After 24 years apart, these two departments rejoined on April 1, 1996. This date is also important for me personally because it is the day I began my career with the North Charleston Fire Department. For 14 years I have worn the shield-shaped badge on my shoulders with enormous pride in the privilege that I have to identify myself as a member of the NCFD.
In 2009, the City of North Charleston changed the city seal from the design featured in the NCFD’s patch, thus making it obsolete. This change provided the opportunity to consider a fresh design for the NCFD’s patch.
I am pleased to present the new patch for the NCFD. The bold design is rich in symbolic significance. The new city seal is the center point of the design because protecting the quality of life in North Charleston is central to our mission as a department. The city seal is framed by the Maltese cross, and the Maltese cross outlines the patch itself. This ancient symbol representing courage reflects our proud heritage that dates back to the knights of the Middle Ages and it immediately identifies us as firefighters. Crossed pick head axes complete the design. While firefighters have many tools to use at all types of emergencies, none is more versatile than the pick head axe. Used for striking, chopping, cutting and prying the pick head axe represents the versatility required of a 21st century firefighter.
I thank Assistant Chief Trey Coker for designing our new patch. As a second generation firefighter and a career veteran of the NCFD, he approached this task with meticulous attention to detail, sensitivity and great pride.
We will soon begin the transition to our new patch that will represent the proud men and women of our department into our bright future.
Gregory A. Bulanow, Fire Chief
North Charleston Fire Department
A Fire Safety Message
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Watch the October 14, 2010 City Council and Casino Boat Public Hearing
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Download the Agenda Here
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
North Charleston Intermodal Facility awarded $6 million in grant funding
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will receive $6,020,126 in grant funding for the North Charleston Intermodal Facility through a new transit initiative called the State of Good Repair Program. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday, Oct. 4.
Following Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-South Carolina) announcement, Mayors Summey and Riley, alongside Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor, CARTA Intermodal Center Committee Chairman Kurt Taylor, Councilman Sam Hart and Judge Vic Rawl joined together in a local announcement at the Intermodal Center site.
Mayor Summey said, “I extend a special thanks to Senator Graham, with support from other members of the Congressional Delegation, for having at heart the well-being of the Lowcountry. Senator Graham’s diligent work on behalf of the people of South Carolina will impart a new front door onto the Lowcountry and will greatly enhance the traveling experience for our many tourists that visit the Greater Charleston Area. In a down economy, this is certainly great news that will construct a key piece of our tourism infrastructure and will create job opportunities for our residents.”
As a part of the State of Good Repair program, these funds will help construct the new Intermodal Facility that will serve as a transportation hub for AMTRAK passenger trains, commuter trains, Greyhound buses, CARTA buses, area taxis and shuttles used by the Charleston International Airport and the North Charleston CARTA Express park-and-ride lot.
“The Lowcountry is an international tourist destination, and we deserve a fitting Intermodal Center to welcome those visitors,” said Mayor Riley. “This exciting announcement, following the hard work of many area leaders, is a big step in the right direction.”
CARTA has completed Phase I construction to develop the Intermodal Center site infrastructure, which included demolition of current buildings onsite, clearing and grubbing, excavation work, a storm water pond, and a park and ride lot.
An additional $2 million is needed to move forward with construction. The State of Good Repair Funds will allow preliminary engineering work on the proposed Intermodal Center design to be completed, which is anticipated by the end of 2010. North Charleston, the CARTA Board and staff, along with other area leaders including Amtrak, commuter rail and Greyhound will continue to be involved.
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| Designed Intermodal Facility |
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| Charleston Union Station, built 1907 |
In total, the Intermodal Center site encompasses more than 36 acres in North Charleston off of Montague Avenue on the corner of Seiberling Road, which was purchased by CARTA with federal, state and local funds.
The State of Good Repair (SGR) initiative provides funds to public transit providers to finance capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct/rehabilitate bus-related facilities in an effort to bring the nation’s transit infrastructure into the 21st Century.
Existing and new riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Express routes by calling (843) 724-7420, by visiting the CARTA website (www.RideCarta.com), or the CARTA Express micro site at www.WhyDrive.net, or by visiting the CARTA Office at 36 John St. in downtown Charleston. Maps and schedules are also available on all CARTA buses.
North Charleston Elementary receives the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Grant
North Charleston Elementary receives the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant. The grant Program is a federally assisted program providing free fruits and vegetables to students in participating elementary schools during the school day. The goal of the Fresh Fruit Vegetable Program is to improve children's overall diet and create healthier eating habits to impact their present and future health.NCES has been awarded a total of $24,400 to purchase supplies and produce for the school year. The FFVP will help schools create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices; expanding the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables children experience and consume; and help combat the childhood obesity epidemic.
Participants responsible for the FFV Grant
Latisha Vaughn-Brandon, Principal
Katherine Thornton, Physical Education
Denfield Wade, Cafeteria Manager
Leslie Skinner, Communities in Schools
Cheryl Dunn, Nurse
Monday, September 27, 2010
Windsor Hill Plantation historical marker dedication
On Monday, September 27, 2010, the City of North Charleston dedicated the Windsor Hill Plantation Historical Marker, located near the corner of Windsor Hill Boulevard.
More pictures from the dedication
The historical marker reads:
This inland rice plantation was established in 17801 by a grant of 500 acres to Joseph Child. The original grant was between the headwaters of Goose Creek and the Ashley River, and Child soon acquired an additional 300 acres. His son Benjamin added acreage and continued planting rice. In 1749 Benjamin and Hanna Child’s daughter Mary inherited rice planter John Ainslie (d. 1774). John and Mary Ainslie built a two-story house here about 1750. In 1776 their daughter Hanna married William Moultrie, Jr. (1752-1796). The plantation was declined by the 1830s, and the house burned in 1857. Gen. William Moultrie (1730-1805), victor at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776 and governor 1785-1787 and 1792-94, was first buried here but reburied on Sullivan’s Island, at Fort Moultrie, in 1977.
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Windsor Hill Plantation featured prominent land rising fifty feet above freshwater swamps at the head of Goose Creek, in the South Carolina coastal plane. Today, the site is slightly more than a mile west of Ashley Phosphate Road, and three miles from the intersection of that road with Interstate Highway 26 in the City of North Charleston.
Wetlands with thick forests once bordered Windsor Hill on three sides. The higher ground rose distinctly above the shallows where planters produced bounties of rice during the colonial era. At that time Windsor Hill Plantation prospered, but most remember the prominence as the burial place of Major General William Moultrie, the famous American patriot. Notwithstanding the importance of that remarkable man, Windsor Hill was the home of other notable colonial and early nineteenth century personalities, who contributed to the development of South Carolina.
Today, the ancient prominence is a locus of homes and businesses convenient to the robust commercial centers of a busy city as it ascends above the hustle of a modern world, overlooks the slow rise of the farthest reaches of the waters of Goose Creek and recalls the spirits of by-gone days.
Heitzler, Michael J. Windsor Hill Plantation, A Crest for Fallen Heroes. Ed. Nancy Paul-Kirchner. 2010. Print.
More pictures from the dedication
The historical marker reads:
This inland rice plantation was established in 17801 by a grant of 500 acres to Joseph Child. The original grant was between the headwaters of Goose Creek and the Ashley River, and Child soon acquired an additional 300 acres. His son Benjamin added acreage and continued planting rice. In 1749 Benjamin and Hanna Child’s daughter Mary inherited rice planter John Ainslie (d. 1774). John and Mary Ainslie built a two-story house here about 1750. In 1776 their daughter Hanna married William Moultrie, Jr. (1752-1796). The plantation was declined by the 1830s, and the house burned in 1857. Gen. William Moultrie (1730-1805), victor at the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776 and governor 1785-1787 and 1792-94, was first buried here but reburied on Sullivan’s Island, at Fort Moultrie, in 1977.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
North Charleston Fire Chief presents Citizen Award for life saving actions
North Charleston Fire Chief Gregory A. Bulanow presented both Tianna Olivera and Michelle Becknell the Chief’s Citizen Award at the City Council meeting on Thursday, September 9, 2010 for their quick response to an emergency situation that saved the life of a child.The Chief’s Citizen Award is reserved for the Fire Chief to recognize a citizen for an outstanding action or achievement that results in a positive and/or dramatic change in the fire department and/or community.
On August 1, 2010, Battalion Chief J.T. Whetsell and Engine 211 responded to the swimming pool on Oak Forest Blvd. for a reported drowning. The call for assistance came into dispatch at 1:35 pm stating that a three-year-old male had drowned at the Oak Forest Village swimming pool and that CPR was in progress.
Battalion Chief Whetsell and Engine 211 arrived on the scene at 1:41pm and discovered the mother holding the three-year-old boy in her arms. Battalion Chief Whetsell and the crew of Engine 211 approached the mother and discovered the boy was conscious and alert. The crew from Engine 211 started assessing the boy as Dorchester County EMS arrived on the scene.
Upon speaking with bystanders at the scene it was discovered that the boy went into the pool without wearing his life vest and was playing in the shallow area with his nine-year-old sister and several other children. The children in the pool moved away from the area where they were playing and the sister came out of the water holding her unconscious brother. When the boy was removed from the pool it was discovered that he was not breathing and did not have a pulse. A bystander stepped in and began performing CPR on the boy and after a minute he regained consciousness and was able to breathe on his own.
The boy was admitted to the Medical University of South Carolina and was discharged after a few days. He has fully recovered from the ordeal without any complications. If it were not for the quick actions of the boy’s sister, Tianna Olivera, and the immediate delivery of CPR by a bystander, Ms. Michelle Becknell, this incident could have had a much different outcome.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Rail Plan Public Comments - Thursday, August 5
North Charleston City Council convened a Special Committee of the Whole Meeting on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 5:30 pm in City Council Chambers. Public comments were heard regarding an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement between the City of North Charleston, CSX Transportation, and Shipyard Creek Associates, LLC.
North Charleston's rail plan
North Charleston's rail plan Maps
Mayor Summey's commentary - "Setting the record straight"
Concerns about northern rail access through North Charleston
NEWS COVERAGE OF THE PUBLIC COMMENTS
Post and Courier - Summey pushes rail plan
WCBD New 2 - Majority supports alternative plan for rail lines in North Charleston
WCIV News 4 - Full Steam Ahead for North Charleston Rail Plan
Monday, August 2, 2010
Concerns about northern rail access through North Charleston
The South Carolina Public Railway (SCPR) plan, which is almost a carbon copy of Norfolk Southern's rail plan, of allowing northern rail access has enormous hurdles and a number of obstacles to overcome. Realistically, the plan faces numerous condemnations, lawsuits, foreclosure proceedings, destruction of historic districts and buildings, community outrage and mitigation, and increased traffic congestion.
As you can see, the SCPR plan would severely handicap the potential of the wind turbine cluster that Clemson is creating, as well as eliminate retail, office and residential options on the former Navy Base.
There are a number of new and recently re-established developments in North Charleston. Park Circle is located directly north of the former Navy Base, which is immediately north of Clemson. Horizon Village is located to the west of the former Navy Base.
The Navy Yard at Noisette has not developed as quickly as many wanted or expected, but its vision has launched a renaissance over recent years. Residents have invested considerable amounts of money into their homes and businesses because North Charleston’s vision.
In the early 1990’s, just after the Navy Base closed, North Charleston was passing ordinances to prohibit people from parking eighteen wheelers in their yards and wreckers in their driveways. Today, Park Circle is a thriving, diverse neighborhood. Horizon Village is an enormously successful mixed-income project of for-rent and for-sale product with pricing both at and below-market.
The SCPR plan would kill North Charleston's vision, replacing it with rail yards and warehouses. It would also cut off the residents of North Charleston from the Riverfront, substantially diminishing the overall quality of life, and possibly diminish the value of their homes and businesses.
There are many property owners other than the Noisette Company that make up the Noisette Project, many of which would have to be condemned for the SCPR plan to happen. Of the 300 acres that make up the Navy Yard at Noisette, less than 200 acres are owned by the Noisette Company. It is estimated that it would cost the state hundreds of millions to acquire the land, terminate leases, demolish buildings and remediate the land.
These are examples of the historic properties that exist today on the former Navy Base that would be negatively impacted or demolished by the SCPR plan. When the Navy conveyed the land to the Redevelopment Authority, a number of protections were put in place to protect these historic sites, structures, and districts.
Highlighted in green are the three historic districts, two of which are registered with the National Historic Trust. The third district now qualifies to be registered.
Highlighted in red are the 40 historic buildings that would have to be demolished or negatively impacted by the SCPR plan.
You can see what the SCPR plan does to these buildings and the districts. One could say that the warehouses could be dropped from the plan, but an intermodal yard with several sets of rail tracks going out the north would compel most of the land to have an industrial use.
The location of a rail yard adjacent to these existing and developing neighborhoods would be catastrophic.
It is not just neighborhoods and history. For nearly 100 years, the citizens of North Charleston had no public access to the Cooper River. The SCPR plan would cut off the Riverfront Park and Navy Base Memorial from the community. To the residents of North Charleston, their Riverfront Park has become a center for concerts and events. Why should they be asked to give up what they have fought so hard to create?
There are a number of existing lawsuits and others that would most likely arise if the SCPR plan is pursued.
Also, it violates the MOU between the SC State Ports Authority and the City of North Charleston prohibiting rail from leaving Veteran’s or the Navy Terminal out the north.
SCPR contends they are different because they are not the Ports Authority. However, they are both divisions of state government. Taking rail out the north would clearly violate the intent of the MOU and reopen the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Reopening the EIS would create costly delays.
The SCPR Plan identified three sites: Noisette, Clemson, and Macalloy, and stated that Macalloy was the only location capable of providing functional on-dock rail. Unfortunately, SCPR pursued the other two sites at Clemson and Noisette, bypassing the Macalloy site and totally missing the Laurel Island site.
The SCPR plan does not solve the one critical problem, which is the costly dray on public streets and roads. The Navy Terminal containers will have to traverse public roads in order to get to the Clemson site. South Carolina achieves no competitive advantage with their plan.
All trucks would still need to go on public roads to get into a Clemson intermodal yard. This diagram shows the patterns that the trucks would take as they go from each terminal to the Clemson intermodal yard.
It would be easier for trucks from Columbus Street and Wando Terminals to go to the existing yards rather a Clemson yard. This outcome would create another problem because it would split the trains with some portions at a Clemson yard and some at existing yards. The more times a container is handled in the logistical supply train, the more the costs, the less competitive the Port becomes.
The SCPR plan requires an expensive dray from any of the Port’s existing or planned container terminals.
The Port Access Road, as it is currently planned, allows for direct truck access to and from the Macalloy and the Navy Terminal, but not to Clemson or Noisette. The EIS prohibited truck access to the north on the local access road.
SCDOT specifically designed the Port Access Road to prevent truck access to public streets. The only access to Clemson for trucks will be through neighborhoods on City streets.
The domestic cargo would remain at the existing rail yards because there is no room or allocation for it at a Clemson facility. The drays from Wando, North Charleston, and Columbus Street Terminals are faster to the existing facilities than they are to Clemson. Those containers would be drayed to the Ashley and 7 Mile yards. The trains at Clemson would be short trains, which would be pulled to the existing yards where they would be combined with the previously mentioned cargo and larger trains built.
In essence, the SCPR plan solves nothing. It simply adds costs and leaves South Carolina uncompetitive. It simply turns North Charleston’s neighborhoods into a rail roundabout.
To make the SCPR plan feasible, it requires an enormous expenditure of $200M+ for road overpasses alone. The overpasses of Rivers at Durant, Rivers at Harley and North Rhett are required by the MOU.
The overpasses at Attaway, Virginia, Noisette and Cosgrove are required by the SCPR plan. In some instances, even if funds were available, overpasses could not be constructed because the rail line is too close existing elevated roadways to allow for the overpasses to get up and down. Relocating, the rail line would push it further into Park Circle.
In addition to the road overpasses, there would be other large expenses related to rail and road improvements as identified in the SCPR plan.
North Charleston's rail plan
North Charleston's rail plan Maps
Mayor Summey's commentary - "Setting the record straight"
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Setting the record straight on the North Charleston rail plan
By R. Keith Summey
Mayor, City of North Charleston
Recently I met with a packed auditorium of North Charleston residents to discuss a proposed rail plan that would boost the port’s competitiveness, pump up our state’s economy, and ensure continued success of neighborhood revitalization that is so critical to our city. On August 5, 2010 at 5:30 pm in City Hall, our city council will hold a public comment session on an agreement between North Charleston, CSX Transportation and a local developer to remove rail lines running through our neighborhoods. In doing so, about 77 acres would be transferred to the city for community redevelopment.
Why do I support this plan? First, it delivers the kind of rail connections to the port’s new terminal that has helped competing ports pull ahead of Charleston. Second, it allows both major carriers – CSX and Norfolk Southern – to compete for business. Third, it would substantially change the way CSX moves goods through our city, allowing us to reconnect communities and enhance our citizens’ quality of life.
Critics of the proposal have raised four concerns:
Dual access
The smoke screen of “dual access” has overshadowed discussion about strategies for restoring the port’s competitiveness. The port’s standing as the No. 2 container port on the East Coast has slipped to No. 4, as ports in Norfolk, Va., and Savannah, Ga., have continued to thrive.
How did Savannah do it? In 2001, the Georgia Ports Authority built a taxpayer-funded intermodal facility exclusively served by Norfolk Southern and waited for the volume to increase enough to make it cost effective to build a second terminal. In 2008, the ports authority built a second intermodal facility dedicated to CSX. How did Savannah fare during the eight years when only one railroad operated a near-dock intermodal facility? Container volumes soared.
Similarly, Norfolk Southern handles more than 95 percent of the intermodal container volume in Virginia, yet the port’s container volume vastly surpasses Charleston’s.
No monopoly
Critics of our plan claim that CSX would have a “monopoly” on moving containers. Yet there is nothing in our plan that prevents Norfolk Southern from continuing to move containers just as they do today.
Today, vessels that call on Charleston have the option to dock at one of five terminals. Containers are then trucked (or “drayed”) to either a CSX or Norfolk Southern intermodal facility. Under our proposal, vessels that call on the new port terminal would have the option to dray containers to the CSX facility – or a short distance to the existing Norfolk Southern facility. Vessels calling on the other terminals would continue to truck containers to either intermodal facility.
Switching fees: A common practice
Our critics also claim that switching fees would make the port noncompetitive. However, switching fees are not unusual, and certainly are not unique to Charleston. They happen every day at every port in the country.
A switching fee is a payment made by one railroad operator to another for crossing its tracks or bringing cargo over its lines. For example, Norfolk Southern is the carrier for the BMWs manufactured in Spartanburg and exported through Union Pier. But the final leg of track leading to Union Pier is owned by CSX. For years, the two carriers have worked out an arrangement satisfactory to both for Norfolk Southern to use CSX’s tracks.
What keeps prices competitive in these situations is that the two railroads do business with each other at several ports along the Eastern Seaboard. If CSX were to charge Norfolk Southern an exorbitant fee at one port, Norfolk Southern could retaliate by charging higher fees somewhere else. This interdependency keeps things competitive.
BMW unaffected
BMW has no part of this debate. That’s because BMWs exit Charleston via the Union Pier terminal in downtown Charleston. This roll-on roll-off (or “Ro-Ro”) cargo is not part of the State Ports Authority’s expansion plans for the new port terminal, which will be dedicated to container cargo.
So why bring BMW into the debate now, when it has no relevance to the discussion? We can only assume, as the Golden Goose of South Carolina’s export industry, that creating the impression we could loose BMW’s business would serve to stifle discussion.
Seat at the table
More discussion is exactly what we need to move this plan forward in a transparent, inclusive manner. Yet Norfolk Southern claims it was not brought to the table, and our deal with CSX was made behind closed doors. In fact, Norfolk Southern’s plan reflects no input from the city or the community. As far as I know, only the Department of Commerce had input into their plan. The people who would have to live with the burdens of the Norfolk Southern plan were left out.
By contrast, CSX officials presented their framework for a rail plan with the community in mind. It was clear from their creative ideas and extensive research that their goals were not only to meet the needs of the port, but also to enhance livability in our city. That is why their plan won my ardent support.
Read the details of the North Charleston rail plan here.
Mayor, City of North Charleston
Recently I met with a packed auditorium of North Charleston residents to discuss a proposed rail plan that would boost the port’s competitiveness, pump up our state’s economy, and ensure continued success of neighborhood revitalization that is so critical to our city. On August 5, 2010 at 5:30 pm in City Hall, our city council will hold a public comment session on an agreement between North Charleston, CSX Transportation and a local developer to remove rail lines running through our neighborhoods. In doing so, about 77 acres would be transferred to the city for community redevelopment.
Why do I support this plan? First, it delivers the kind of rail connections to the port’s new terminal that has helped competing ports pull ahead of Charleston. Second, it allows both major carriers – CSX and Norfolk Southern – to compete for business. Third, it would substantially change the way CSX moves goods through our city, allowing us to reconnect communities and enhance our citizens’ quality of life.
Critics of the proposal have raised four concerns:
Dual access
The smoke screen of “dual access” has overshadowed discussion about strategies for restoring the port’s competitiveness. The port’s standing as the No. 2 container port on the East Coast has slipped to No. 4, as ports in Norfolk, Va., and Savannah, Ga., have continued to thrive.
How did Savannah do it? In 2001, the Georgia Ports Authority built a taxpayer-funded intermodal facility exclusively served by Norfolk Southern and waited for the volume to increase enough to make it cost effective to build a second terminal. In 2008, the ports authority built a second intermodal facility dedicated to CSX. How did Savannah fare during the eight years when only one railroad operated a near-dock intermodal facility? Container volumes soared.
Similarly, Norfolk Southern handles more than 95 percent of the intermodal container volume in Virginia, yet the port’s container volume vastly surpasses Charleston’s.
No monopoly
Critics of our plan claim that CSX would have a “monopoly” on moving containers. Yet there is nothing in our plan that prevents Norfolk Southern from continuing to move containers just as they do today.
Today, vessels that call on Charleston have the option to dock at one of five terminals. Containers are then trucked (or “drayed”) to either a CSX or Norfolk Southern intermodal facility. Under our proposal, vessels that call on the new port terminal would have the option to dray containers to the CSX facility – or a short distance to the existing Norfolk Southern facility. Vessels calling on the other terminals would continue to truck containers to either intermodal facility.
Switching fees: A common practice
Our critics also claim that switching fees would make the port noncompetitive. However, switching fees are not unusual, and certainly are not unique to Charleston. They happen every day at every port in the country.
A switching fee is a payment made by one railroad operator to another for crossing its tracks or bringing cargo over its lines. For example, Norfolk Southern is the carrier for the BMWs manufactured in Spartanburg and exported through Union Pier. But the final leg of track leading to Union Pier is owned by CSX. For years, the two carriers have worked out an arrangement satisfactory to both for Norfolk Southern to use CSX’s tracks.
What keeps prices competitive in these situations is that the two railroads do business with each other at several ports along the Eastern Seaboard. If CSX were to charge Norfolk Southern an exorbitant fee at one port, Norfolk Southern could retaliate by charging higher fees somewhere else. This interdependency keeps things competitive.
BMW unaffected
BMW has no part of this debate. That’s because BMWs exit Charleston via the Union Pier terminal in downtown Charleston. This roll-on roll-off (or “Ro-Ro”) cargo is not part of the State Ports Authority’s expansion plans for the new port terminal, which will be dedicated to container cargo.
So why bring BMW into the debate now, when it has no relevance to the discussion? We can only assume, as the Golden Goose of South Carolina’s export industry, that creating the impression we could loose BMW’s business would serve to stifle discussion.
Seat at the table
More discussion is exactly what we need to move this plan forward in a transparent, inclusive manner. Yet Norfolk Southern claims it was not brought to the table, and our deal with CSX was made behind closed doors. In fact, Norfolk Southern’s plan reflects no input from the city or the community. As far as I know, only the Department of Commerce had input into their plan. The people who would have to live with the burdens of the Norfolk Southern plan were left out.
By contrast, CSX officials presented their framework for a rail plan with the community in mind. It was clear from their creative ideas and extensive research that their goals were not only to meet the needs of the port, but also to enhance livability in our city. That is why their plan won my ardent support.
Read the details of the North Charleston rail plan here.
Friday, July 30, 2010
North Charleston Neighborhoods Turn out to Stomp out Crime
On Tuesday, August 3rd citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the 27th Annual National Night Out.
Locally, the North Charleston Police Department, in conjunction with national sponsor Target Stores, will sponsor the 27th Annual National Night Out event Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
At 6:00 pm, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob King, along with Ferndale neighborhood president Charlynne Smith, will join residents to kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention walk. The event will take place at the Ferndale Gym located on Piedmont Avenue.
Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms | Singing Pines, Oak Preserve, Union Heights, Accabee, Dorchester Waylyn, Wescott, Horizon Village. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights as a sign of unity and to let the criminals know that the City of North Charleston is organized and fighting back.
National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit, police and community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods around the world are
organized and vigilant against crime.
Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.
Full Schedule of Events by Neighborhood
Accabee
Cookout at the Accabee community center starting at 6:00 pm.
Ashley Shores
Community cookout beginning at 6:00 pm
Charleston Farms and Singing Pines
These two communities will hold a block party/cookout at the Charleston Farms Community Center beginning at 6:00 pm
Dorchester Waylyn
Neighborhood walk beginning at 6:00 pm at the Geanne Batten community center.
Ferndale
Cookout at the Ferndale Gym parking lot on Piedmont Avenue beginning at 6:00 pm. Mayor Pro-tem Bob King to kick off the event.
Forest Hills I
Neighborhood flashlight walk through the community beginning at 7:00 pm at the Lil Cricket at the corner of Foxwood and Dorchester.
Horizon Village
Nieghborhood cookout.
Lakes of Northwoods
Neighborhood flashlight walk starting at 8:00 pm at the neighborhood pool on Brookforest Dr.
Oak Terrace Preserve
This Cookout in the park in front of the school off Lackawanna starting at 6:00 pm.
Pines at Charleston Park
Cookout in their community in a culdesac starting at 6:00 pm. This community is located off Dorchester Rd across from Whitehall.
Stall Rd, Midland Park, Colony North, and Pepperhill
Four neighborhoods will combine for a cookout at the New Covenant Church on Stall Rd beginning at 7:00 pm.
Union Heights
Flashlight walk within the community following their monthly community meeting. The walk is expected to begin around 7:00 pm.
Wescott
Cookout to be held in the parking lot of Lowes beginning at 6:00 pm.
Locally, the North Charleston Police Department, in conjunction with national sponsor Target Stores, will sponsor the 27th Annual National Night Out event Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.At 6:00 pm, Mayor Pro-Tem Bob King, along with Ferndale neighborhood president Charlynne Smith, will join residents to kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention walk. The event will take place at the Ferndale Gym located on Piedmont Avenue.
Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms | Singing Pines, Oak Preserve, Union Heights, Accabee, Dorchester Waylyn, Wescott, Horizon Village. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights as a sign of unity and to let the criminals know that the City of North Charleston is organized and fighting back.
National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit, police and community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods around the world are
organized and vigilant against crime.
Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.
Full Schedule of Events by Neighborhood
Cookout at the Accabee community center starting at 6:00 pm.
Ashley Shores
Community cookout beginning at 6:00 pm
Charleston Farms and Singing Pines
These two communities will hold a block party/cookout at the Charleston Farms Community Center beginning at 6:00 pm
Dorchester Waylyn
Neighborhood walk beginning at 6:00 pm at the Geanne Batten community center.
Ferndale
Cookout at the Ferndale Gym parking lot on Piedmont Avenue beginning at 6:00 pm. Mayor Pro-tem Bob King to kick off the event.
Forest Hills I
Neighborhood flashlight walk through the community beginning at 7:00 pm at the Lil Cricket at the corner of Foxwood and Dorchester.
Horizon Village
Nieghborhood cookout.
Lakes of Northwoods
Neighborhood flashlight walk starting at 8:00 pm at the neighborhood pool on Brookforest Dr.
Oak Terrace Preserve
This Cookout in the park in front of the school off Lackawanna starting at 6:00 pm.
Pines at Charleston Park
Cookout in their community in a culdesac starting at 6:00 pm. This community is located off Dorchester Rd across from Whitehall.
Stall Rd, Midland Park, Colony North, and Pepperhill
Four neighborhoods will combine for a cookout at the New Covenant Church on Stall Rd beginning at 7:00 pm.
Union Heights
Flashlight walk within the community following their monthly community meeting. The walk is expected to begin around 7:00 pm.
Wescott
Cookout to be held in the parking lot of Lowes beginning at 6:00 pm.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Message from Fire Chief Gregory Bulanow
 |
| Fire Chief Gregory Bulanow |
To see for yourself, you do not need to schedule a visit or tour a station. In fact, you may not even find us there. Instead, simply look for us as you participate in the things that are important to you and your family. Each weekend our crews participate in school festivals, church picnics, neighborhood block parties, corporate family days, charitable fundraisers, and a variety of other events, providing fire safety information and prevention displays.
We offer medical first responders at sports tournaments, competitive run/walks, and neighborhood service days. You may see us on the water providing assistance to boaters in distress during events, such as the recent Blue Angel’s air show. You may see us on bike patrol during large events at North Charleston’s beautiful Riverfront Park, or at a child’s birthday party at North Charleston’s fantastic Fire Museum. Late at night, you may see members of our Fire Marshal’s Bureau at nightclubs and restaurants to ensure the safety of those enjoying the City’s night life.
During the week, our firefighters are active in our schools, teaching fire prevention, as well as serving as positive role models in reading and mentoring programs. You may see us at your place of employment, providing inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes to ensure your workplace is safe, or “pre-planning” a building for accurate information in the event of an emergency. Our certified technicians help parents of small children learn to properly install safety seats in their vehicles.
Throughout the year, our crews join with the other City departments for the Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET), working to improve the quality of life in targeted neighborhoods. Our crews go door-to-door installing free smoke alarms as part of our award winning program that has provided thousands of these life saving devices to North Charleston residents.
Any one of these sights is a glimpse of us meeting the demands of our mission. Our crews are engaged directly with our residents and businesses, working to prevent emergencies or in position to give immediate assistance in ways that fit specifically with the needs of our City. Our crews also keeping a rigorous training schedule and maintain a constant state of readiness to respond en force to any emergency incident. These initiatives and activities help us remain proactive and vigilant in providing fire protection.
We work hard to ensure that you will not need us in our traditional role of emergency responders, but if you do, be assured that you will experience the same high quality response that the North Charleston Fire Department has provided since our beginnings in 1937. While our mission has expanded to meet the demands of the 21st century, it remains consistent with the oldest and finest traditions of the fire service.
Hop over to the City's website for more information on the North Charleston Fire Department
Monday, July 26, 2010
Fundraiser to support World Series bound North Charleston baseball teams
To support North Charleston’s World Series bound Pre-Majors and Dixie Majors baseball teams, a luncheon fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Felix C. Davis Community Center (4800 Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405). All lunch proceeds will assist the teams in travel expenses to their respective tournaments.
The Dixie Pre-Majors World Series Tournament will be played at Ogletree Park on the Bill Moore Majors Baseball Field and at Guntersville High School in Guntersville, Alabama. Games begin on Saturday, July 31, 2010. North Charleston Pre-Majors, ages 15-16, will take on Columbia County, Georgia in its opener at 1:00 pm on July 31.
The Dixie Majors World Series Tournament will be played at Independence Recreation Park in Independence, Louisiana. Games begin on Saturday, July 31, 2010. North Charleston Dixie Majors, ages 17-19, will take on Duplin County, North Carolina in its opener at 10:00 am on July 31.
Each double elimination tournament consists of the eleven 2010 State Champions throughout the Southeast and one team from each respective host city.
For more fundraiser information or donations, please contact Belinda Swindler at (843) 745-1028.
The Dixie Pre-Majors World Series Tournament will be played at Ogletree Park on the Bill Moore Majors Baseball Field and at Guntersville High School in Guntersville, Alabama. Games begin on Saturday, July 31, 2010. North Charleston Pre-Majors, ages 15-16, will take on Columbia County, Georgia in its opener at 1:00 pm on July 31.
The Dixie Majors World Series Tournament will be played at Independence Recreation Park in Independence, Louisiana. Games begin on Saturday, July 31, 2010. North Charleston Dixie Majors, ages 17-19, will take on Duplin County, North Carolina in its opener at 10:00 am on July 31.
Each double elimination tournament consists of the eleven 2010 State Champions throughout the Southeast and one team from each respective host city.
For more fundraiser information or donations, please contact Belinda Swindler at (843) 745-1028.
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